Tallahassee, FL -- February 22, 2012 --

There's a 7.5 percent sales tax in Leon County. Point five percent goes toward education. Specifically, technology, transportation and facilities in Leon County Schools.

"What's more important than our children and their education," said parent Debbie Sciallo.

The tax has added nearly $150 million to the school system since 2002. That's when 58 percent of voters approved the additional tax. Come November, the question will be on the ballot again. School officials say state-wide education cuts mean they can't afford to loose the half-penny on every dollar.

"This is something that is important to the future of our school system. I think it's the most important issue that we have right now," said Leon County Superintendent Jackie Pons.

Pons is reaching out to the Tallahassee Chamber of Commerce for support. The chamber won't endorse the measure until they complete an independent review of the school's budget.

"The goal is to validate what the school board has put forward and to prioritize what they have put forward," said chamber review chairman and TCC President, Jim Murdaugh.

Chamber reps say their study should be complete in about two months.