What is Chesterfield’s ‘1 for Schools’ tax referendum on fall ballots?

VPM · Billy Shields · September 8, 2026

Chesterfield voters this election cycle will decide whether to approve a 1% increase to the county’s sales tax that would fund capital projects relating to construction or renovation at Chesterfield County Public Schools.

The proposed tax hike specifically targets the sales tax — as residents and visitors alike pay that out to the county. County officials estimate it would generate up to $70 million annually. Personal hygiene products and food for home consumption would be excluded from the tax, and it would be in effect through July 22, 2046 – which is the date this year when the county’s board of supervisors approved the referendum.

As VPM News has previously reported , school divisions across the commonwealth are now able to put forth the measure due to a provision in the state budget that went into effect July 1. (Previously, localities were permitted to ask voters only on a case-by-case basis.)

Dubbed the “ 1 for Schools Referendum ” by county leaders, the tax increase is aimed at injecting funds into the school system that would make a host of school improvements. That includes replacing the aging Midlothian Middle School building, which was built in 1924.

It would also fund two new elementary schools — one serving the Dale District, the other straddling the Midlothian and Clover Hill districts.

Additionally, if voters approve the 1% tax hike, supervisors have indicated they will consider lowering the Chesterfield’s real estate tax rate by 2 cents (it is currently at 89 cents per $100 of assessed value) and the personal property tax rate by 10 cents (which is currently $3.25 per $100 of assessed value).

The question that will appear on the ballot is as follows:

Shall the County of Chesterfield, Virginia, be authorized to levy a local general retail sales tax at a rate not to exceed one percent (1%), the revenues of which shall be used solely for capital projects for the construction or renovation of public schools serving the County of Chesterfield, and which shall expire on July 22, 2046? Early voting opens on Friday, Sept. 18. Election Day is on Tuesday, Nov. 3.

Read the full story at VPM