March 12, 2025
The Independent Citizens Referendum Oversight Committee (ICROC) met on Wednesday, March 12, to review spending for the Pinellas County Schools Referendum.
Funds from the Referendum boost reading, music and art programs; provide up-to-date technology and textbooks; and help recruit and retain quality teachers. This school year, each teacher receives a salary supplement of $6,967 as part of their base salary. In July, the new Referendum will cover a supplement for all support employees, including positions like bus drivers, bookkeepers, nurses and safety officers.
During the meeting, Chief Financial Officer Gary Jeppesen provided an overview of the Referendum budget, and staff members from various departments shared second-quarter updates on resources and opportunities funded by the Referendum.
Each meeting focuses on a specific area. At Wednesday's meeting, Director of Student Experience Kim Hill and Digital Learning Program Coordinator Sarah Truelson highlighted how Referendum funds enhance digital learning and technology in the district. Enhancements range from professional development for teachers to design and podcasting lessons for students.
Their presentation began with the Pulse Summit, a summer professional learning opportunity where about 150 teachers engaged in sessions focused on innovation in the classroom. Sessions included AI in the classroom, using the Canva design platform for education, and the creation of digital portfolios.
The summit helped teachers discover ways to use technology, the arts, and movement to engage students in learning, Hill said.
"We were able to create this two-day summit with some fantastic results, and we're planning for this coming summer to do it again," she said.
Hill and Truelson also shared how the Referendum supported instructional technology coordinators who help teachers effectively use technology, and a space-themed "Escape Room" activity at Student Leadership Summits that taught scholars about digital responsibility.
Funds are also supporting the district's one-to-one device program. Students in several high schools are getting certified by Dell to help with computer repairs across the district. Referendum funds helped cover student salaries as part of the Dell Tech Crew program.
They also introduced a new opportunity called the Cyber Ambassador Academy, which will take place at the Stavros Institute over the summer. Students will learn how to use a design platform to create logos and marketing materials and explore digital storytelling through podcasting. Teachers will bring three to five students from their schools to the academy.
In addition to presentations about expenditures in other areas, the meeting included an overview of spending at Pinellas charter schools. See the complete ICROC Report.
The next ICROC meeting will be held at Dunedin High School on June 18. Committee members will get a chance to see a new 3D arts camp, where students will sculpt, build, and design, using materials such as wood, plaster and clay.
As the new Referendum takes effect in July, the district is reaching out to stakeholders for input on enhancing the student experience with Referendum funds.
Learn about the Referendum at www.pcsb.org/referendum.
