• Referendum Renewal for Manatee Schools


    Manatee County citizens voted on Tuesday, November 2, 2021, to extend the 1-Mill Referendum to support district students, teachers, staff and schools. The degree of support was overwhelming. This video shares the feelings of our students, staff and employees. Thank You, Manatee County!

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How the Millage Has Helped

  • Attracting High-Quality Teachers

  • Additional Instructional Time

  • Enhances STEM Programs

  • Prepares Students for Jobs

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

  • What are citizens voting on?

  • When is the election?

  • What question will voters actually see on the ballot?

  • How will the money be spent?

  • How do we know the money will be spent as taxpayers have been told?

  • How much will this cost taxpayers?

  • Is there any evidence that the additional money from the referendum has helped?

  • Why did the school board vote to make this a special election when it would cost much less to place it on the same ballot as the 2022 general election?

  • Will any of the money go to the state or federal government, or shared with other districts?

  • Isn't the state already providing an increase in teacher salaries?

  • Will any of the money go to charter schools?

  • Why was the district losing teachers before the referendum?

  • What happens if the referendum is not renewed?

  • Why can't you use money from reserves (also known as fund balance)?

  • Is the district currently on sound financial footing?

  • Why can't you adequately fund successful programs with existing dollars?

  • Wouldn't it be better for the district to fund salary increases with recurring dollars rather than a vote every four years?

  • Many residents don't have children in school. Why should they support this?

  • What about the lottery? Wasn't that supposed to boost school budgets?

  • Have other school districts passed similar measures?

  • Didn't Manatee County already pass a half-cent sales tax increase for schools? Isn't that enough?