HEF’s Advocacy Committee is dedicated to speaking up at the local and state level for what we as an organization believe is best for our students and teachers. Comprised of members from our Board of Directors and community volunteers invested in education, the committee tracks proposed legislation, among other actions, that can impact our district—both positively and negatively.
Increased funding for K-12 public schools and teacher compensation align with our Advocacy Priorities. This session, the committee reached out to our elected officials to voice HEF’s support for legislation that would increase the Base Student Allocation (flexible funding for the district) to help provide equitable educational opportunities for all students and help cover increasing, long-term operational costs.
In an email to our local lawmakers (below), the committee also expressed concerns over measures that could divert funding from our district.
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Hillsborough Education Foundation’s mission is to strengthen public education in Hillsborough County. We are concerned over any proposed budget that would withhold $200 million in funding for a dozen districts in Florida, including Hillsborough County, that implemented mask mandates during the pandemic.
Florida consistently ranks among the lowest states in the nation for education funding. We believe redirecting any much-needed funds from our district would be harmful to students, especially our most vulnerable, and impact the ability to meet their needs.
Hillsborough Education Foundation raises on average $7 million annually to provide resources for teachers and our highest needs students to help build equity in education and ensure all students can benefit from a high-quality public education. If we want to ensure a bright future for our students and sustainable, prosperous community for all of us—it starts with investing in public education today.
We ask that you put students first, fully support education and vote against any funding reduction for Florida’s public school districts. Our students and teachers need every resource possible to maximize learning and their success.
Thank you for your attention to this critical issue and serving your constituents.
Kim Jowell
CEO