HALF-PENNY SALES TAX REFERENDUM
We are proud that Hillsborough County Public Schools continues to be the #1 choice for families in our community. That success is possible because of the incredible support we receive from our families and community members.
One example of this support is the half-penny sales tax referendum approved by voters in 2018. At that time, our district faced more than $1 billion in deferred maintenance. Many schools needed immediate A/C replacements, roof and window repairs, and other facilities and technology upgrades.
Thanks to voters, the half-penny referendum provided funding to address these needs, with a promise that every school would receive at least $500,000 in improvements. Since then, more than $1.2 billion has been invested in school facilities, safety, and technology across the district. More than $680 million of that work was awarded to local businesses, supporting jobs in our community.
We are grateful for your continued support. If you would like more information about the referendum and the projects it has funded, please visit the district’s website >> https://www.hillsboroughschools.org/o/hcps/page/half-penny-sales-tax-referendum
A vision from Alonso High School came to life at Lowry Elementary School! 🎨
IB students Alessandra Varszegi and Alessia Elbooz brought their creativity and passion to their IB CAS (Creativity, Activity, Service) project by designing and painting a mural for the Lowry Elementary community. Over several months, students and staff watched their vision unfold, sparking conversations, excitement, and inspiration along the way.
The completed mural is a beautiful example of student leadership, creativity, and the impact of bringing communities together through art.
Your Next Opportunity Starts Here!
At Hillsborough County Public Schools, excellence isn't just our standard—it's who we are. As an "A"- graded school district, the 7th-largest in the nation, and one of the largest employers in the Tampa Bay region, we're looking for passionate professionals who are ready to make a difference.
We're hiring for the 2026–2027 school year, including:
Elementary teachers
Middle and high school teachers in high-need subject areas
Special education teachers
School nurses
School counselors
Bus drivers
and More!
Whether you're launching your career, taking the next step, a military veteran or a career-changer, you'll find meaningful work, opportunities to grow, and the chance to make a lasting impact on students and our community.
More Opportunities Start Here. Explore career opportunities and apply today at HCPSJobs.com.
At Hillsborough County Public Schools, excellence isn't just our standard—it's who we are. As an "A"- graded school district, the 7th-largest in the nation, and one of the largest employers in the Tampa Bay region, we're looking for passionate professionals who are ready to make a difference.
We're hiring for the 2026–2027 school year, including:
Elementary teachers
Middle and high school teachers in high-need subject areas
Special education teachers
School nurses
School counselors
Bus drivers
and More!
Whether you're launching your career, taking the next step, a military veteran or a career-changer, you'll find meaningful work, opportunities to grow, and the chance to make a lasting impact on students and our community.
More Opportunities Start Here. Explore career opportunities and apply today at HCPSJobs.com.
There’s still time to apply for Florida’s FREE New Worlds Reading program!
The application deadline has been extended to Sunday, July 12, giving eligible VPK through 5th-grade students and their families a few extra days to enroll and receive free books and at-home literacy resources.
Students who completed 5th grade during the 2025-2026 school year are still eligible and can receive 9 free books, plus two bonus books this summer before starting middle school.
To check your student's eligibility and apply, visit https://bit.ly/4tZ6EYy.
The application deadline has been extended to Sunday, July 12, giving eligible VPK through 5th-grade students and their families a few extra days to enroll and receive free books and at-home literacy resources.
Students who completed 5th grade during the 2025-2026 school year are still eligible and can receive 9 free books, plus two bonus books this summer before starting middle school.
To check your student's eligibility and apply, visit https://bit.ly/4tZ6EYy.
Congratulations to our talented student artists! 🎨👏
Hillsborough County Public Schools earned top honors in the 2026 Congressional Art Competition, with students taking 1st-, 2nd-, and 3rd-place among entries from Florida's 16th Congressional District.
