Hillsborough County is actively seeking support from its residents for a proposed millage tax increase, aiming to address teacher and support staff pay deficits that are contributing to ongoing vacancies and educational challenges in the area, as a series of town halls unfolds to inform the public ahead of the November vote. The first town hall, as reported by ABC Action News, took place on September 18 at Plant City High School and is the first of several scheduled in the effort to explain why school leaders believe this money is crucial.
With 500 teacher vacancies at the start of the school year and no additional millage compared to surrounding areas, the district is facing a competitive disadvantage some residents are concerned about increased costs, Superintendent Van Ayers is focused on demonstrating the positive impact that the proposed millage, amounting to an additional $1 for every $1,000 of property value, will have on local education. "90% of this will go toward salaries," Ayres stated at Wednesday's town hall, indicating that instructional employees could see a $6,000 yearly supplement, while an extra $3,000 would go to support staff such as bus drivers, according to WFLA.
In a departure from the unsuccessful 2022 attempt to pass a similar increase, the district has introduced a new superintendent and is reportedly engaging in more grassroots efforts to educate parents and property owners about the need for funds that would ostensibly bring in an additional $177 million annually, easing the teacher and support staff shortage that is affecting the quality of education. "We can't afford not to ask for the sake of our students," Rob Kriete, president of the Hillsborough Classroom Teachers Association, mentioned in his appeal at the town hall meeting referenced by FOX 13 News.
While the average homeowner may face an extra $281 per year in property taxes if the referendum passes, the broader question posed to residents is whether they are ready to invest more in Hillsborough County's education system to prevent their teachers from moving to neighboring districts where the pay and benefits are more competitive, and Superintendent Ayers, alongside other school officials, is painting a picture of a robust academic future, with the hope that this vision will resonate with voters come November. More town halls are scheduled, including one on September 23 at Gaither High School, as shared by ABC Action News.