If you care about education, teachers and students, we’re asking you to vote yes.

On November 2, 2021, Manatee County residents will be asked to approve the continuation of the 1 mill tax on all residents for Manatee County School District funding.

This is not a new tax but is one that was passed in 2018, primarily to support teacher and support pay; increase instructional time; and expand career, technical, STEM and art programs. The money will continue to be used for these issues and include the support of charter schools, as required by law.

Manatee Community Foundation endorses the renewal of the 1 mill tax and encourages voters to go to the polls and vote yes.

• Many MCF donor advisors and funds support education in Manatee County through their philanthropy, and we are actively engaged in collaborative initiatives such as REACH Manatee and the Campaign for Grade-Level Reading. These investments are even more effective with the significant funding from this millage–all supporting results-based changes that have been made, such as 30 extra minutes of instruction per day.
  
• After implementation in 2018, all Manatee County Schools were rated C or above. Manatee County School District’s ranking has moved from 41^st in 67 Florida counties to 23^th in the 67 Florida counties.
  
• Competitive teacher salaries have helped to attract and retain teachers to our District. 
  
• Money raised from this referendum renewal stays in Manatee County, and since this is a renewal and not a tax increase, the 1 mill rate remains the same. Each mill cost property owners $1 for every $1,000 of assessed value.

Want more information before you vote? Visit the School District of Manatee County website. 

Thank you for looking out for one of our most valuable resources and the future: our youth.