In 2022, Pasco County Schools asked voters to approve a referendum to increase salaries for teachers, bus drivers, and other non-administrative employees because the District was losing employees and could not offer salaries competitive enough to attract and retain the best teachers for Pasco students.
The referendum provides direct salary support for teachers and non-administrator staff, including instructional and operational support employees.
Without the referendum, district employees would experience an approximate 12% reduction in salary that cannot be replaced through other funding sources.
Teacher Salary Comparison
New hire starting pay
| Years of Experience | Pasco | Pasco Without Referendum | Pinellas | Hillsborough | Hernando | Polk* |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | $52,450 | $48,000 | $59,526 | $49,601 | $50,250 | $50,410 |
| 10 | $53,575 | $48,000 | $60,735 | $53,071 | $50,500 | $51,976 |
| 15 | $54,700 | $48,000 | $61,973 | $59,746 | $50,750 | $53,542 |
| 20 | $58,245 | $50,420 | $63,243 | $66,421 | $51,000 | $55,108 |
| 25 | $63,630 | $54,680 | $64,545 | $73,341 | $51,000 | $56,673 |
Source: District-posted new-hire teacher placement schedules, January 2026.
Starting Non-Instructional Pay
|
Bus |
Custodial |
Food & Nutrition |
|---|---|---|
| $16.35 Pasco Without Referendum |
$15.45 Hillsborough |
$15.45 Hillsborough |
| $18.50 Pasco |
$15.56 Pasco Without Referendum |
$15.56 Pasco Without Referendum |
| $18.74 Hillsborough |
$16.71 Pasco |
$16.71 Pasco |
| $19.80 Hernando |
$17.00** Pinellas |
$16.85 Hernando |
| $22.00** Pinellas |
$17.15 Hernando |
$17.00** Pinellas |
** Estimate inclusive of base hourly rate and annual salary referendum amount of $2,910.
Source: District-posted new-hire employee placement schedules, January 2026.
Students benefit when schools are fully staffed with experienced educators who know their students and communities.
- ✔ Qualified teachers in classrooms
- ✔ Essential support roles remain filled
- ✔ Stronger school culture and stability
- ✔ Workforce stability supports academic achievement.
98%
INSTRUCTIONAL FILL RATE
75%
RETENTION OF FIRST YEAR STAFF
- ✔ Funds are designated for compensation-related purposes
- ✔ The district is committed to transparency and accountability
- ✔ Renewal also supports continued school safety efforts
- ✔ Not a new tax
- ✔ Maintains existing salary support
- ✔ Strengthens recruitment and retention
- ✔ Protects classroom stability
- ✔ Supports students, staff, and safe schools
