Referendum
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How Referendum Dollars Will Be Spent
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All referendum funds are spent right here in Manatee County and used to keep our public schools competitive with neighboring school districts like Sarasota, Pinellas, Pasco, Hernando and Charlotte counties – all of whom have voter-approved additional millage.
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Increasing Security for Students & Schools
Protecting students and staff is the district’s top priority. Funds will support School Guardians and School Resource Officers, and help the district continue to strengthen strategies for keeping children and schools safe so students and teachers can focus on learning.
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Recruiting & Retaining Teachers & Staff
With a national teacher shortage, school districts compete for the best and brightest teachers, as well as bus drivers, paraprofessionals, food service workers, guidance counselors and principals. It is crucial for school districts to attract and retain high-quality employees.
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Boosting Success with More Instructional Time
The millage provides students with 30 minutes of added instructional time every school day. That equals 18 additional school days per year, and more than an entire year of additional instruction over a kindergarten through 12th-grade education.
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Offering Real-World Workforce Education
Millage funds support schools and Manatee Technical College in providing nationally recognized programs to prepare students for high-wage, high-skilled careers in areas like medical fields, health science, business, automotive, construction, engineering, manufacturing marine services, agrisciences and more.
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Adding Options for Science, Technology, Engineering & Math
The district’s innovative STEM offerings – from agriculture and animatronics to engineering and health technologies – prepare students for the jobs of tomorrow. They also expand academic options for students to explore different career paths.
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Enhancing Arts & Athletics
Supports student participation in artistic and competitive endeavors that inspire creativity, increase fitness and enhance mental and physical well-being. They also provide opportunities for students to showcase unique skills in public forums and events.
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Expanding Early Literacy Programs
Provides support for learners from birth to third grade and their families. Funds will support an Early Learning and Family Support Center that offers free developmental screenings, and a focus on Voluntary Pre-K programs, including Pre-K Exceptional Student Education.
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Supporting Charter Schools
Charter Schools are public schools that receive their charters from the School Board. Charter Schools receive funds proportional to their student enrollment.