Pinellas voters approve school referendum renewal

Pinellas County voters have overwhelmingly approved the renewal of a school referendum, with 68% voting in favor of the measure. The referendum, which includes a new millage rate request, will be in effect for four years, starting July 1, 2025.

Kevin Hendrick, superintendent of Pinellas County Schools, expressed gratitude for the community’s support in a media interview Wednesday, noting, “Public schools have really overwhelmingly done well across the state in terms of tax referenda.”

The renewed referendum introduces a significant change by including a supplement for support staff, which was not present in previous versions. The referendum fund usage includes 70% for teacher salaries, 15% for school programs and 15% for support staff salaries.

“Every support staff member in our district, bus drivers, cafeteria workers, school safety officers; all will have an increase in pay starting next school year,” Hendrick explained.

Teachers will also benefit from the referendum, receiving their regular supplement along with an increase. Additionally, the measure will continue to support arts, reading and technology programs.

“I think it says, number one, [that] people trust that the dollars are going to the right place. The referendum oversight committee helps with that,” Hendrick said, emphasizing the importance of public trust in the school system’s financial management.

The superintendent also highlighted the unique position of Pinellas County in terms of school funding: “Pinellas is actually one of the lowest taxed in terms of public schools. We don’t have a sales tax at all for our public schools. Every other surrounding county has at least one sales tax.”

Hendrick sees the approval of similar referenda in neighboring counties as a positive sign for education in the region, hoping that higher compensation will attract more teachers to Florida overall.

He added that the referendum’s four-year cycle provides an opportunity for regular public assessment of the school district’s performance. 

“It really forces the school district to really say, every four years, ‘How are we doing?’” Hendrick said, adding that it serves as a referendum not just on teacher salaries but on overall trust in school leadership and education quality.

Looking ahead, Hendrick expressed hope that the increased funding will enhance the student experience. 

“We want our students to come to school and be excited about learning,” he said, mentioning plans to increase field trips and other engaging activities. “The referendum is bringing that student experience alive, in addition to great teachers.”

.