Ireland Cates (Bloomingdale High) earned 1st Place, and her artwork, The Capitol, will be displayed for one year in the U.S. Capitol complex in Washington, D.C. Olivia Fields (Riverview High) received 2nd Place, and Madelyn Bowers (Bloomingdale High) earned 3rd Place.
Special congratulations to Malik Dante Walker and Adam Nuykin of Sumner High School for being named Facebook Fan Favorite winners!
We're so proud of these outstanding artists for showcasing the incredible talent and creativity found across HCPS! 🎉🎨
We've extended our Summer Feeding Program's weekly meal box distribution by one more week!
Families can pick up a free seven-day meal box every Wednesday on July 15, July 22, and now July 29, from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. at South County Career Center (2810 John Sherman Way, Ruskin).
Each meal box includes seven days of breakfast and lunch meals, plus a gallon of milk for children and teens 18 and younger. Children do not need to be present for pickup.
Can't make it to the weekly pickup? HCPS also continues to offer free on-site meals at more than 150 locations throughout the summer. Find a meal site near you at summerbreakspot.org.
Did you know that seven of our Class of 2026 graduates achieved perfect attendance throughout their entire K–12 educational journey?!
That means these students completed 13 years of school without missing a single day:
Julius Montalvo, Gaither High School
Nathan Jorden, Lennard High School
Noah Jorden, Lennard High School
Amanda Harris, Newsome High School
Darius Donaldson-Dunphy, Plant City High School
Matthew Mason, Sickles High School
Sadie Jones, Sickles High School
They were recognized at a recent school board meeting, and each received a $500 scholarship gift card from our partner in education, Suncoast Credit Union.
🚌 Your next opportunity starts here!
Join Hillsborough County Public Schools at our Transportation Job Fair and explore careers as a Bus Driver or Mechanic. Enjoy great benefits, paid time off, free training, school breaks, and more.
📅 July 15 | 🕘 9 a.m.–1 p.m.
9455 Harney Rd, Thonotosassa
Help keep our students moving safely every day! Register Today: https://bit.ly/2026DrivetheBus
Give your student more opportunities to learn, grow, and succeed in an A-graded school district! The final Magnet and School Choice application window for the 2026–2027 school year opens Monday, July 6, at 6:00 p.m. and closes Sunday, July 12, at 11:59 p.m.
Families can explore a variety of options, including STEM, arts, International Baccalaureate (IB), career-themed magnet programs, Montessori, and Hillsborough Virtual School. Find a magnet program that best fits your student's interests and goals at http://hillsboroughschools.org/magnet.
Apply before the deadline >> http://hillsboroughschools.org/choice.
Families can explore a variety of options, including STEM, arts, International Baccalaureate (IB), career-themed magnet programs, Montessori, and Hillsborough Virtual School. Find a magnet program that best fits your student's interests and goals at http://hillsboroughschools.org/magnet.
Apply before the deadline >> http://hillsboroughschools.org/choice.
We'd like to congratulate Amy Metzler on being named the new principal of Tampa Bay Boulevard Elementary School!
Amy began her education career as a preschool teacher in Allentown, Pennsylvania. In 2006, she taught 3rd grade in Cobb County, Georgia, before joining the HCPS family in 2010. She taught 5th grade at Summerfield Crossings Elementary School and Shore Elementary School before becoming a math coach in 2013. Amy served as a math coach at Shore, Tampa Heights, Potter, and Bing Elementary Schools, as well as at the district level. She was appointed assistant principal at Sulphur Springs K-8 in 2019. Most recently, she served as principal of Tampa Heights Elementary School.
Congratulations, Amy! We know our Buccaneers are ready to chart a course for success under your leadership!
Amy began her education career as a preschool teacher in Allentown, Pennsylvania. In 2006, she taught 3rd grade in Cobb County, Georgia, before joining the HCPS family in 2010. She taught 5th grade at Summerfield Crossings Elementary School and Shore Elementary School before becoming a math coach in 2013. Amy served as a math coach at Shore, Tampa Heights, Potter, and Bing Elementary Schools, as well as at the district level. She was appointed assistant principal at Sulphur Springs K-8 in 2019. Most recently, she served as principal of Tampa Heights Elementary School.
