Pinellas County Schools Referendum

  • Thank you for supporting the Pinellas County Schools Referendum! 

    Once again, Pinellas voters approved the PCS Referendum. Community members and families value public education! Pinellas County voters have overwhelmingly supported the Referendum since it was first approved in 2004. 

    The Referendum:

    • Continues independent committee oversight of the Referendum to ensure that funds are spent as voters intended
    • Changes the millage rate to 1.0 mill, consistent with surrounding counties
    • Recruits and retains quality teachers and support staff; preserves music, art and reading classes; and provides current technology
    • Continues and potentially increases the teacher salary supplement
    • Adds salary supplements for support staff, including school nurses, bus drivers, cafeteria workers and others. 

    Referendum Highlights

    Local Funding - Local Control
    The Referendum provides money over and above state funding. Every penny stays here in Pinellas County, is locally controlled, and benefits our teachers and students.

    Accountability and Transparency
    An independent citizens committee oversees Referendum spending and prepares regular reports, which are available to the public.

    Enhanced Student Experience
    The Referendum supports intensive small group reading programs, purchases computers and software, funds field trips to museums and art galleries, provides quality art supplies and band uniforms, covers instrument rental fees for children who can’t afford them, and so much more.

    Charter Schools
    By law, Referendum funds are shared with district-approved charter schools. Charter schools must use the funds to support teachers, the arts, reading and technology, and they must submit regular reports to the citizens oversight committee.

  • School Referendum 2024 Ballot Language