In the most recent census report, Florida is below the national average and ranked 50th in per-pupil spending from State sources. The Referendum generates additional money beyond state funding. All Referendum dollars stay here in Pinellas County, and by law, the Legislature cannot reduce the funds our district receives from the state.
We Ask You to Vote Yes for Our Students
On November 5, you will have the Pinellas County Schools Referendum on your ballot, which will support the recruitment and retention of quality teachers and staff members; strengthen reading, music and art programs; and provide up-to-date technology.
Our Students are Worth the Investment
Our community and workforce require us to have students who graduate ready to pursue post-secondary education or skillfully enter the workforce. The 2024 Referendum is essential for us to keep high-quality education and building a pipeline of tomorrow’s workforce.
Proposal for 2024 Referendum
Pinellas County Schools has significantly raised academic excellence, earning an A district grade from the Florida Department of Education. Earning an A was possible because of this investment and we need to keep it going.
Continuing this momentum will allow our district to offer competitive salaries for quality teachers and support staff, expand programs, and continue elevating academic achievement. Learn more here on the district’s site about the Referendum.
- Continue ICROC oversight of the referendum and remain good stewards of funds.
- Ballot language with millage changed to 1.0 mill, consistent with surrounding counties.
- Continue teacher salaries and programs as currently defined
- Add support staff salaries; defined to be non-teacher employees not on the administrative salary scale.
Proposed Referendum Fund Usage
Independent Citizens Referendum Oversight Committee
Since the referendum was first approved by the citizens of Pinellas County, the Independent Citizens Referendum Oversight Committee (ICROC) has overseen the expenditure of funds to ensure they are spent as voters intended.
The committee prepares regular reports for the School Board, which are available to the public.
ICROC has seven members each appointed from the following organizations:
- League of Women Voters
- Pinellas County Council of PTAs (PCCPTA)
- Pinellas Education Foundation
- Pinellas Realtor Organization
- Concerned Organizations for Quality Education for Black Students (COQEBS)
- Arts for a Complete Education (ACE)
- Pinellas County Economic Development Council
Other Organizations Who Support the Passing of this Referendum
Referendum Highlights
Local Funding – Local Control
Comparison to Other Local School Districts
Our neighboring and surrounding school districts receive funding to support their schools through sales tax, impact fees, and millage. Other local districts rely on these types of discretionary taxes to support schools. Pinellas only has millage.
Retain & Recruit Quality Educators
More than 1,000 Pinellas County Schools teachers reside in other counties that have increased their millage. We want to retain the talented teachers we have and recruit the best educators to maintain being an A district and elevating student achievement. Our schools are worth the investment!
Historical Community Support
Referendum Passage Rates by Pinellas County Citizens
Let’s make 2024 just as strong in support of our schools!
How Does This Impact Me?
Based on 2024 property values, the average single-family homeowner with a homestead exemption would pay $223 a year, or less than $20 a month. It is important to note your property value is based on your home taxable assessment value, not the value of your home as listed on Zillow or other real estate websites.
223
Average annual cost to single-family homeowners with a homestead exemption
20
Average monthly cost to single-family homeowners with a homestead exemption
