Hillsborough schools hold town halls ahead of half-penny sales tax vote

TAMPA, Fla. - Hillsborough County Public Schools is asking voters to renew the Half-Penny Promise sales tax for another 10 years.

Hillsborough sales tax renewal

What we know:

The tax was first approved in 2018 after the district identified more than $1 billion in deferred maintenance. At the time, the school district was considering taking out an emergency loan to help it address an ongoing air conditioning crisis inside classrooms. Aging HVAC systems were frequently breaking down, leaving thousands of students in uncomfortably hot conditions.

The district says the half-penny sales tax has since helped generate more than $1.3 billion and fund over 754 school improvement projects.

Projects have included:

• Air-conditioning replacements
• Roof repairs and renovations
• School security upgrades
• Playground improvements
• Athletic facility renovations
• Other building repairs and infrastructure work

The district says more than $716 million of the spending has been awarded to local businesses.

The sales tax can only be used for school construction, building improvements and maintenance. It cannot be used for classroom operating expenses, salaries or other general costs.

If renewed, the tax is expected to generate between $121 million and $131 million each year over the next decade.

District officials say they have identified more than 1,700 additional projects that need to be addressed in the coming years.

The program is monitored by an independent Citizen Oversight Committee made up of community leaders. Committee members review spending and participate in public meetings about accountability and transparency.

Unresolved spending details

What we don't know:

The district has not provided a detailed public breakdown of which projects would be funded first if voters renew the tax.

It also has not specified how much each individual project would cost or when all 1,700 identified projects would be completed.

Community town halls

Timeline:

The renewal referendum will appear on the November ballot in Hillsborough County. The district is holding a series of community town halls to explain the program and answer questions.

the first one was held at Newsome High School Tuesday evening. Deputy Superintendent Christopher Farkas said the tax has helped the district address deferred maintenance, including partial or full air-conditioning replacements at 177 schools, with about 80 schools still needing work.

"An investment in our school system is an investment of our community," he said. "This is not one of those taxes where you're not sure where the money goes, every school is affected in a positive way."

Farkas also acknowledged affordability concerns, saying the school district estimates the tax could cost the average family about $86 a year.

"We think that's a small price to pay for the investment in the community," he said.

There are more in-person meetings scheduled for:

• Tuesday, Sept. 29, from 6 to 7 p.m. at Gaither High School
• Thursday, Oct. 1, from 6 to 7 p.m. at Hillsborough High School

Virtual meetings are scheduled for Tuesday, Sept. 22, from noon to 1 p.m., and Wednesday, Oct. 14, from 6 to 7 p.m., on Microsoft Teams.

More information is available on the district’s Half-Penny Promise referendum page.

District infrastructure funding

Why you should care:

The sales tax provides a dedicated source of money for repairs and improvements at Hillsborough County schools.

District officials say continued funding is needed as construction costs rise and schools face additional maintenance needs.

The referendum will determine whether the district can continue using the tax to address aging buildings, replace major systems, and make other long-term improvements.

Citizen Oversight Committee statements

What they're saying:

"We can't go backwards," Jose Valiente, chair for the district’s Citizen Oversight Committee, said. "We were far behind when the tax first arrived, and we have come, from day one that the money started coming in until last month, over $1.3 billion has come in and [been] spent in the schools. It's huge. Imagine if we didn't have that tax, all this stuff that was done, we couldn't do it. So, it's been incredible."

During the district’s first virtual town hall meeting about the referendum, Deputy Superintendent Chris Farkas answered questions about the upcoming vote.

"The reality is, no, we have not done all the projects that are there," Farkas said. "A current chiller, which is the big system that cools schools, lasts about 10 to 15 years. So, as we get through, there are still needs that we have to ensure that we keep this up. The funding from the state is not currently matching what we need to do, just roofs and AC alone. Plus, it's about enhancing the student environment, whether that comes to technology, new furniture and things that are happening that are going to be necessary."

November ballot vote

What's next:

Hillsborough County voters will decide whether to renew the half-penny sales tax for another 10 years during the November election. 

The district will continue holding town halls and sharing information about completed projects, future needs, and how the money has been spent.

Hillsborough County