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MEDIA ADVISORY
CONTACT: Derek Lowe
Coordinator, Public Information and Community Relations
(772) 219-1200 ext. 30195
lowed@martinschools.org |
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| In November 2024, Martin County voters will be asked to consider a second reauthorization of the existing "up to" one-half-mill property tax referendum. Voters originally approved the millage referendum in August 2018. |
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 18, 2024 |
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Stuart, FL - Martin County voters will be asked to consider reauthorizing the “up-to” one-half-mill property tax for a second time when they report to the polls in November.
In 2018, Martin County voters approved an initial millage rate referendum, which was renewed in 2022. Changes to Florida law mandate the appearance of referendums on general election ballots, which necessitated the reauthorization being presented to voters this year to prevent a year of missed collections should voters approve the measure.
Since 2018, the Martin County School Board has designated five funding categories for funds generated by the referendum:
1. School Safety and Security (Including funding additional Martin County Sheriff's Office deputies to serve our high school campus as School Resource Officers)
2. Mental Health Programs (Including funding for additional counselors/social service workers)
3. Recruiting and Retaining Teachers and Support Staff (To assist our efforts to remain competitive in our local labor market)
4. Professional Development
5. Academic Initiatives
The Board’s existing funding categories were established using input provided by teachers, staff and members of the Martin County community.
“As a School Board, we are grateful for the engagement and generosity of our entire community as we ask them to consider a renewal of the 'up to' one-half-mill property tax referendum,” said Jennifer Russell, School Board Chair. “We deeply value the perspective of our families, employees and community. As has been the case since 2018, 100% of all referendum dollars collected will remain in Martin County for the benefit of students enrolled in our local public schools.”
Should voters approve a second reauthorization of the referendum in November, the District will distribute allocated funds to teachers and support staff based on direction from the collective bargaining units - the Martin County Education Association (MCEA) and the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) Local #597 - while maintaining three additional Martin County Sheriff’s Office School Resource Officers (SROs) at its high schools and two at the early childhood learning campuses.
Mental health programs funded through a successful reauthorization will include the continued funding of additional guidance counselors, school psychologists, intervention problem-solving (IPS) coaches and multi-tiered systems of support staff (MTSS) positions.
“We continue to seek ways to enhance safety and security in our schools while supporting our students’ mental and emotional health,” said Board Chair Russell. “We appreciate and value the District’s relationship with the Martin County Sheriff's Office, which allows us to have additional deputies protecting our schools. We also look to continue doubling down on support for mental wellness, with more trained eyes on children and opportunities for professionals to build proactive, nurturing relationships with our students. These goals would be achieved with the millage reauthorization we are asking our Martin County voters to consider."
More information on the millage referendum item that will appear on voters’ ballots will appear on the District’s website in the coming days. Answers to frequently asked questions are available here.
About MCSD
Located on Florida's Treasure Coast, the Martin County School District (MCSD) offers an array of opportunities for students based on their unique interests, needs and passions. MCSD maintains robust academic standards, renowned arts and athletics programs, and numerous career and technical education opportunities. Students benefit from the District's many partnerships with business and community organizations, as well as character development, environmental stewardship and civic leadership programs. The mission of MCSD is to educate all students for success.
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| Martin County School District • 1939 SE Federal Highway • Stuart, FL 34994 |
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