It's back to school time and school leaders in Citrus County are asking for some help.

There is always a lot going on when a new school years rolls around and this year Citrus school leaders are juggling an extra issue.

The push is on to rally voter support for a half-cent sales tax increase. The referendum will be on the primary ballot. School superintendent Sandra Himmel says the district needs help.

“It's a big need for Citrus County schools,” Himmel said. “We have lost approximately $75 million in the past seven to eight years."

Himmel says state and local funding are way down and there is a lot to pay for. Things like school repairs, safety improvements, transportation costs, state mandated technology needs have to be met and the list goes on. Himmel says she is focused on saving money, but it's not enough.

“We have cut back on athletic travel, we have had to decrease the number of coaches we have, we have consolidated positions, we have left open administrative positions,” Himmel said.

School board member Linda B. Powers has a message for voters.

“Please join in,” Powers said. “Please support us. Allow us to be the best we can be."

“Nobody wants to ask voters to raise taxes,” Himmel said. “We have never wanted to do that, but the reality is we need to maintain what we currently have."

Himmel says if the sales tax doesn't pass, programs, staff and salaries might have to be cut.