MARION - Regional Superintendent of Schools Matt Donkin presented five Williamson County school superintendents with their first payment from proceeds raised from the new 1 percent countywide sales tax.

Based on school enrollment, Marion received the largest stipend at $210,667.93. Herrin was awarded $124,148.17; Carterville got $88,209.20; Johnston City was given $63,993.90; and Crab Orchard received $22,935.41.

Smaller amounts were awarded to neighboring school districts that serve a handful of Williamson County residents in towns such as Galatia, Carrier Mills-Stonefort, New Simpson Hill, Giant City, Carbondale and West Frankfort.

Donkin said the tax went into effect July 1 and that payments would be awarded quarterly by the state. A final total of $517,429.10 was collected in this first quarterly payment.

Donkin added that Williamson County made history as the first county in the state to approve a sales tax increase strictly for the purpose of building new schools and retiring old school debt.

Carterville Superintendent Tim Bleyer said voters made it clear in February that they wanted schools to benefit from the tax, because they want to see new schools built where they are needed the most.

Carterville plans to build a new high school; Marion plans to build a new elementary school in Creal Springs.

"We guarantee that every penny will be used wisely, efficiently and effectively," Bleyer said.

john.homan@thesouthern.com / 351-5805