With one close but failed campaign already in the books, Cullman County educators are preparing another push for a countywide half-cent sales tax for local schools in 2012.

The Cullman County Commission has approved a referendum to hold a public vote on a half-cent sales tax for the Cullman County Board of Education, to be included on the March 13, 2012 primary ballot.

The last attempt to pass a half-cent tax , voted down in June 2010, was narrowly defeated by an approximate 52 percent margin. The commission has the authority to pass an education tax with no vote, though commissioners say they will not approve one without public consent.

“We are not endorsing it,” Cullman County Commission Chairman James Graves said. “We are simply putting it out there for the people to vote on.”

Previous estimates show the proposed tax could generate around $3 million in additional funding for the school system.

The tax remains a hot topic because the school system’s financial situation has worsened with each passing year, due to everything from state budget cuts to dwindling enrollment. Considering the relatively close poll margin in 2010, longtime school board member Randy Hasenbein said he hopes even more voters will now recognize the need for financial stability.

 “I honestly believe because of the frugality shown by some of the past school board members and superintendents, it is what has helped us hold on as long as we have,” he said. “But, being ranked 106th in local funding in the state, you just wonder if we can make it much further. We’d like to provide all the opportunities we can for our students, but there are certainly some things we don’t necessarily have the funding to do.”

Superintendent Billy Coleman, who took office after the last referendum was voted down, said he believes the issue is important enough to bring back to the ballot just a year and a half later.

“We feel it is in the best interest of our kids to give folks a chance to vote on it, and it could give us some options for things we’re really excited about,” he said. “I don’t think it’s any big secret that times have been awfully tough for our system, but I’m proud of the job everyone has done. I feel like every day we want to earn the trust of the public, and I think they deserve a right to make that decision.”

If the vote passes or not, Coleman said the school system will soldier on and work with whatever funds are available.