Op-Ed | Regional Prosperity Begins with Quality Education — Your Vote Matters

Voters in five Tampa Bay counties have an important choice to make this November when supporting education. Hernando, Hillsborough, Manatee, Pinellas and Sarasota voters can support education referendums in their respective counties.

These referendums, whether new, up for an increase, or seeking renewal, all serve to help fund operational expenses for public schools, including the salaries of educators and school support staff.

As president and CEO of the Tampa Bay Partnership, I am critically aware of the region’s talent pipeline and how early academic success can inform economic prosperity for students while creating the workforce of tomorrow. The region’s business climate is strong, but to continue our success, we will need to continue growing, attracting and retaining top-tier talent. A well-funded public school system is key for our future workforce.

Voters in 25 of Florida’s counties have approved millage increases devoted to education, benefiting nearly two-thirds of the state’s population. It is important to note that among Florida’s six largest school districts, Hillsborough County — currently the third largest — is the only district lacking this vital support for educators. Last year, Hillsborough County alone had over 500 instructional vacancies. The region must invest in improved wages to recruit and retain talented educators.

Voting yes on these education referendums will be money well spent. Great teachers help keep students engaged in the classroom, reduce dropout rates, increase educational achievement and improve graduation rates.

To put this in context, less than half of Tampa Bay students (47.70%) are reading with third-grade proficiency. Imagine that due to vacancies, a first or second-grader never receives a full-time teacher and that their substitutes have not been trained to teach reading comprehension. Leading to third grade, students learn to read, and after third grade, they read to learn. Without proper instruction throughout their educational journey, we are jeopardizing our students’ futures.

Additionally, quality education is a determining factor for businesses considering relocating to the region. Business leaders are sensitive to the needs of their employees, which includes quality public schools. While Hernando, Pasco, Pinellas, Manatee and Sarasota counties have a millage devoted to education in place today, Hillsborough County is currently at a disadvantage without this additional funding.

Research shows that strong kindergarten readiness and third-grade reading performance have a significant impact on higher graduation rates and fewer disconnected youth (those ages 16 to 24 who are neither employed nor in school). Fully staffed schools are more likely to produce students who are career or college-ready, and these students go on to make meaningful contributions to the labor market and our community.

Holistically, the region’s educational system requires investment to meet performance aspirations. Funding educators will catalyze students’ ability to succeed.

By supporting the proposed referendum for Hillsborough County and voting “yes” for renewals in Hernando, Manatee and Sarasota counties, and “yes” on the proposed increase in Pinellas County, voters will send a resounding message that we value education and recognize its role in the long-term economic prosperity of the region.

I urge the business community to consider the economic value of supporting public education. Join me in voting “yes” to supporting the future talent of Tampa Bay. 

Bemetra Simmons
President and CEO, 
Tampa Bay Partnership

This op-ed was published on via the Tampa Bay Business Journal on Friday, October 4th. https://www.bizjournals.com/tampabay/news/2024/10/04/regional-prosperity-begins-with-education.html