Hillsborough County millage increase referendum will be on November ballot

Hillsborough teacher pay measure going to ballot

The Hillsborough County School Board voted on Tuesday to allow voters to decide on a referendum calling for a property tax increase, which would go toward higher pay for teachers and school staff.

HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, Fla. - A push to pay teachers more in Hillsborough County will be an issue on the November ballot after getting the green light from the school board.

Board members voted on Tuesday to pursue a millage increase referendum that would lead to higher salaries for teachers and other school staff.

The proposed millage would cost the typical homeowner $281 a year, levying $1 per every $1,000 of taxable property value. If approved, collections would begin in 2025.

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The district salary plan would include a $6,000 supplement for teachers and school leaders and a $3,000 supplement for bus drivers and support staff. The last time Hillsborough attempted a property tax for schools was 2022.

Supporters say the competitive pay scale will go a long way to combat bus driver and teacher shortages. They say a startling number of teachers are choosing to leave before they reach retirement.

In 2020, 1,100 teachers left early and just last year, that number increased to 1,700.

And when it comes to bus drivers, they say shortages there are the reason students are arriving late to school. Supporters argue the millage increase will have a direct and positive impact on Hillsborough students.

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