Watch the Pinellas County Schools Referendum Video - Spanish (Español)

The Pinellas County Schools Referendum is on the November 2024 ballot.

Community members and families support public education and recognize the importance of the Referendum. Pinellas County voters have overwhelmingly supported the Referendum since it was first approved in 2004. 

Proposal for the 2024 Referendum

• Continue independent committee oversight of the Referendum to ensure that funds are spent as voters intended
• Change millage rate to 1.0 mill, consistent with surrounding counties
• Recruit and retain quality teachers and support staff; preserve music, art and reading classes; and provide current technology
• Continue and potentially increase the teacher salary supplement
• Add salary supplement 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.