In the upcoming Nov. 3 midterm elections, Miami-Dade County voters will have the option to renew what is known as the School Board Referendum. This property tax helps provide funding for teacher salaries and school security at Miami-Dade County public schools, including charter schools like Mater Lakes Academy.
The property tax is based on a property’s taxable value. For every $1,000 of taxable property value, the tax is $1. For example, if a property’s taxable value is $1 million, the annual tax would be $1,000.
The tax is used to help fund teacher salaries, recruit and retain educators and support school safety. According to Miami-Dade County Public Schools, 88% of the money currently goes toward teacher compensation, while 12% supports school safety and security.
However, one area where voter confusion may occur is whether renewing the referendum will increase property taxes. The referendum is not something new. Originally approved in 2018 and renewed in 2022, the tax already exists. Voting yes would continue the current tax rate rather than introduce an additional tax.
If the referendum is not renewed, Miami-Dade County Public Schools could lose more than $500 million in annual funding when the current tax expires on June 30, 2027. School district officials have warned that losing this funding could lead to reductions in teacher compensation and school security resources. If renewed, the referendum would continue through June 30, 2031.
A vote YES means:
- The existing property tax of $1 for every $1,000 of taxable property value would continue for another four years.
- Funding would continue for teacher salaries and other eligible instructional personnel.
- Public schools and charter schools, including Mater Lakes Academy, would continue receiving funding from the referendum.
- Funding for student safety and school security would continue.
- A citizen advisory committee would continue overseeing how the money is spent.
A vote NO means:
- The existing one-mill property tax would expire on June 30, 2027.
- Property owners would no longer pay this specific school tax after it expires.
- Miami-Dade County Public Schools would lose a major source of funding for teacher compensation and school security.
- The district would need to find other funding sources or make budget changes to address the loss.
- Teacher salaries and school security resources could be affected, depending on how the district responds.
How could this affect Mater Lakes Academy?
“Wanting a higher pay has been coming, and it kind of shows, not just in typical county schools, but also here at Mater Lakes, how the effect of our pay base has on our education practices,” said Brandon, a theater teacher and Drama Club sponsor at Mater Lakes Academy.
Brandon expressed strong support for the School Board Referendum, describing its renewal as an important development for educators.
Brandon explained that working two jobs, including teaching and working as a professional theater director outside of school, has made it difficult to keep up with living expenses.
For Brandon, continuing teacher compensation funding could influence the decision to remain in South Florida with family rather than pursue career opportunities elsewhere.
What comes next?
On Nov. 3, Miami-Dade County voters will decide whether to continue the existing property tax for another four years. The outcome could affect teacher compensation, school security and funding for public and charter schools throughout the county.
Voters will have to decide whether to maintain the current funding system or allow the tax to expire in 2027.
Editor’s Note: This article has been edited for clarity, brevity, accuracy and neutrality while preserving the author’s original reporting.