Congratulations, Amy! We know our Buccaneers are ready to chart a course for success under your leadership!
Meet Jennifer Heinze, the new principal of Morgan Woods Elementary School!
Jennifer began her career with HCPS in 2005 as a 2nd-grade teacher at Dunbar Elementary School. She later taught 2nd and 3rd grades and served as Reading Coach at Edison Elementary School. In 2019, she was appointed assistant principal at Muller Elementary School before returning to Edison as assistant principal in 2020. Most recently, she served as principal of Edison.
Congratulations, Jennifer! We know our Tigers will accomplish great things under your leadership.
Jennifer began her career with HCPS in 2005 as a 2nd-grade teacher at Dunbar Elementary School. She later taught 2nd and 3rd grades and served as Reading Coach at Edison Elementary School. In 2019, she was appointed assistant principal at Muller Elementary School before returning to Edison as assistant principal in 2020. Most recently, she served as principal of Edison.
Congratulations, Jennifer! We know our Tigers will accomplish great things under your leadership.
Congratulations to Carmon Hinton on being named the new principal of McDonald Elementary School!
Carmon began her education career in 2013 with the Cleveland Metropolitan School District in Ohio. In 2019, she moved to Florida and joined the HCPS family, where she taught Varying Exceptionalities at Kimbell Elementary School. Most recently, she served as assistant principal at Lewis Elementary School.
We look forward to seeing the incredible work you'll accomplish with our Mustangs, Carmon!
Carmon began her education career in 2013 with the Cleveland Metropolitan School District in Ohio. In 2019, she moved to Florida and joined the HCPS family, where she taught Varying Exceptionalities at Kimbell Elementary School. Most recently, she served as assistant principal at Lewis Elementary School.
We look forward to seeing the incredible work you'll accomplish with our Mustangs, Carmon!
We'd like to congratulate Christina Calve on being named the new principal of Lowry Elementary School!
Christina began her career with HCPS in 2006 as a 3rd-grade teacher at Cahoon Elementary School (now Woodson K-8). She later taught at Symmes Elementary School and Collins K-8 before serving as a science coach at Lockhart Elementary School in 2012. She then moved into a district-level role and, in 2016, became the science resource teacher at Town and Country Elementary School. Most recently, she served as assistant principal at Carrollwood K-8.
Our Leopards are ready to welcome you to the prowl, Christina!
Christina began her career with HCPS in 2006 as a 3rd-grade teacher at Cahoon Elementary School (now Woodson K-8). She later taught at Symmes Elementary School and Collins K-8 before serving as a science coach at Lockhart Elementary School in 2012. She then moved into a district-level role and, in 2016, became the science resource teacher at Town and Country Elementary School. Most recently, she served as assistant principal at Carrollwood K-8.
Our Leopards are ready to welcome you to the prowl, Christina!
Congratulations to Lizzette Beltran on being named the new principal of Cannella Elementary School!
Lizzette began her career with HCPS in 2006 as a 3rd- and 5th-grade teacher at Lomax Elementary School. She later joined Schwarzkopf Elementary School, where she taught various grade levels and served as an ELL Resource Teacher and Reading Resource Teacher. In 2022, she was appointed assistant principal at Cannella.
Our Comets are going to continue to soar to new heights under your leadership, Lizzette!
Lizzette began her career with HCPS in 2006 as a 3rd- and 5th-grade teacher at Lomax Elementary School. She later joined Schwarzkopf Elementary School, where she taught various grade levels and served as an ELL Resource Teacher and Reading Resource Teacher. In 2022, she was appointed assistant principal at Cannella.
Our Comets are going to continue to soar to new heights under your leadership, Lizzette!
Meet the new principal of Mary Bryant Elementary School, Victoria Morse!
Victoria began her career with HCPS in 1995 as a first-grade teacher at Mitchell Elementary School. She later spent 12 years teaching at Lutz Elementary (now K-8) before serving as a district peer evaluator in 2013. In 2017, she returned to Mary Bryant as assistant principal and most recently served as principal of Woodbridge Elementary School.
Congratulations, Victoria! Our Broncos are lucky to have you leading the herd.
We'd like to congratulate Christina Vega on being named the new principal of Buchanan Middle School!
Christina began her HCPS career as a bilingual aide at Dowdell Middle School. She later taught at Sligh Middle School before moving into administration at Sligh, Sulphur Springs, and, most recently, Tampa Bay Boulevard Elementary School, where she served as principal.
We can't wait to see the waves you'll make with our Buccaneers, Christina!
Christina began her HCPS career as a bilingual aide at Dowdell Middle School. She later taught at Sligh Middle School before moving into administration at Sligh, Sulphur Springs, and, most recently, Tampa Bay Boulevard Elementary School, where she served as principal.
We can't wait to see the waves you'll make with our Buccaneers, Christina!
Congratulations to Deanna McCahan on being named the new principal of Freedom High School!
She began her career with HCPS in 2001 teaching marketing. She later served at South County Career Acceleration Academy, East Bay High School, and Spoto High School in various teaching and administrative positions. Most recently, she was the principal of Shields Middle School.
We look forward to seeing the incredible work you will do with our Patriots, Deanna!
She began her career with HCPS in 2001 teaching marketing. She later served at South County Career Acceleration Academy, East Bay High School, and Spoto High School in various teaching and administrative positions. Most recently, she was the principal of Shields Middle School.
We look forward to seeing the incredible work you will do with our Patriots, Deanna!
We are proud to announce that Hillsborough County Public Schools has earned an “A” district grade from the Florida Department of Education for the first time in more than a decade! 🎉🎉
This milestone follows a year of remarkable student achievement, reflecting all the hard work and dedication from our students, administrators, teachers, support staff, and families.
We are ready to continue to build on this momentum this upcoming school year.
Thank you to our HCPS Family for helping us lead the way!
🍎📚✨ Last week, more than 1,500 educators from across the country — including 235 Hillsborough County Public Schools teachers and administrators representing more than 70 HCPS sites — attended the AVID Summer Institute in downtown Tampa.
🎤 During the general session, hosted by Sarah Sajan of Armwood Collegiate Academy, attendees heard inspiring stories from keynote speaker Adele Szczech-Johnson of Durant High School, as well as Amari Jones, a former Hillsborough High School AVID student and current AVID teacher at Eisenhower Middle School, and Viviana Melendez, a former Strawberry Crest High School AVID student.
🌟 Each speaker shared how AVID helped shape their educational journeys, careers, and commitment to student success, highlighting the lasting impact of the program on generations of learners and educators.
🥁 Attendees were also treated to a high-energy musical performance by the Durant High School Drumline, bringing excitement, energy, and school spirit to the event!
🎤 During the general session, hosted by Sarah Sajan of Armwood Collegiate Academy, attendees heard inspiring stories from keynote speaker Adele Szczech-Johnson of Durant High School, as well as Amari Jones, a former Hillsborough High School AVID student and current AVID teacher at Eisenhower Middle School, and Viviana Melendez, a former Strawberry Crest High School AVID student.
🌟 Each speaker shared how AVID helped shape their educational journeys, careers, and commitment to student success, highlighting the lasting impact of the program on generations of learners and educators.
🥁 Attendees were also treated to a high-energy musical performance by the Durant High School Drumline, bringing excitement, energy, and school spirit to the event!
"They helped me throughout my treatment, they've helped me throughout my whole journey, and I still come here to support the 1Voice Foundation."
HCPS and 1Voice Academy held a special ceremony to renew our partnership! The MOA commemoration highlighted the importance of helping students with cancer continue their education.
HCPS and 1Voice Academy held a special ceremony to renew our partnership! The MOA commemoration highlighted the importance of helping students with cancer continue their education.
