Pasco Voters to Decide School Tax Renewal in November

Pasco County voters will decide in November whether to renew a school district property tax increase. The tax, first approved four years ago, has significantly boosted pay for non-administrative employees and reduced teacher vacancies. The renewal is crucial for maintaining current staffing levels and academic progress, according to School Board Chairperson Colleen Beaudoin. She warned the district risks academic and operational setbacks without it.

The proposed tax is $1 per $1,000 of taxable value. A homeowner with a $350,000 home assessed value would pay $350 annually.

Before the 2022 tax increase, the district frequently had hundreds of unfilled teacher positions at the start of the school year. This year, fewer than 60 teacher openings were reported, primarily in critical needs areas. This improved staffing helped the district focus on academic achievement, leading to Pasco County’s first state 'A' grade in over a decade. Beaudoin stressed the importance of voter education on the referendum’s impact.

The campaign for the referendum, which began in mid-September, highlights endorsements from parents, teachers, and civic leaders. The tax generates an estimated $68 million annually, vital for employee paychecks and keeping Pasco educators competitive with those in neighboring Hillsborough County. This year’s proposal also allocates 5% of the revenue toward school security officers.

Kim Anderson, head of the People for Pasco political action committee, stated that without the tax, employees would face an approximate 12% pay cut, which she believes would harm students. While lawmakers have provided annual raises for classroom teachers, these have not kept pace with inflation and have not benefited all school staff. Neighboring districts like Pinellas, Hillsborough, and Hernando have similar voter-approved taxes to support employee pay.

Pasco’s measure has helped keep the district competitive, though some staff have indicated they would seek employment elsewhere if the tax is not renewed. A group of residents opposed the tax four years ago, suggesting the district could cut spending elsewhere. This year, opposition appears less pronounced, with even former critics planning to vote in favor, though they expressed a desire for more stable, long-term funding solutions.