This MOU establishes an agreement between the School Board of Pinellas County and the Pinellas Classroom Teachers Association (PCTA) regarding the implementation of funds from the voter-approved one-mill ad valorem tax referendum for the years 2025-2029.

Voters approved an increase from a one-half mill to a full mill ad valorem tax for four years (July 1, 2025 – June 30, 2029) to fund necessary operating expenses, including:

• Recruiting and retaining quality teachers and support staff
• Preserving music, art, and reading classes
• Providing current technology
• Sharing funds with public charter schools as required by law

• 70% – Enhancing teacher salaries
• 15% – Supporting art, music, reading, and technology programs
• 15% – Supporting staff salaries

Pending union group ratifications and PCSB approval, starting July 1, 2025, teachers will receive a minimum of $11,081 in Referendum Retention Income, an increase of $4,114 from the previous amount.

No, the amount is based on estimated tax collections. Since property taxes are not due until March 31, 2026, fluctuations in property values and homeowners’ ability to pay could impact collections. The amount will be adjusted annually based on actual revenue.

The Independent Citizens Referendum Oversight Committee (ICROC) will continue to monitor expenditures throughout the four-year period, as per School Board Policy 2140.

The Referendum Retention Income is separate from regular salary and benefit adjustments, which continue to be negotiated annually through collective bargaining, typically during summer budget finalization.

The Referendum Retention Income is an additional hourly pay increase for full-time and part-time regular support employees, funded through the one-mill ad valorem tax approved in the November 5, 2024, election.

All full-time and part-time support regular employees within the Pinellas County School District are eligible to receive the Referendum Retention Income.

All full-time and part-time Non-Represented and Professional/Technical/Supervisory regular employees within the Pinellas County School District are eligible to receive the Referendum Retention Income.

The 2025-2026 estimated amount for each support professional is approximately $2,910 annually, based on the 2023-24 tax roll. However, if you work less than 7 hours per day, your total annual income will be prorated.

The income is paid as an additional hourly rate, calculated by dividing the estimated amount ($2,910) by the total number of hours worked in a year, which includes hours paid through equalized pay. The specific hourly rates for different employee types are detailed in Exhibit A and refer to the chart below.

Pending union group ratifications and PCSB approval, payments will begin on July 1, 2025, and will be included in employees’ regular paychecks as a separate line item.

Yes. Since property taxes fund this income and property tax revenue fluctuates, the amount of the Referendum Retention Income will be adjusted annually to reflect these changes.

No. The Referendum Retention Income is separate from any annual salary adjustments, which continue to be negotiated through the collective bargaining process.

Your hourly Referendum Retention rate will remain the same; however, your total annual amount will be prorated accordingly based on the actual number of hours and days you work.

The Referendum Retention Income hourly rate will be paid for all hours worked, including overtime.

If you are absent or on an approved paid leave of absence while utilizing sick, personal, or vacation time, the Referendum Retention Income hourly rate will be paid.

It is funded through a one-mill ad valorem tax that runs from July 1, 2025, through June 30, 2029. This tax was approved by voters and is designated for teacher and support staff salaries, as well as funding for art, music, reading, and technology programs.

Yes. The Referendum Retention Income is subject to applicable taxes and withholdings.

Yes. The Referendum Retention Income counts toward retirement and will be subject to the 3% retirement deduction.

The Independent Citizens Referendum Oversight Committee (ICROC) will monitor the expenditure of referendum dollars throughout the four-year period.

The funding for the Referendum Retention Income is tied to the referendum, which expires on June 30, 2029. If voters approve an extension, the income may continue. Otherwise, funding will end unless alternative sources are secured.

For additional details, employees may refer to the Memorandum of Understandings and exhibits for each bargaining unit.

1. Identify Your Employee Type

• Locate your total contract months worked under the Employee Type column.

2. Determine Your Primary Job Hours Per Day

• Find the Primary Job Hours Per Day Range that matches your scheduled work hours.
• Some rows list a specific number (e.g., "6.00"), while others provide a range (e.g., "1.00 - 8.00").

3. Find Your Proposed Referendum Hourly Rate

• Once you match your employee type/contract months and hours per day, look at the Proposed Referendum Hourly Rate column.
• This is the additional hourly pay you would receive under the referendum proposal.

Example Scenarios

Scenario 1:

• You are a 10-month employee working 3.5 hours per day.
• Find "10-month (196 days)" with hours per day range that meets your hours assigned.
• Your proposed referendum hourly rate is $1.92.
• $1.92 X 35 hours per pay period X 21.6 paychecks = $1,451.52

Scenario 2:

• You are an 11-month employee working 8 hours per day.
• Find "11-month (218 days)" with "8.00" hours per day.
• Your proposed referendum hourly rate is $1.55.
• $1.55 X 80 hours per pay period X 23.5 paychecks = $2,914.00

Scenario 3:

• You are a 12-month employee in maintenance, working 2 hours per day.
• Find "12-month (247 days)" with hours per day range that meets your hours assigned.
• Your proposed referendum hourly rate is $1.49.
• $1.49 X 10 hours per pay period X 26.1 paychecks = $777.78