Here's when Hillsborough teachers will get their raises from voter-approved tax
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Teachers in Hillsborough County are due for a raise, and with a voter-approved tax now in place, a bump is on the horizon.
Why it matters: There are hundreds of teacher vacancies in the school district, and the tax referendum that voters approved last week will generate millions of dollars to raise teacher salaries starting next year.
- This move helps Hillsborough compete with neighboring Hernando, Pasco, Pinellas, Manatee and Sarasota counties, each of which have approved similar tax measures.
Catch up quick: The Hillsborough County School Board agreed in April to put forth the referendum that asked voters to approve a tax of $1 for every $1,000 in taxed property value that would fund teacher raises.
- The GOP-led Hillsborough County Commission voted to punt the vote to 2026, citing "increases in the costs of inflation."
- The school board sued the commission and a circuit judge ordered the county to put the referendum before voters. The referendum then passed with about 67% of the vote.
How it works: The Property Appraiser's Office plans to assess the tax next November. The proceeds are expected to total about $177 million each year; 92% is for salaries and 8% for educational programs.
- The school board entered into an agreement with the Hillsborough Classroom Teachers Association over the tax's implementation. It will go before the school board in December for approval.
- Under the agreement, teachers receive no less than a $6,000 bump to their annual salaries, with payment set to begin in the 2025-2026 school year.
- Support staff such as bus drivers and student nutrition workers could make about $3,000 more each year.
What they're saying: "We are very grateful that our community overwhelmingly passed this referendum," says Tanya Arja, a spokesperson for the district.
- "For the past six months, our district has provided the community with information on how the funds from the additional millage would be spent and how it will positively impact students," she adds.