Even though Florida lawmakers exempted school district property taxes from a proposed constitutional amendment headed to the November ballot, Pinellas County Schools Superintendent Kevin Hendrick says local schools could still experience significant indirect effects if voters approve the measure.
Speaking during a June 15 meeting of the Belleair Bluffs City Commission, Hendrick said the proposal would reduce revenue for many local government agencies and organizations that partner with the school district to provide services for students and families.
Among the programs Hendrick identified as potentially affected are the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office school resource officer program, the Juvenile Welfare Board’s after-school and summer programs, environmental education provided through the Southwest Florida Water Management District, and health services delivered through partnerships with local health agencies. He said cuts to those organizations could reduce or eliminate services currently available to students, even though school district funding itself would remain protected.
The proposed constitutional amendment, known as HJR 1-F, would require approval from at least 60% of Florida voters in November. While the measure excludes school district property taxes from its provisions, Hendrick said the district continues to evaluate how reduced funding for partner agencies could affect students and is discussing possible options with organizations such as the Juvenile Welfare Board.
During the meeting, Hendrick also addressed teacher staffing and enrollment trends. He said Pinellas County Schools has maintained strong employee retention, and the district’s reduction in teaching positions is primarily due to declining student enrollment, driven by lower birth rates over the past several decades.
According to Hendrick, the district serves approximately 85,000 students in 144 public and charter schools. He said about 1,000 of the district’s 6,000 teachers live in Pasco County, with hundreds more commuting from Hillsborough and Manatee counties because of housing costs in Pinellas County. He noted that the district remains among Florida’s highest-paying school systems, supported in part by its local school referendum.
Also during the June 15 meeting, the Belleair Bluffs City Commission unanimously approved a tentative property tax rate of 5.3500 mills for the 2026-27 fiscal year and scheduled public budget hearings for Sept. 3 and Sept. 14. Commissioners said the city remains in stable financial condition while acknowledging uncertainty surrounding the proposed statewide property tax amendment.
Follow the St. Pete-Clearwater Sun on Facebook, Google, & X
St. Pete-Clearwater Sun: local St. Pete-Clearwater news at PIE-Sun.com
Leave a Reply