KISSIMMEE, Fla. — Osceola County School District Superintendent Dr. Mark Shanoff appeared before the Osceola County Board of County Commissioners on Monday to outline the district’s plan to ask voters to approve a one-mill operational property tax referendum during the Nov. 3, 2026, General Election.

The presentation explained that the proposed operational millage would provide funding for essential day-to-day school operations, including attracting and retaining teachers and staff through competitive salaries and benefits, maintaining campus safety and security personnel, and preserving academic programs, arts, music, athletics, and student activities.

According to the presentation, the referendum would authorize a one-mill ad valorem tax for four years, beginning with the 2027-28 school year if approved by voters.

Unlike capital improvement funding used to construct or renovate school buildings, district officials emphasized that the proposed operational millage would be dedicated exclusively to operating expenses and local educational priorities.

The district estimates that one mill equals $1 for every $1,000 of taxable property value. As an example presented to commissioners, the owner of a home with a taxable value of $200,000 would pay approximately $200 annually, or about $16.67 per month, if the referendum is approved.

Under the proposal, revenues generated by the referendum would be shared proportionately between traditional public schools and charter schools based on student enrollment. District officials also said spending would be monitored by an independent citizen advisory committee to provide oversight and accountability.

The presentation highlighted several intended uses for the funding, including:

  • Competitive compensation and benefits to recruit and retain teachers and school employees.
  • Maintaining school safety and security personnel.
  • Preserving academic programs, arts, music, athletics, and extracurricular student activities.

District officials also told commissioners that strong schools benefit not only students and educators, but the broader community by helping strengthen workforce readiness and supporting long-term economic development throughout Osceola County.

The presentation also noted that if the referendum is not approved, the district could face additional budget reductions that may negatively affect students and staff. Officials said districts without similar voter-approved funding often must reduce staffing levels or student services.

Commissioners were presented with the proposed ballot language that voters will consider on Nov. 3, 2026. The proposed referendum reads:

“To provide for essential operating expenses, including competitive compensation and benefits to recruit and retain high quality teachers and staff, maintain safety and security personnel, preserve academic programs, arts, music, athletics and student activities, shall the School District of Osceola County levy an ad valorem tax of one mill for four years, to be shared proportionately between public and charter schools, with oversight by an independent citizen advisory committee?”

If approved by voters, the operational millage would remain in effect for four years before requiring voter renewal. The referendum is scheduled to appear on the ballot during the Nov. 3, 2026, General Election.