Hillsborough County’s Call for Property Tax Increase: Aiming to Boost Teacher Salaries
The ongoing discussion among Hillsborough County school leaders regarding the necessity of a property tax increase highlights a longstanding issue: the undercompensation of educators. Superintendent Van Ayres recently proposed raising the millage rate by one dollar per $1,000 of assessed property value, which would translate to an annual increase of approximately $350 for homeowners with an average-priced home valued at around $375,000.
The Impact of the Proposed Tax Increase on Teacher Salaries
This increase is positioned to significantly benefit educators in the district. Specifically, it would provide:
- $6,000 salary boost for all teachers (both new and veteran)
- $3,000 increase for support staff, which includes roles such as lunchroom workers and bus drivers
- $6,000 additional compensation for administrators
Context: Competing with Surrounding Counties
Ayres emphasized that surrounding counties, many of which have already approved similar millage increases, complicate efforts to hire and retain qualified teachers in Hillsborough. In fact, starting salaries for educators in neighboring counties rank higher, with averages exceeding Hillsborough’s base salary of $47,500.
County Compared Salaries
- Manatee County: $10,071 higher
- Sarasota County: $4,499 higher
- Pinellas County: $5,499 higher
- Pasco County: $1,499 higher
Florida currently ranks 48th in the nation regarding average teacher pay, underscoring the urgency of the situation.
Historical Perspective on Teacher Salaries
During a recent school board meeting, Ayres sought permission to place the proposed millage rate on the ballot for the upcoming general election in November. This request follows a failed attempt in the August primaries of 2022.
Historically, salary increases for teachers in Hillsborough County have been mired in the challenges of inflation:
- Jim Hamilton, a long-serving educator and administrator, pointed out that he began teaching in 1968 with a starting salary of $6,000. That amount reflects an increase due to a 1% sales tax hike at the time.
- Comparing past advancements, Hamilton noted inflation has grown by approximately 800% since then, while starting salaries have remained relatively stagnant.
Hamilton observed:
“…the starting teacher salaries generate the same purchasing power as they did after that tax increase 56 years ago.”
Current Teacher Shortages and Vacancies
The need for a salary increase aligns with the growing challenges of workforce shortages. As of February, key vacancy counts in Hillsborough included:
- 422 teacher positions
- 220 bus drivers
- 116 nutrition staff
- 315 support staff
Hamilton pointed out that such high vacancy rates are unusual for this time of year, suggesting that a competitive salary structure is imperative for attracting and retaining educators.
Funding Mechanisms and Future Projections
The primary funding mechanism for operating costs in Florida’s schools is the Florida Education Finance Plan (FEFP). However, many counties have the authority to impose additional millage rates, resulting in disparities in funding even within the state.
Should the proposed millage increase of 1 mill be approved, Hillsborough County Schools anticipates a windfall of approximately $177 million for the 2025-26 school year, which would be allocated as follows:
- $150.4 million for traditional schools
- $26.6 million for charter schools
Conclusion: Moving Forward
The proposed millage increase not only echoes a historical concern for fair teacher compensation but also represents a crucial effort to ensure that Hillsborough County can compete effectively for quality educators. As the school board prepares to vote, the decision will have lasting implications for both the teaching workforce and the students benefiting from their expertise.
Learn More
For further details on education funding in Florida, visit the Florida Department of Education. To understand how millage rates affect property taxes, refer to Tax-Rates.org.