👀ELECTION DAY IS TOMORROW - What Voters Need to Know About the Millage Referendum Renewal

In 2018, Martin County voters approved a millage rate referendum that is now set to expire. Once that happens, the Martin County School District (MCSD) will see a reduction in revenue of approximately $47 million over the next four years unless voters approve a renewal of the referendum.

The Martin County School Board strives to maintain the high level of excellence our community has come to expect from the District. Neighboring counties have passed millages that allow them to compete with MCSD for the most highly qualified educators and support personnel (school bus operators/assistants, paraprofessionals, food service workers, clerical staff, maintenance/trades workers, custodians and more).

In July, the School Board finalized how the District would use millage funds if voters approve the continuation of the "up to" one-half mill property tax referendum.

In year one of the renewal, the School Board will allocate millage funding to the five categories established under the original referendum item that was approved by voters in 2018:

🍎School Safety and Security ($533,613 allocated)

🍎Mental Health Programs ($1,221,000 allocated)

🍎Recruiting and Retaining Teachers and Support Staff ($12,000,200 allocated)

🍎Professional Development ($10,000 allocated)

🍎Academic Initiatives ($10,000 allocated)

Estimated available funds in year one of the renewal: $13,717,200

Election Day is tomorrow, August 23. View a sample ballot here.

Learn more about the millage renewal.

School Board Chair Christia Li Roberts on how Florida Dictates School Funding

You pay property taxes, but not all of that money stays in Martin County to be used for our students.

Many residents are surprised to learn that due to our higher property values, Martin County does not receive as much state funding as other school districts. A millage referendum is the only way a school district can secure additional funding for operational needs (salaries, academic initiatives, safety personnel) that cannot be covered using the funds allocated by the state.

School Board Chair Christia Li Roberts (District 1) explains how Florida's school funding formula attempts to create a level playing field for all children. Watch the video...

The American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) Local #597 and Martin County Education Association (MCEA) have endorsed the renewal of the millage referendum, citing the funds that will be allocated to each bargaining unit among the chief reasons for their recommendation.

If the renewal is approved by voters, the School Board has committed to allocating $9,660,300 to MCEA for teacher stipends and $2,339,900 to AFSCME for support personnel stipends in year one (view the complete funding worksheet). As was the case with the current millage that is set to expire, the bargaining units will determine how to distribute stipend funding to all AFSCME-eligible and MCEA-eligible employees. Stipends will continue to be completely pensionable with the Florida Retirement System. Read more...

Homeowners who claimed a homestead exemption on their property in 2021 and continued with the exemption this year will see savings on this year's property tax bill, even though property values have increased! Click here to view examples and learn more...

WPTV - When voters head to the polls in Martin County tomorrow, they'll have to decide whether to continue a special property tax to support the Martin County School District.

The referendum provides support for everything from employee stipends to school safety and mental health, just to name a few. If it doesn’t pass, the District says it will have an enormous impact on schools and the students they serve.

If passed by voters, Martin County property owners would see a continuation of the 'up to'

one half-mill on their property tax bill designated for the Martin County School District. Watch the video...

The TC Palm Editorial Board and Jensen Beach Chamber of Commerce's Board of Directors have endorsed the renewal of the millage referendum.

In support of its recommendation, the TCPalm Editorial Board wrote:

In a perfect world, there would be a better way for Florida school districts to adequately fund their operations without seeking voter approval every four years.

Unfortunately, though, the state's formula for funding schools sets limits on how much districts can spend on their own without these types of referendums.

If approved by the voters, the bulk of the money raised through the millage levy would supplement compensation for teachers and school support staff members. Smaller amounts would fund school resource officers and mental health counseling programs.

Recruiting and retaining teachers is an issue in Martin County and elsewhere. School districts are using whatever methods they can, including millage referendums, to keep their classrooms staffed by qualified workers.

A "yes" vote is recommended to provide a short-term solution to address these issues. Read more...

Vice Chair of Millage Oversight Committee Speaks About Millage Renewal

The Martin County School District's Millage Oversight Committee has carefully monitored the spending of millage funds for the past four years to ensure complete alignment with what was promised to voters in 2018.

Ms. Jessica Ville, a Martin County parent and taxpayer, serves as the Vice Chair of the Committee. She spoke in favor of renewing the millage during the Martin County School Board meeting on July 19, 2022. Watch the video...

Mission: Educate All Students for Success

Vision: A Dynamic Educational System of Excellence