Polk school board approves draft referendum language, funding formula and resolution language to take to public hearing

The Polk County School Board on Tuesday, Aug. 12, voted to approve draft referendum ballot language, a proposed formula for how proceeds would be distributed, and draft resolution language that the board will take to a public hearing in September.

The proposed ballot text and related documents call for 80 percent of proceeds to be used for salaries and benefits and 20 percent for programs and operations; the board also included language creating an independent oversight committee and notes that proceeds will be shared with charter schools “as required by law.” Board members said the measures are intended to preserve experienced teachers and stabilize staffing.

Why it matters: the board and district officials said the millage would fund teacher and staff pay and program investments the district says are necessary to…