Broward Schools Proposes £300M Tax Hike to Fix Budget Crisis and Raise Teacher Pay
Broward County Public Schools (BCPS) has approved a 2026 operating referendum to raise nearly £300 million. The proposal will appear on the ballot for voters on 3 November. If passed, it would replace an existing referendum set to expire next year.
The decision comes as the district faces an £80 million budget shortfall, partly due to a decline of 50,000 students over the past decade. The school board finalised the referendum after debates over how to allocate the funds. Superintendent Dr. Howard Hepburn initially proposed an 80-20 split, with most money going to staff pay. However, the board agreed on a 90-10 division instead.
Under the plan, 90% of the funds will boost compensation for educators and school-based employees. The remaining 10% will support safety personnel and mental health services. Anna Fusco, president of the Broward Teachers Union, welcomed the move, calling it a necessary step for fairer pay.
The referendum follows a difficult financial period for the district. In April, over 300 non-teaching staff lost their jobs due to budget cuts. If approved, the new measure would cost the average Broward homeowner around £400 annually. Voters will decide the referendum’s fate in November. If passed, the funds will primarily increase wages for teachers and staff. The outcome will also determine whether safety and mental health programmes receive additional support.
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