Oct. 23, 2025
Photo: Referendum-supported Cyber Ambassador Academy
The Independent Citizens Referendum Oversight Committee held its quarterly meeting on Wednesday, Oct. 22. The committee meets four times a year to ensure money is spent as voters intended.
The meeting included an overview of the Referendum committee's responsibilities and a detailed review of the 2024-25 budget, with a specific focus on spending from April 1, 2025, through June 30, 2025.
Staff also shared information about thorough planning as the district transitions to its new Referendum, which allocates 70 percent to instructional staff, 15 percent to support employees, and the remaining 15 percent to reading, music, art, and technology programs. Charter schools also receive funding based on enrollment. 
This school year, instructional personnel will receive a salary supplement of $11,081 (an increase of $4,114 over last year). Support employees will receive a new supplement of $2,910.
Staff members highlighted many of the ways in which the Referendum enhances the student and teaching experience.
PreK-12 Visual Arts Specialist Jonathan Ogle reflected on the challenges arts educators faced before the Referendum was first approved by voters in 2004. He shared how visual arts programs have since flourished, noting that during a recent statewide professional development conference in St. Petersburg, visiting teachers were impressed by how “arts-rich” Pinellas County is.
"Several art teachers from other districts came up to me to tell me how they wanted to work for Pinellas County Schools," Ogle said.
PreK-12 Performing Arts Specialist Ajori Spencer showcased the success of the Referendum-funded Ignite Arts Camp, which saw its largest enrollment ever with 220 students and 40 high school volunteers. He also shared videos of performing arts teachers and Referendum funds in action.
Director of Student Experience Kim Hill shared how the Referendum also funded the Cyber Ambassador Academy, a technology camp focused on digital responsibility. More than 90 students participated, engaging in activities such as graphic design and podcast production.
English Language Arts specialists provided various highlights, including storytelling camps, novel distributions for middle school students, summer reading programs, graduation support, professional learning and book studies for school leaders and teachers.
Other highlights across the district included:
- Marching band uniform purchases
- Expansion of jazz and choral programs
- Visual and performing art camps
- National Scholastic Art Award winners, including five gold medalists
- Field trips to arts venues
- Technology upgrades and professional development
- Interactive tech installations and software renewals
- Library initiatives like Battle of the Books and Boys Read Camp
- TV studio refreshes
- Educational software investments
Increased funding from the Referendum is being strategically allocated. New initiatives include AI literacy programs and expanded student experiences.
Superintendent Kevin Hendrick praised the committee’s work and shared a story from his visit to Dunedin Elementary earlier that day. A fifth-grade teacher told him her students had visited the James Museum, were preparing to attend the Florida Orchestra, and had plans to go to Enterprise Village.
"I just smiled because two of those three are funded by the Referendum," Mr. Hendrick told the committee.
Looking ahead: A proposal was made to schedule a committee field trip during the school year, so members can observe Referendum-funded curriculum in action.
See Madeira Beach Fundamental Middle School band teacher Nicole Warren, one of several teachers highlighted at the recent ICROC meeting:
