Nearly 64% of voters support four-year funding measure to strengthen teacher compensation, school safety, and educational programs as School Board Chair Heather Kahoun thanks the community.
OSCEOLA COUNTY, Fla. — In a significant victory for public education, Osceola County voters overwhelmingly approved the School District of Osceola County’s Operational Millage Referendum during Tuesday’s November 3 General Election, providing a new source of funding to support teachers, school safety, and educational opportunities throughout the district.
The referendum passed with 81,092 votes in favor, or approximately 64%, compared with 45,663 votes against, or 36%, according to unofficial election results from the Osceola County Supervisor of Elections. All 150 precincts reported results.
Following the referendum’s approval, School Board Chair Heather Kahoun expressed her gratitude to Osceola County voters, emphasizing the positive impact the additional funding will have on students, teachers, and school employees.
“Thank you, Osceola! Our teachers, our staff, our students… they are the real winners after yesterday. We are so appreciative of a community who values educators and education and we know this is going to help keep the momentum moving forward in Osceola,” Kahoun said.
The approval authorizes a one-mill property tax for four years, beginning with the 2027–2028 school year, and is expected to generate approximately $65 million annually to support educational operations at traditional public and charter schools throughout Osceola County.
The outcome represents a major development for a school district facing substantial financial challenges, including declining enrollment, rising operational costs, and a projected budget shortfall exceeding $100 million over the next four years.
Funding to support teachers, school safety, and student programs
The voter-approved millage will provide additional revenue to improve teacher and staff compensation, maintain school safety personnel, and preserve academic programs, arts, music, athletics, and other student activities.
According to district figures, Osceola ranks 66th out of Florida’s 67 school districts in per-student funding, receiving approximately $8,900 per student. The new millage is expected to provide an additional $950 per student, helping address rising educational costs.
Teacher compensation remains a major challenge. Osceola’s average teacher salary is approximately $52,840, compared with $60,030 in Orange County and $57,412 in Seminole County, making it more difficult to compete for qualified educators.
The district reports that approximately 80% of its operational budget is already dedicated to employee salaries and benefits, while its comparatively low administrative spending allows a greater share of resources to support teachers and students.
The additional funding is expected to help bridge the gap between state education funding and rising operational expenses, while supporting the district’s ability to recruit and retain educators and maintain essential student services.
Superintendent Shanoff highlighted urgent financial challenges
Superintendent Dr. Mark Shanoff has repeatedly emphasized the financial pressures facing Osceola County schools, particularly as state education funding has struggled to keep pace with inflation, healthcare costs, and employee compensation needs.
During the district’s October State of Education address, Shanoff highlighted both academic progress and financial concerns, noting that Osceola County’s graduation rate had climbed to approximately 93%, exceeding the statewide average.
Despite those achievements, the district has faced difficult budget decisions.
Over the past two school years, approximately 785 teaching and staff positions have been eliminated, along with nearly $16 million in program and initiative reductions.
The district also reports losing more than 1,450 students over four years, resulting in approximately $13 million in reduced funding.
The referendum’s approval provides a significant financial resource as district leaders work to stabilize operations and protect educational opportunities.
What the new millage means for property owners
The approved operational millage adds $1 in property taxes for every $1,000 of taxable property value.
For example, a property with a taxable value of $200,000 would pay approximately $200 annually, or $16.67 per month, under the new levy.
Unlike taxes designated for school construction or capital improvements, operational millage revenue supports day-to-day educational expenses, including personnel, school safety, and student programs.
The tax will remain in effect for four years and would require additional voter approval to continue beyond that period.
The referendum also includes independent citizen oversight intended to provide accountability and transparency in how the additional funding is spent.
Voters make education a priority in Osceola County
The referendum’s passage comes during a period of continued growth and change across Osceola County, Kissimmee, and St. Cloud, where housing affordability, economic pressures, and shifting school enrollment have created challenges for families and local institutions.
For Osceola County, the new revenue is expected to strengthen the district’s ability to retain teachers, maintain student services, and preserve educational opportunities while addressing ongoing budget challenges.
Although the additional funding will not eliminate every financial concern facing the district, its approval gives school leaders a significant new resource for planning the next four years.
A new chapter for Osceola County schools
With nearly two-thirds of participating voters supporting the measure, the Operational Millage Referendum represents a significant expression of community support for local public education.
For Superintendent Shanoff, School Board Chair Kahoun, board members, teachers, staff, students, and families, the election result provides an opportunity to address longstanding funding challenges while continuing to build on the district’s academic progress.
The focus now shifts to implementing the voter-approved funding, establishing oversight, and ensuring the additional revenue supports the priorities presented to voters.
As the School District of Osceola County prepares for the 2027–2028 school year, the successful referendum marks an important step toward strengthening educational opportunities, supporting teachers and staff, and investing in the future of students throughout Osceola County.
Editor’s note: Election results are unofficial and remain subject to certification by the Osceola County Supervisor of Elections.
