On September 26, 2024, the Tampa Bay Chamber's Board of Directors voted to take a position of support for the property tax referendum for Hillsborough County Public School System. It's a Board decision that comes after research, discussion and the recommendation of our Public Policy Council and the BOD Executive Committee. This morning, the full board voted in support of the proposed 1% increase in the millage rate taxed on properties. Hillsborough County voters will have the final say on the November 5th ballot and the Chamber is urging members to vote yes.
The proposed funding would go to several aspects of running the school system, including increasing teacher salaries to be competitive with contiguous counties to Hillsborough. Currently, the salaries of Hillsborough Public School teachers are well below other counties. This 1% millage increase would help create teacher salaries that are more equitable, reducing the brain drain of teachers to neighboring districts.
The unanimous vote by the Board of Directors was done virtually early this morning. Hurricane Helene conditions prevented the scheduled meeting to occur in person at the Chamber's Downtown Tampa office.
"We greatly appreciate the Tampa Bay Chamber's endorsement of the millage referendum for students in Hillsborough County. Their endorsement confirms that strong schools are the foundation of a thriving community, and investing in education plays a critical role in driving the local economy," said Van Ayres, Superintendent of Hillsborough County Public Schools. "Well educated public school students and graduates guarantee the long-term economic vitality of Hillsborough County."
While the timing of having this tax referendum for schools and the renewal of the Community Investment Tax on the same ballot has created tension in local government rather than collaboration, it need not be a collision course. These are consequential votes that will impact generations to come and merit careful consideration.