Higher taxes for higher teacher pay? Polk school board approves draft millage referendum language

POLK COUNTY, Fla. (WFLA) — Polk County Public Schools is preparing to ask its taxpayers for help to make its teacher salaries more competitive.

“We have to, as a community, say ‘Enough. We want strong public schools in our communities, and we’re gonna pay for it,’” said Stephanie Yocum, president of Polk Education Association, the county’s teachers’ union.

5 Florida schools ranked on Top 100 Worldwide Universities List

At its Aug. 12 meeting, the Polk County School Board unanimously agreed on draft language for a millage referendum on the November 2026 ballot.

The draft referendum reads:…

Story continues

TRENDING NOW

LATEST LOCAL NEWS