Pinellas County School District

In 2004, Pinellas voters approved a property tax to directly enhance Pinellas County schools. Voters have renewed it every four years since. In 2019, it cost the average single family homeowner in Pinellas $85.85 for the year or $7.15 a month, producing approximately $44.5 million. If the voters of Pinellas County do not renew the tax, that funding... will disappear from our classrooms next year. Renewal was approved by Pinellas County voters. Thank you! The Referendum provides a dedicated local source of funding over and above State monies. 100% of Referendum funds directly benefit students (no administrative costs) and all spending is monitored by an independent citizen oversight committee. The ballot language REQUIRES the money to be spent: Recruiting and retaining quality teachers. This year, teachers receive an additional $5,231 in salary to help us keep great teachers. Referendum funds also provide teachers with extra training, making them more effective. Preserving reading programs. Small group instruction, new culturally relevant texts and reading intervention help students succeed. Preserving music and art classes. The Referendum supports robust arts education programs and supplies our students with needed materials. Providing current textbooks and technology. Up to date materials and technology is vital to future careers and integrated into all aspects of student learning. Good schools support higher property values and are good for our economy because they supply an educated work force and encourage business relocation. An educated population results in lower crime rates and less strain on social programs. Shall the Pinellas County School District ad valorem millage of one-half mill per year be continued beginning July 1, 2021, and ending June 30, 2025, for necessary operating expenses including funds to recruit and retain quality teachers; preserve reading programs and music and art classes; and provide current textbooks and technology, sharing funds with charter schools proportionate to student ...Read More