“…If you were to ask me if I could impact achievement with $300,000, my answer to you is an honest yes.”

Argus Foundation president Jeffrey Charlotte, president of a Venice-based construction company, noted Argus’ support for a November election referendum at the end of the luncheon.

“Great question, Mr. Barfield. We asked the same question several times,” Charlotte said. “Eventually, it will get changed to where it will be mandated by the state, and we might be underfunded for one year, but we’ll figure it out.”