Referendum #1 - School District
REFERENDUM TO CONTINUE AD VALOREM LEVY FOR SCHOOL SAFETY, TEACHERS AND OPERATIONAL NEEDS
Shall the School District of Palm Beach County have continued authority to levy 1.00 mills of ad valorem millage for operational needs of public schools dedicated to funding school safety; school police; mental health services; arts, music, physical education, career and choice program teachers; and improved teacher pay beginning July 1, 2027 and automatically ending June 30, 2031, with oversight of all funds by an independent committee of citizens and experts?
_____ YES
_____ NO
Synopsis
This is a renewal of an existing property tax that supports public schools in Palm Beach County. Voters first approved the 1.00 mill in 2018 and renewed it in 2022. The measure would continue the current levy for four more years.
By law the money can only be spent on the categories named in the ballot language, which include school safety; school police; mental health services; teachers in arts, music, physical education, career and choice programs; and improved teacher pay. An independent citizens committee reviews all spending.
Yes - For the Referendum Means
If voters accept the referendum, school property taxes will continue to include 1.00 mill for school safety, teachers and operational needs. Local funding allows the District to provide salary supplements that average $8,000 per year for teachers in Palm Beach County. This investment helps attract qualified educators and provides the stability students need in the classroom. Without this support, Palm Beach County would struggle to remain competitive with surrounding regions.
These funds provide more than 900 teaching positions across art, music and physical education. This investment also supports Choice and Career Academies in fields such as medical sciences and pre-med, engineering and technology, aviation and aerospace technology, performing arts, culinary arts and construction trades. The revenue also supports the presence of School Police and security personnel on every District-operated campus. It also helps provide a dedicated school counselor and a behavioral health professional at every school.
No - Against the Referendum Means
If voters reject the referendum, meaning the 1.00 mill is discontinued, the lost revenue will lead to decreases in the number of teachers as well as cut student support services throughout the School District of Palm Beach County.
Teachers would face an immediate pay cut averaging $8,000 per year. More than 900 teaching positions in the arts, physical education and Choice programs would be eliminated. Less funding would be available for student safety and mental health support.
Proponents — to be added
Opponents — to be added