In 2022, Pasco County voters approved a referendum to support employee salaries and workforce stability in Pasco County Schools. The referendum is scheduled for renewal on the 2026 ballot.
Renewal continues an existing community investment in public education and supports the people who serve our district’s 87,000 students.
The current referendum provides direct salary support for teachers and non-administrator staff, including instructional and operational support employees. The passage of the referendum resulted in:
- ✔ A decrease of 82.6% in classroom vacancies
- ✔ A decrease of 80% in custodial vacancies
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.
Referendum funding has helped narrow compensation gaps and support employee morale during a time of statewide and national workforce shortages in education. Without renewal, district employees would experience an approximate 12% reduction in salary that cannot be replaced through other funding sources. Losing this funding risks increased turnover and workforce instability.
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 Hernano |
$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.
98%
INSTRUCTIONAL FILL RATE
75%
RETENTION OF FIRST YEAR STAFF
CONTINUED TARGETING REFERENDUM SUPPLEMENTS:
- BUS DRIVERS
- TRADE WORKERS
- SPEECH & LANGUAGE PATHOLOGISTS
- VEHICLE TECHNICIANS
- ESE TEACHERS
*Increasing incentives in the targeted areas
Students benefit when schools are fully staffed with experienced educators who know their students and communities. The referendum helps ensure:
- ✔ Qualified teachers in classrooms
- ✔ Essential support roles remain filled
- ✔ Stronger school culture and stability
- ✔ Workforce stability supports academic achievement.
Voters previously approved this referendum to invest in the people who educate and support Pasco County students. Renewal maintains that commitment and protects progress already made.
- ✔ Funds are designated for compensation-related purposes
- ✔ The district is committed to transparency and accountability
- ✔ Renewal also supports continued school safety efforts and school operations
- ✔ Not a new tax
- ✔ Maintains existing salary support
- ✔ Strengthens recruitment and retention
- ✔ Protects classroom stability
- ✔ Supports students, staff, and safe schools
