WESLEY CHAPEL, FL — Pasco County voters will see a school funding referendum on the November 3, 2026, General Election ballot, asking whether the School Board should continue an annual operating millage of up to one mill for public schools.

For Wesley Chapel families, homeowners and school employees, the issue is not a new local government office or a city-level question. Wesley Chapel is part of unincorporated Pasco County, so the referendum is countywide and tied to Pasco County Schools.

According to Pasco County Schools, the measure would renew the same millage voters approved in 2022. The district says the existing referendum provides direct salary support for teachers and non-administrator staff, including instructional and operational support employees.

The ballot language asks whether the School Board should continue to levy an annual ad valorem operating millage of up to one mill beginning July 1, 2027, and ending June 30, 2031. Voters will choose “YES — for continuation of millage” or “NO — against continuation of millage.”

The district says the funding is used primarily for non-administrator employee compensation. That includes teachers, bus drivers, instructional assistants, custodial employees, food service employees and school support staff. Pasco County Schools also says a smaller portion of the funding is planned for school safety.

The distinction matters because the referendum is separate from Penny for Pasco, the sales tax program used for capital projects such as school construction, renovation and facilities. Pasco County Schools says Penny for Pasco dollars cannot be used for teacher salaries, school resource officers or safety personnel.

The school district says the referendum currently generates about $60 million to supplement eligible employee salaries. It also says that without renewal, district employees would experience an approximate 12% reduction in salary that cannot be replaced through other funding sources.

For taxpayers, the district describes one mill as $1 for every $1,000 of assessed value. As an example, Pasco County Schools says a home assessed at $200,000 would cost approximately $200 per year. The district also says the millage applies only to property owners.

Pasco County Schools says the money is tracked separately and reviewed through the Salary Referendum Oversight Committee, a citizen committee created after the 2022 referendum to review allowable expenditures and provide annual reporting.

The Pasco County Supervisor of Elections lists the 2026 General Election date as Tuesday, November 3, with the voter registration book closing date already passed on October 5. The Supervisor of Elections says sample ballots are available online, accessible sample ballots are also available, and sample ballots are being mailed to voters who have not requested a vote-by-mail ballot.

Polls are scheduled to be open on Election Day from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Voters who are unsure of their precinct can use the precinct finder through the Supervisor of Elections.

The practical question for Wesley Chapel voters is whether to continue an existing school operating millage for another four-year period. Supporters of renewal point to staff retention, classroom stability and school safety. Opponents may focus on property tax cost or whether the district should fund those needs another way.

Either way, voters should read the ballot language, review their sample ballot and check their registration, polling place or vote-by-mail status through the Supervisor of Elections before casting a ballot.

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