Tampa, FL — March 27, 2024 — Tomorrow, parent groups, business leaders, and community organizations will join leaders from Hillsborough Education Foundation (HEF)—a nonprofit dedicated to bolstering public education—to urge the Hillsborough County School Board to include a millage referendum to support students on the November 2024 ballot for voters.
The representatives, including the county’s PTA Vice President of Advocacy and the chair-elect of the Tampa Bay Chamber, will speak across from Bay Crest Elementary School, where one out of every five teaching positions is currently vacant due to a nationwide teacher shortage.
The proposed millage would support students by increasing pay for teachers and district staff, as well as expanding academic programs. The district’s plan includes a $6,000 supplement for teachers and school leaders, and a $3,000 supplement for support staff such as bus drivers and school counselors. It would cost the typical homeowner $281 annually, averaging out to about 75 cents a day.
With the School Board scheduled to vote on April 2, members of the media are invited to join local representatives to hear why the referendum is critical to strengthen Hillsborough County Public Schools—the county’s largest employer—by providing competitive pay and ensuring Hillsborough’s students continue to learn from the best.
Media Opportunity
WHEN: Thursday, March 28, 2024 | 10:30 a.m.
WHERE: Southwest corner of Bay Crest Elementary School in Tampa’s Town ‘n’ Country neighborhood. Media should park at the office building located at 6301 Memorial Hwy, Tampa, FL. The school is on Webb Road just north of the office building.
WHAT: Community partners share why they support a millage for education and are calling on the School Board to let voters decide the issue this November
WHO:
- Tampa Bay Chamber Chair-Elect and Former State Representative Ed Narain
- Hillsborough County Council PTA – Vice President of Advocacy Ellen Lyons
- Families for Strong Public Schools – Tampa Bay Regional Organizer Nikki Rivera
- IDEA Public Schools – Charter School Parent Shonda McGloun
- Hillsborough Education Foundation – Interim CEO Anna Corman & Board President Chris Taylor
Please RSVP in advance to Colin Higgins at CHiggins@EducationFoundation.com.
About Hillsborough Education Foundation
Established in 1987, Hillsborough Education Foundation (HEF) is a nonprofit focused on strengthening public education by supporting teachers and empowering students to achieve academic and personal success. Together with our community partners, HEF strategically invests in initiatives that impact teaching quality, increase graduation rates, and build equity in education—bolstering a thriving workforce of tomorrow and the sustainable prosperity of Tampa Bay. Learn more at EducationFoundation.com.
