Hillsborough County voters showed strong support for education infrastructure and governance reform on Tuesday, approving a 10‑year renewal of the district’s half‑cent sales surtax with 62% of the vote. The measure, which will generate roughly $1.5 billion over the next decade, is earmarked exclusively for capital projects such as new roofs, air‑conditioning units, upgraded athletic fields and modern safety systems.
Tax renewal funds critical campus improvements
Since its initial approval in 2018, the surtax has produced more than $1.3 billion, financing over 1,000 completed renovations and creating about 200 jobs that remain active. Projects already funded include 180 air‑conditioning replacements, more than 60 roof installations, and dozens of upgraded playgrounds and sports facilities. The money also supports essential safety upgrades, such as modern fire‑alarm systems, perimeter fencing and fortified entryways.
Under Florida law, the revenue from this sales tax is strictly limited to brick‑and‑mortar capital projects; it cannot be diverted to classroom operational costs. A separate tax approved earlier covers teacher and staff salary increases, ensuring that the new funds remain focused on physical infrastructure.
Governance overhaul puts superintendent in voters’ hands
Alongside the tax renewal, voters approved a governance change that removes the County School Board’s authority to appoint the superintendent. The position will now be filled through a public election, giving families a direct voice in the district’s top leadership. The measure also filled two contested seats on the school board: Daniela Simic won the District 2 seat, while incumbent chair Karen Perez retained her District 6 seat.
Oversight committee praises the renewal
“We would have been in deep trouble without this tax,” said Jose Valiente, chair of the Hillsborough County Schools Citizen Oversight Committee. “The loudest cry was for air‑conditioning, and we’ve completed over a thousand projects since 2019. We have about 200 more to go, and it’s just nonstop. We can’t go backwards.” Valiente emphasized that the tax has already delivered $1.3 billion in improvements and warned that without it, many of those upgrades would not have been possible.
What’s next for the district?
The newly formed leadership team will manage the $1.5 billion investment and oversee the upcoming contracts for the 1,700 planned capital projects. While the school district has not yet released a detailed construction calendar, officials say the first wave of projects will begin soon. The timeline for transitioning the superintendent selection to an election is also being developed.
Community members and parents have expressed optimism that the combined tax renewal and governance change will address long‑standing facility deficits and give families greater influence over the district’s direction. As the county moves forward, the focus will remain on delivering safe, modern learning environments for Hillsborough’s students.
Original reporting: Tampa Bay Florida News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
