Hillsborough County millage increase referendum will be on November ballot
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.
READ: Weight loss drugs spark conversation about obesity and treatments
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.
SIGN UP: Click here to sign up for the FOX 13 daily newsletter
WATCH FOX 13 NEWS