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Hillsborough County Board of Education approves proposed tax increase to strengthen education
As reported by Kerilyn Kwiatkowski, n Funding. Homeowners can face an average tax increase each year related to the value of their property.
During the passionate conversation, discussions centered on increasing teacher pay, addressing staffing shortages, and allocating funds to improve education.
IC program. District 5 Trustee Washington enthusiastically shared his personal experience with financial hardship and emphasized the importance of supporting educators.
“It's been really hard for us. And we have kids, we're getting educated through the school system, we're getting degrees, we're getting master's degrees, we're doing all these jobs to supplement our income. We had to. The backbone of this education system is the teachers…I'm not going to sit on this and support the employees. What we want to do is give them an opportunity to be on the ballot. That’s it. Let the voters decide.”
Meanwhile, District 3 Rep. Vaughn questioned the accuracy of financial projections and emphasized the need for transparency and accountability in decision-making.
“The difference with taxpayers. If I say it only costs $281 a year instead of $381 a year, it actually does. That's misleading. Please select a number.”
Before the final vote, District 4 Rep. Rendon proposed an amendment.
“And the motion is that if this referendum passes, the superintendent will establish a citizen oversight committee by July 1, 2025.”
The decision was supported by five votes in favor and two against, and now awaits voters' input in November.
