Orange County voters approved a half cent increase in the local sales tax to be used for school construction eight years ago.But has the money been well spent?

It's Bob Proie's job as facilities manager to spend an estimated billion dollars.

"I first came here as Orange County's maintenance chief and I faced a real challenge when I got here."

Around $600 million has come in over the last eight years from the 'Change 4 Kids' program, which voters approved in 2002, The rest of the funds come through other funding sources. So far, it's funded replacement or renovation of at least 36 schools, including the new Wekiva High. Officials say getting a standard design saves.

"We've saved $2 million on the high school prototype."

16 schools have been completed. Sadler Elementary and Liberty Middle have had renovations, Orlo Vista and Columbia were replaced.

11 schools are under construction, seven are in design, and four such as Edgewater High are in the planning stages.

Higher construction costs and the hurricanes of '04 have eaten up some of the budget, but school officials say they can fulfill what voters called for in 2002.

"In our commercials we used the word trust. You can trust us."

Now, the man who chaired the tax plan says you can't trust the board.

Click here for Part II: The district's plan may be in trouble.

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