Out of 67 of Florida’s school districts, 29 are asking voters if they will add a new property tax levy to help cover expenses for underfunded operations.
This request comes as voters also decide if they want to see lowered property taxes in the future with Amendment 3.
The Leon Classroom Teachers Association President Scott Mazur says even though the two ballot items may confuse some voters, the group is working to keep the community informed on what the local referendum is asking for.
Here’s what’s playing out in public school districts around the state: Costs for operating expenses are rising at a rate faster than what the state is funding. These costs include salaries, dollars for extracurricular programs, and security.
Leon County Schools Superintendent Rocky Hanna calls this an uncomfortable financial position, which is why he believes it’s time to turn to the community.
“If we continue this pattern of the same amount of revenue, yet costs continue to increase, before long we’re going to have to cut ourselves to death,” Hanna said.
The school board has already approved cuts to arts and athletics programs and staffing to save money.
Florida Education Association President Andrew Spar says Leon County is not the only community looking for taxpayers’ support.
“Almost all of the referendum are to help with teacher and staff pay. We have referendum now in about half of the counties if not more in the state of Florida so this has become a tool that districts are using over and over again to make sure that the public schools have the support they need to be successful,” Spar said.
FEA empowers local teachers' unions like the Leon Classroom Teachers Association to develop an agreement with school boards for local referendums.
Spar says the organization isn’t worried about Amendment 3’s impacts on local referendums for public education.
“What we see with Amendment 3 is a frustration of voters who are saying, we want our government to spend our money wisely,” Spar said.
Mazur acknowledges the skepticism of voters with concerns of mismanaged funds within the district which has created a sense of hesitancy with the referendum on the line. But he says the money has a specific use.
“All of the dollars that are apart of the millage increase go to our people that serve our students and community,” Mazur said.
In Leon County, the levy would help pay public school staff including educators and school security personnel.
On Oct. 13, the Leon County School Board will decide if it needs to take a $30 million loan to cover payroll expenses.
The local referendum will be on the general election ballot Nov. 3.
