The Pinellas County Schools (PCS) Referendum is designed to attract and retain high-quality teachers and support staff, strengthen music, art, and reading programs, and provide up-to-date technology. Since 2004, Pinellas County voters have approved this special local tax every four years to support teacher salaries and educational programs.

The Need

The Referendum is on the ballot for the general election on November 5. It is crucial for maintaining a thriving community. Education shapes our future workforce and stimulates economic growth.

Pinellas County is a beautiful place to work and live. And with its high quality of life and employment opportunities, we must invest in education to continue prospering. That includes ensuring students who graduate high school are ready to pursue post-secondary education or enter the workforce; the PCS Referendum helps us get there.

Local Funding with Local Control

PCS operates within tight budgets and lack discretionary funds. Florida ranks 50th in per pupil spending from state sources, making the Referendum essential for additional funding.  An independent committee ensures that the funds are used as intended, directly benefiting Pinellas County teachers and students. Supporting the Referendum provides resources for salaries, program expansion, and technology, with the average single-family homeowner paying less than $20 a month.

The Progress

This year, for the first time, PCS earned an A district grade from the Florida Department of Education. We must continue to build on this momentum and drive every student toward academic excellence. The future of our community relies on it.

The Florida Chamber of Commerce’s 2030 Blueprint contains Six Pillars to help Florida become a top 10 global economy by 2030. Talent Supply & Education is the first pillar, indicative of the importance of quality education.

PCS is a leader in the state by implementing the Florida Chamber’s strategies to achieve their goal of improving Florida’s talent pipeline for a better workforce through:

• Offering over 100 relevant industry certification opportunities while students are still in high school.
• Improving statewide career awareness by implementing College and Career Centers in every high school.
• Streamlining transitions between high school, postsecondary education, and the workforce by offering career dual enrollment and high school college credit-earning courses, apprenticeships, and internships to students.

The Ask

Please support the Referendum tax on November 5 so we can ensure continued academic excellence and student success.

Failure to pass this will result in teachers losing their salary supplement of $6,328 and significant program cuts will be necessary. We will lose high-quality teachers to other school districts that provide this type of support.

Join Me

Join me and Vote YES for the Pinellas County Schools Referendum millage tax on November 5, 2024, and encourage others to do the same.

Pinellas County Schools Referendum 2024