FORT LAUDERDALE, FLA. (WSVN) - Broward County voters are set to decide whether they will continue to pay for school district funding.
The Broward County School Board held an event Tuesday to discuss the referendum that will be on the ballot in the primaries. The referendum named Secure the Next Generation is a property tax approved in 2018 and is set for renewal come Aug. 23.
According to the Broward County Public Schools website, the renewal would begin to include charter schools and increase voters’ investment in education from a .5 millage rate to one full point in support of continuing to secure funds for security personnel, health counselors and a pay increase for teachers.
School officials said they are underfunded by Tallahassee, and the money would help retain teachers already in the school systems.
School board member Laurie Rich Levinson made a plea for voters to continue subsidizing the district.
“Funding will fund more than 500 school safety personnel and 100 mental health professionals,” said Levinson, “and over $80 million annually in compensation supplements for our teachers and eligible staff.”
BCPS Superintendent Dr. Vickie Cartwright mentioned the increase in monthly payments the county would expect if the vote passes.
“When you’re taking a look for that average homeowner, you are currently investing $13 per month,” said Cartwright. “We are asking for an additional $13 on top of what you are already committed to. Likewise, with the condo owners, you are currently contributing $7.50 per month. We’re going to be asking for an additional $7.50 per month.”
This means teachers would receive bonuses.
“It’s really vital, just to keep us teachers because there’s a lot of movement,” said Eva Rockwell, a high school teacher, “and we know teachers can make different choices. Do we stay in the classroom? Or you know, do we proceed and look elsewhere?”
Guidance counselors and social workers who attended the event said other counties pay more and the extra money does help.
“We also appreciate that referendum for the increase in our salaries because we have seen people going to other districts,” said Melanie, a social worker, “because the cost of living has become so high.”
“We are woefully underfunded by the legislature,” said the Broward Principals Association’s Lisa Maxwell. “In South Florida, all three counties, Dade, Broward and Palm Beach have had to go out for local referendums in order to cover the costs that the legislature does not.”
The Broward County school district would receive $267 million annually if the referendum gets approved. The money would also be shared with charter schools.
The Secure the Next Generation Referendum would be distributed with 75% given for teachers compensation, 17% school safety, and 8% toward mental health services.
According to Broward County school officials, if this referendum does not get approved, they may have to resort to cutting finances for creative and athletic departments to fund the district.
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