Lake County Teacher Pay and School Safety Referendum

United Teachers of Florida (UTF) proudly endorses the Lake County Teacher Pay and School Safety Referendum. The Lake County Teacher Pay and School Safety Referendum appearing on the November 3, 2026 ballot asks voters to approve a one-mill property tax for four years. The existing 0.75-mill property tax ends on June 30, 2027. If approved, the new one-mill tax would take effect on July 1, 2027. Funding will help the district recruit and retain high-quality teachers, enhance school safety, and improve student mental health services. Proceeds will support school resource deputies and officers, school safety guardians, the Positive Alternative to School Suspension (PASS) program, and the Academy of Lake Hills in Mascotte and Howey-in-the-Hills. Funding will also provide school psychologists, social workers, mental health liaisons, and a nurse on every campus. The millage will allow the district to enhance school safety in compliance with state law without cutting student programs to cover those costs. Every dollar will remain in the community. An independent citizens’ oversight committee will oversee spending, projects must receive School Board approval, and funds must be used in accordance with state statutes and the ballot language. UTF supports this referendum because it helps Lake County recruit and retain qualified teachers, strengthen school safety, and improve student mental health services. The funding would allow the district to address these needs without cutting student programs, with spending subject to independent citizens’ oversight and School Board approval. UTF endorses the referendum as an opportunity to support educators, protect students, and strengthen public education in Lake County.