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A Bright Future for Our Children Through Support of Our Public Schools? We Vote YES

Key community and business organizations support the 1-mill tax referendum renewal in Manatee County

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On November 5, Manatee County voters will have an opportunity to deeply impact future generations by voting yes for the renewal of the 1-mill tax referendum to support our public schools.

The Bradenton Area EDC, Bishop Parker Foundation, Early Learning Coalition, Gulf Coast Builders Exchange, Lakewood Ranch Business Alliance, Manatee Chamber of Commerce, Manatee Community  Foundation (MCF), Manatee Education Foundation, and United Way Suncoast are dedicated to strengthening and enhancing our community and fully support the renewal of the 1-mill tax. 

Our children's futures depend on the strength of our public schools. A well-funded, high-quality, safe,  and effective education system affects more than the success of our children. It’s paramount for the growth of businesses and the vibrancy and strength of our community. 

Renewing the 1-mill will maintain the significant progress our district has made since its initial passage in  2018. Specifically, it will continue supporting teacher hiring and retention in this tight labor market,  increasing safety in our schools, and much more—all without raising taxes.

Over the past eight years, the district has risen 14 spots in the state’s academic rankings based on student test scores. In 2024, student scores went up in Reading, Math, Writing, Science, and Social Studies, and the district had 24 “A” schools—the largest number of “A” schools since 2012. 

The 1-mill initiative has received broad endorsement, which reflects our community’s support of students, educators, and our public school system. All funds generated by the 1-mill stay in Manatee  County, and these resources directly benefit our students, teachers, and classrooms. The 1-mill will  allow our district to: 

  • Offer competitive pay to attract and retain high-quality teachers and support staff in Manatee  County. 
  • Retain the additional 30 minutes to the school day, equating to an additional year of instruction over a student's K-12 education. 
  • Expand STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) programs, along with visual and performing arts and athletics. 
  • Grow early literacy initiatives. 
  • Increase safety and security measures in schools. 
  • Support public charter schools. 

Manatee County voters have increasingly acknowledged the benefits of these added funds and passed the 2021 with a 31% margin. Transparency around how these funds are used has only increased voters’  confidence. Since the millage first came into effect in 2018, an independent citizens’ committee has overseen the allocation of resources, and all financial information about referendum budgeting is prominently displayed on the district’s website.

For parents and non-parents alike, a shared truth remains: today’s students are tomorrow’s workforce and community leaders. By investing in them now, we ensure a brighter and stronger future for all. 

As key community and business organizations in Manatee County, we strongly support this crucial investment in our children’s futures. 

Today, we work together to give our students the best foundation possible. Tomorrow, they will continue to build a thriving community for generations to come.  

Supported by the following organizations (in alphabetical order): 

  • Bradenton Area Economic Development Corporation
  • Bishop Parker Foundation 
  • Early Learning Coalition 
  • Gulf Coast Builders Exchange 
  • Lakewood Ranch Business Alliance 
  • Manatee Chamber of Commerce 
  • Manatee Community Foundation 
  • Manatee Education Foundation 
  • United Way Suncoast

Comments

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  • WTF

    It's a big NO vote for me. The taxpayers already have 3 tax bills from the school district on our taxes. Who on earth funds their payroll on a referendum hoping they'll get this passed, no business that I know of. Let's not forget less than half of all 3rd grade students are reading at the 3rd grade level and this has been going for 10 years. In 2015 we were at 46% and a decade later it’s not any better. When I start seeing a better return on my investment perhaps I would vote for it until then I am a NO vote.

    Saturday, October 26 Report this

  • Dianna

    I think that there will be a lot of "no" votes on this referendum. The county continues to treat teachers as "child care workers" instead of the professionals that they are and they did nothing to remove the link between teacher pay and this additional tax.  Saying you will fix this in 4 years is yet another scam provided by the School Board of Manatee County. 

    Saturday, October 26 Report this

  • dbshells

    This is because of unfunded mandates from the state!!! That means the STATE demands that county performs certain duties with NO PAY or HELP from the STATE. This is a STATE issue NOT a County or Taxpayer issue. Let the teachers and UNION fight it out with the state. If we keep coddling this issue and bailing them out it will NEVER get resolved by the STATE! Put the blame and responsibility where it lays!! VOTE NO and correct this issue once and for all!

    Sunday, October 27 Report this

  • charliekennedy

    Again here are the “vote no” boo-birds chiming in with their tired, recycled talking points. Get ready to take another 40 point beating, just like you did in 2021. Because the vast majority of residents, across demographics and political affiliations recognize that investments in our schools have short term and long term benefits for our students and for our overall economic growth. Thank you Manatee County voters for continuing to invest in our kids and our economy.

    Sunday, October 27 Report this

  • NikkiforPalmetto

    Voting no means that teachers will receive about a 9K decrease in pay. I understand opposing how the district handles finances, but voting no hurts teachers and will drive a ton of them to other counties. My husband is one of them. With a decrease of that amount, we would face financial ruin unless he changed jobs. Stop punishing school employees in an effort to punish leadership.

    Sunday, October 27 Report this

  • David Daniels

    A mystery guest columnist? I am used to seeing reader comments with no names, but actual published columns?

    Sunday, October 27 Report this