Tax Referendum

What is the school district proposing?

Polk County Public Schools is asking voters to consider approving a 1.0 ad valorem millage rate increase on the upcoming ballot. This funding would support the recruitment and retention of school-based employees and protect critical student programs (fine arts, athletics, school safety, workforce development and early childhood education).

In short, this referendum is about people, students, and the future of Polk County’s workforce and communities.

It ensures safe schools, competitive staffing and well-rounded educational opportunities.

Ballot Language Approved by The Polk County School Board

“In order to recruit and retain teachers and educational support staff; enhance school safety; and support career and technical education, fine and performing arts, and early learning programs, shall the School District of Polk County, Florida, levy an additional one mill in ad valorem property taxes each year for four years, with proceeds shared with charter schools as required by law and monitored by an independent citizens’ oversight committee.”

Why is a referendum necessary?

Quite simply: We are losing staff to surrounding school districts and the private sector. Florida’s teacher and support staff pay ranks among the lowest nationally, and Polk County is below the state average.

Together, this makes it hard to keep high-quality teachers, bus drivers, paraprofessionals, custodians, facilities/maintenance staff, administrators, and support service professionals in our schools.

Students learn best from skilled, consistent and supported staff. We cannot maintain that without competitive compensation.

Review the tables below to see how Polk's average teacher salary compares to other Florida school districts.

Why now?

Polk County’s population growth, staffing shortages, rising costs and competition from other counties make this a critical moment. Without action, the quality of educational services and staffing stability will continue to decline.

Revenue Summary

If approved, how much money will this generate for the school district?

Estimates project that an increase of 1 mil would generate approximately $76-82 million.

If approved the funds will be allocated/distributed as follows:

• 80% used to fund additional compensation for all employees ($58M-$64M)
• 20% used to provide funding to support ($14M-$16M)
  • School Safety and Security
  • Fine/Performing Arts
  • Workforce Development/Career Tech Education
  • Early Childhood Education
  • Athletics

Which Employee Groups Will Receive Funds?

The retention and recruitment funds are intended for school-based and school-related employees, including:

• Teachers (includes Pre-K and Traviss and Ridge technical colleges)
• Paraprofessionals
• Bus drivers & transportation staff
• Classroom aides and ESE support staff
• Counselors, social workers, and psychologists
• School safety personnel
• Custodial, cafeteria, and clerical staff
• Facilities and maintenance staff
• School administrators

It is important to note that the retention and recruitment funds are not limited to classroom teachers. The funding is also intended for various other positions that help schools operate every single day.

Recruitment and Retention Allocation

• Under Florida's Public Employees Relations Act (PERA), school boards must bargain in good faith with certified unions (like the teacher's union or support personnel unions) for any new revenue, such as that generated from a voter-approved tax referendum, if it is intended to affect staff pay or benefits.
• Even if the referendum language states that a portion of the funds will be used for salaries, implementation still requires bargaining regarding the amounts (varies in many instances based upon years of service or position), distribution method, eligibility, and structure (e.g., flat supplement, percentage raise, performance-based bonus).
• Negotiations would seek to address:
  • Whether all employees get the same amount or if it is tiered
  • Whether the funds go into base salary or are a recurring supplement
  • Timelines for disbursements

What Types of Programs Will Receive Support From This Funding?

Frequently Asked Questions