We’re keeping you ConnectED – June 2022

Support the Referendum, Support Teachers

Support for the upcoming millage increase will have a direct impact on our district’s ability to recruit and retain high quality teachers, who we need to help students close these achievement gaps.

At least 75 percent of the millage rate increase would be used to increase compensation for teachers and support staff. HCPS has also committed referendum funding to protect and expand art, music, physical education and workforce programs.

  • The 4-year referendum is projected to increase funding for the district around $146 million annually.
  • Property owners would pay $1 for every $1,000 in assessed home value.
  • With a Florida law called Save our Homes, tax assessment increases are capped at 3% to help ensure Floridians aren’t priced out of their own homes.

Learn more about the proposed millage rate increase and how it will benefit students, teachers and support staff in this month’s newsletter.

HEF Awards $500K+ in Scholarships to Graduating Seniors

Hillsborough Education Foundation is proud to support graduating seniors’ dreams of continuing their education at a university, community college or technical college through our community scholarships.

This year, 224 Class of 2022 Seniors were selected to receive community scholarships ranging from $500 to $10,000.

The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office has also selected 30 HCPS juniors to participate in the 2022 Rising Stars Leadership Academy. Those Class of 2023 students will have the opportunity to earn a $1,000 scholarship upon program completion and high school graduation.

Learn more about the Rising Stars Leadership Academy and hear from some of the students selected for the program in our newsletter.

newsletter Kiwanis scholarship recipients
Donor Spotlight: Dr. Anne Lenz

Our work doesn’t happen without the generosity of our donors. That’s why we dedicate a section in our monthly newsletter to showcase the individuals and companies making our mission possible.

For this month’s feature, we are celebrating HEF Advocacy Committee member, Dr. Anne Lenz.

While growing up in Dayton, Ohio, the value of education was instilled in Anne at a young age. Her mother was a teacher and after moving to Tampa years later, her mom taught in Hillsborough County Public Schools.

“I saw first-hand the difficult and demanding behind-the-scenes job of teachers. Education and respect for teachers was always a priority in my childhood home. School becomes an extension of a child’s family, and we are seeing that teachers serve our students in ways far beyond their academic development,” she said.

Read the full interview in June’s newsletter.