TAMPA, Fla. — Hillsborough County Public Schools is holding a series of town hall meetings for residents to learn more about a referendum they'll be asked to decide on in November to boost teacher pay.

The need for raises wasn't questioned during Monday's town hall at Gaither High School.

"As anybody else, I believe that teachers need more funds. They need more money. They're not paid enough," said Robert Calvert, whose children attend Gaither.

What You Need To Know

  • Hillsborough schools held its second town hall meeting on a referendum to boost teacher pay at Gaither High School on Monday

  • Attendees questioned the language of the referendum as well as the timing of a tax increase

  • Supporters said voting yes is key to making sure the district can compete with neighboring districts in recruiting and keeping quality teachers

  • PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Latest ruling could put Hillsborough tax referendum back on ballot

“I believe they deserve it,” said Layla Collins, who has two children who attend school in the district. “I do substitute, so I see how hard it is.”

But district and teachers’ union leaders were pressed for answers on some details of the referendum.

“There is nothing in that referendum that guarantees that it will be used directly for pay,” said Collins. “Like with any business, you’ve got to clean up your own act first. Are we spending the money in the right places first?”

The referendum would raise property taxes by $281 per year for the typical household. Superintendent Van Ayres told those at the meeting this would allow for a $6,000 salary supplement for the district's 13,000 teachers.

“We’re a people business. We need to have great individuals. In the end, it’s about the best classroom experience for our kids,” said Ayres.

Ayres told attendees that while money is slated for operational expenses, its purpose is to boost teacher pay. Supporters said that’s important to keeping and recruiting the best educators.

“We need to get the money into the hands of the district so that teachers can have level pay to all the other counties surrounding us,” said Laura Tucker with the Hillsborough County Democratic Public Education Caucus.

Concerns about adding expenses for residents amid already rising costs also came up. Officials said there’s never a good time to raise taxes, and Ayres told Spectrum News public schools are a top community need.

“It’s about having a highly qualified teacher and a great leader in every building, and that’s what keeps me up at night is that we don’t have that everywhere,” Ayres said.

Voters will be asked to decide on the referendum Nov. 5.

Another town hall will be held on Tuesday, Sept. 24 from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. at Alonso High School in Tampa. Information on future meetings is available on the HCPS website.