Expected Raise for Palm Beach County Teachers is Being Pulled Back by Florida House

Some voters waiting in long lines. Others took time to mail-in ballots. Parents, especially cared deeply because they knew the result could have a major impact on their children.

They overwhelmingly said, “yes.”

This week, the Florida Legislature said, “hell no.”

Palm Beach county schools won big last November when 72 percent of the voters cast ballots in favor of a property tax hike. The tax hike would increase teacher salaries and increase school security as well as mental health services in schools.

The referendum’s approval means a portion of the school property tax will quadruple for four years and was set to begin this year (2019). The property tax was expected to bring an additional $200 million a year to Palm Beach county public schools, and would be allocated as follows:

$100 million would provide (much deserved and needed) raises for school district’s teachers.

$50 million would be spent for extra school security and mental health services.

$50 million would continue to provide money for teachers in the schools’ arts, physical education and choice academy teachers.