Hillsborough County Public Schools Superintendent Van Ayres addresses reporters in Tampa, Florida on July 17, 2024. Credit: Photo c/o Hillsborough County Public Schools

Two similar millage referendums are on ballots in Pinellas and Hillsborough, but one county has historically been more supportive of sending tax money to its public schools. Vote “Yes,” regardless of which county you’re in, and read more below.

School board referendum (Pinellas)

Approval of One Mill Ad Valorem Tax for School District Operating Expenses with Independent Oversight: YES

This referendum would increase the property tax to $1 for every $1,000 of assessed value (currently it’s just 50-cents per $1,000). This money goes towards teacher pay, and brings a teachers starting annual salary to just under $60,000. Support employees (ie: bus drivers) would get an increase of just over $2,910. What’s more is that arts, music, reading, field trips and music would get 15% of the funds raised. Voters have taxed themselves in similar ways for two years, and this is good for public education. We bet Hillsborough County wished its constituents cared this much.

See all of CL’s ballot recommendations on our 2024 general election landing page.

School board referendum (Hillsborough)

The School Board of Hillsborough County Millage Election for Public School Students: YES

Hillsborough’s school tax (Referendum No. 2) proposes a property tax increase that would cost $1 for every $1,000 of assessed value. The tax would start July 1 and go for four years before renewal. That makes for an estimated $177 a year, to be split between public schools (85%) and charter schools (15%). Hillsborough public schools says it would use 90% of its cut to boost teacher pay. Pasco, Pinellas, Manatee used funds raised via their millages to pay starting teachers as much as $57,000 a year. Hillsborough is lagging behind with starting salaries at $47,501. Bus drivers and cafeteria workers would also get a boost. Everyone believes kids deserve better, this will go a long way in backing up that belief.

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