Pasco County voters have approved a renewal of a local-option property tax designed to increase salaries for teachers and staff by approximately 12 percent. During the same election, Matt Geiger and Kimberly Coward were elected to new seats on the school board, replacing outgoing members who chose not to seek reelection. The newly elected officials will oversee the district as it navigates challenges including declining enrollment in western areas and rapid growth in the east. Both Geiger and Coward expressed their gratitude to voters while emphasizing their commitment to student-focused education. The tax renewal, which must be approved every four years by state law, aims to prevent teacher turnover and maintain educational stability. Some observers remain skeptical of relying on referendums for long-term budget solutions.
Key Points:
- Voters renewed a local-option property tax that increases teacher and staff salaries by about 12%
