sentences:  This began to change, however, in 1887 when voters passed a referendum to allow a property and poll tax increase to pay for the construction and operation of public schools in Asheville.Although the bill eventually passed, it initially faced much opposition from wealthy landowners in the area, who were largely opposed to paying increased property taxes to fund education for the poorer classes.The first public school was opened on present day Orange Street in 1887, and offered grades first through ninth.