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Broward superintendent briefs Deerfield Beach commission on 'Next Generation' referendum
Summary
Broward County Schools Superintendent Dr. Howard Hepburn told the commission the referendum is a renewal 1-mill property tax (not a new tax) that would raise about $358 million for schools from 2027'030, with priorities including teacher compensation, school safety and mental-health staff; he provided homeowner cost examples and directed residents to the district referendum website.
Dr. Howard Hepburn, superintendent of Broward County Public Schools, presented the "Next Generation" referendum to the Deerfield Beach City Commission, describing it as a renewal of the 1-mill property tax voters approved in 2022 rather than a new tax. He said the measure would run from Jan. 1, 2027 through Dec. 31, 2030 and, if approved, would generate about $358,000,000 for district- and district-operated charter schools.
Hepburn outlined spending priorities: more than 90% dedicated to recruitment and compensation supplements for teachers and eligible staff, and about 10% earmarked for school resource officers and other safety personnel. He estimated homeowner impacts on average assessed values as roughly $418 per year for a single-family home and about $230 per year for a condominium. "This is not a new tax," Hepburn said. He also emphasized the referendum would help sustain mental-health services and retain qualified staff amid high regional competition.
Commissioners thanked the superintendent and asked whether referendum funds would reduce the local fiscal burden cities assume for SROs; Hepburn said the measure "will help tremendously" in closing the cost delta for SROs that municipalities have absorbed. He also provided a web resource for more information: browardschools.com/referendum2020six (as presented).
