Pinellas County school teachers and support staff will receive salary increases next year, funded by an expanded property tax referendum approved by voters in November.

Union and school district representatives negotiated the distribution of the tax revenue, which increases to $1 per $1,000 of taxable value. On April 10, 2025, union members voted strongly in favor of the agreements, with only three teachers opposing and unanimous support from staff.

The referendum now includes teacher’s aides, nurses, and other non-instructional staff, who will receive an additional $2,910. Teachers’ supplemental pay will rise to $11,081, up from $6,967 last year.

“I’m thrilled support staff are included—they’re underpaid and ecstatic about this raise,” said Lee Bryant, president of the Pinellas Classroom Teachers Association.

Turnout for the in-person ratification vote was 25% for teachers and 14% for staff, lower than some past votes due to state scrutiny of union activities. “We have to be cautious,” Bryant noted.

The school board will review the agreements on April 22, with raises starting July 1.

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