The Brief

Broward School Board Approves $254 Million Referendum to Boost Teacher Salaries Amid Budget Deficit

Facing a $90 million budget shortfall, the Broward County School Board has approved a $254 million referendum to enhance teacher compensation and support staff.

In a decisive move to address a looming $90 million budget deficit, the Broward County School Board has unanimously approved a $254 million referendum aimed at bolstering teacher salaries and supporting essential staff. This referendum, set to appear on the November 3 ballot, seeks to renew a property tax increase that was initially approved by voters in 2022. If passed, the measure is expected to generate approximately $254.3 million annually, with 90% allocated directly to increasing compensation for educators and school-based personnel, and the remaining 10% designated for safety personnel and mental health services. Superintendent Dr. Howard Hepburn emphasized the critical need for this funding, stating, "This will mean continuity of services that we provide to our students, especially to our schools, that safety and security continues and also assisting our staff across the district with additional compensation." The district has been grappling with a significant decline in student enrollment, losing nearly 10,000 students over the past year, which has directly impacted state funding and exacerbated the budget shortfall. The proposed tax increase would cost the average Broward homeowner about $400 annually. Board member Debbi Hixon highlighted the importance of the referendum, noting, "Ultimately, I think the discussion was (that) we need some more information." The allocation of funds is designed to ensure that the majority directly benefits classroom teachers and support staff, aiming to enhance the quality of education and maintain essential services within the district. This initiative comes at a time when the district is also implementing cost-saving measures, including a hiring freeze and the elimination of 1,000 positions over the next three years, to align staffing levels with the declining student population. The referendum represents a proactive effort by the School Board to secure additional resources and stabilize the district's financial standing, ensuring that Broward County Public Schools can continue to provide quality education and support to its students and staff.

ℹ️ Researched and summarized from public reporting. Check the sources below.

Sources

Broward schools face $85 million budget deficit after losing nearly 10,000 students - CBS Miami — cbsnews.com
Broward County school board cuts 1,000 jobs after delays to cast vote | WUSF — wusf.org
"Broward School Board approves funding plan for teacher salaries ahead of referendum" — CBS Miami
"Broward schools face $85 million budget deficit after losing nearly 10,000 students" — CBS Miami
"Broward School Board approves bus camera program expected to generate millions" — NBC 6 South Florida
[YouTube] Broward School Board Meeting - June 9, 2026 — YouTube
[Reddit] r/BrowardCounty: Discussion on School Board's Budget Measures — Reddit
[Facebook] Broward County School Board Official Page: Announcement of Referendum Approval — Facebook