SchoolsTop story
Broward voters renew the school funding referendum for a third time
Miami-Dade voters backed their school tax renewal by a wider margin than Broward
Source: WSVN 7News | Miami News, Weather, Sports | Fort Lauderdale
View as table
| Value | |
|---|---|
| Broward (just over) | 67% |
| Miami-Dade (more than) | 82% |
If you pay Broward property taxes or have a kid in a Broward school, the school funding referendum stays. Just over 67% of Broward voters said yes Tuesday, and Miami-Dade approved its version with more than 82%. It's the third renewal since 2018.
District leaders said renewing it was crucial in avoiding a $358 million budget shortfall. Superintendent Howard Hepburn said the money helps keep pay competitive for teachers and eligible staff, supports recruitment and retention, and improves school safety.
- Tax rate: one mill, or $1 per $1,000 of taxable value
- First passed in 2018, renewed in 2022 and again Tuesday
- Miami-Dade officials estimate it could draw $500 million annually
There's a catch. Hepburn said Amendment 3, the property tax cut that passed with over 60%, will directly affect Broward schools, and said cities like Miramar give the schools monetary support, including a few hundred thousand dollars for Miramar High School's aviation program. Many partners also provide school resource officer services. The board also heard from parents Wednesday on a plan to close and consolidate ten schools.
Broward schools face money and enrollment pressure
- $358 million
- budget shortfall district leaders said renewal helps avoid
- 10
- schools in the district's plan to close and consolidate
- 26
- schools board member Allen Zeman would close
Sources: WPLG Local 10, NBC 6 South Florida
