When voters head to the polls this November, they can choose to continue supporting Martin County public schools by voting to renew the existing millage referendum. If approved, the referendum would go into effect in 2026 after the current referendum expires in 2025.
Funding from the millage referendum is spread across five essential areas: School Safety & Security, Mental Health, Recruiting & Retaining Teachers, Professional Development, and Academic Initiatives. Voters initially approved the millage referendum in 2018 and reauthorized it in 2022. If voters choose not to reauthorize the millage referendum this November, funding would lapse after the current referendum expires in 2025 and before an additional referendum could be presented for future consideration. The existing millage referendum positions the District to fund additional school resource officers and mental health programs to ensure a safe learning environment for its students. Additionally, funds from this referendum would continue to help the District recruit and retain the best and brightest teachers and support staff while also ensuring they are equipped with the training necessary to provide a robust education to Martin County students.
It's important to note that all Martin County public schools benefit from millage referendum dollars.
Check your voter status and polling place by visiting martinvotes.gov.
Frequently Asked Questions
Statements of Support
The reauthorization of the millage referendum has been endorsed by the Jensen Beach Chamber of Commerce, Palm City Chamber of Commerce, Stuart/Martin County Chamber of Commerce, Martin County Education Association (MCEA), AFSCME Florida Local #597, the Economic Council of Martin County, Martin County Taxpayers Association and TCPalm.
Millage Funding Supports Five Critical Categories
Academic Initiatives
Port Salerno Elementary students visited Indian River State College - Chastain Campus - for a fun and educational AVID field trip. This field trip supports part of the AVID framework: opportunity knowledge.
Jensen Beach Elementary is working to become a nationally certified eco-school.
Martin County School District was honored with the prestigious recognition of Cambridge International's Small District of the Year.
Safety and Security
Keeping students and staff safe is a priority for the Martin County School District, which is why hosting active intruder training with the local first responders is vital.
The Martin County School District's Chief of Safety and Security, Mr. Frank Frangella, explains the difference between a lockout and a lockdown.
Online Threats Circulating: MCSD & MCSO Urge Families to Report and Not Reshare.
Mental Health
The Martin County School District participated in a mental health campaign for middle and high schools, Speak Life End Bullying the Musical.
The Boys and Girls Club of Martin County presented ten Martin County School District seniors with CHARACTER COUNTS! Joe Kordick Youth Character Awards. The award recipients are chosen based on their character and how they demonstrate the six pillars of CHARACTER COUNTS!: trustworthiness, responsibility, respect, fairness, caring and citizenship.
Felix A. Williams Elementary participates in Start with Hello Week! Start with Hello Week is a prevention program in partnership with Sandy Hook Promise that teaches children and teens how to be more socially inclusive and connected with each other.
Professional Development & Recruitment and Retention
School might be out for the summer, but learning continues for many teachers throughout the Martin County School District.
Martin County School District hosts pop-up job fairs throughout the year. These pop-up job fairs are a great opportunity for potential employees to meet face-to-face with leadership and apply on-site.
The Martin County School District Professional Learning Team hosts the H.A.P.P.Y. Conference which stands for honoring amazing professional practice yearly. MCSD teachers are invited to the conference to celebrate their achievements and hard work, and to learn from others through motivational talks.