Broward schools officials explain Nov. 3 referendum and say renewal funds mostly support staff pay and student mental health

Broward County Public Schools officials briefed the Tamarac City Commission on a proposed renewal of the district's operational referendum that will appear on the Nov. 3 general-election ballot.

"This will measure will come in the general election on November 3," Valerie Wanza said, adding that the question is a renewal of an existing 1-mill property tax. Wanza and the superintendent (introduced by the mayor) stressed that the referendum is not a new tax but a request to continue a levy that currently funds teacher and staff pay supplements, school safety and mental-health services.

The district said the referendum generates roughly $350 million to $358 million annually across Broward County and that 90% of that revenue goes to compensation supplements for teachers and eligible staff. Wanza described three spending buckets: compensation supplements (the largest share), safety and security measures (including school resource officers) and funding for mental-health professionals and services for students.

The presenters noted past district cost-saving measures and said the referendum's renewal would continue the operational funding stream for four years. Wanza described a public outreach schedule of three town halls (Sept. 30; Oct. 7; Oct. 14) timed to inform voters and said the district will livestream one of the sessions.

The commission did not take an action on the measure itself; the presentation was informational and commissioners asked no follow-up questions during the meeting.

The question on the ballot is identified by the district as "School Board Question 1;" voters will see language asking to fund school employee pay, safety and mental-health services through a 1-mill property-tax levy.