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
Students at Pinecrest Elementary participated in a corn shucking contest and other fun activities! 🌽
After experiencing the loss of both of her parents, Klover faced many challenges throughout her childhood and early high school years. But through perseverance, support from her brother, and a renewed outlook on life, she turned things around academically and became a bright light on her campus, known for her kindness and positivity.
This fall, Klover will attend Hillsborough College Plant City Campus as she works toward her dream of becoming a forest ranger. We are very proud of you, Klover, and can’t wait to see what your future holds!
Meet our second senior to receive the Superintendent’s 2-Year Florida Prepaid College Plans Scholarship, Isaiah Rodriguez from Alonso High School!
After losing his father to a drug overdose and with his mother incarcerated, Isaiah has stepped up as the “man of the house” for his sister and grandmother. Despite carrying immense responsibility and overcoming significant obstacles, his love of learning has never dimmed.
We are so proud of you, Isaiah, and wish you all the best as you head to the University of South Florida later this year!
More Opportunities Start Here with Hillsborough Virtual School’s flexible online courses for credit recovery, GPA improvement, or acceleration. Local HCPS teachers support students every step of the way.
Learn more at hillsboroughschools.org/virtual.
Episode 14: Voices from the Board: School Board Chair Karen Perez
For today’s episode, we are talking about something that impacts every classroom, every family, and every student — mental health and overall well-being. We know that for students to learn and thrive, they must first feel safe, supported, and connected. And increasingly, schools play a critical role in supporting not just academic success, but the whole child. Joining the conversation is Karen Perez, Chair of our School Board, who has been a strong advocate for student mental health and well-being.
"What we noticed is that it boosts their confidence; we saw smiles, happy kids all around the campus. All the teachers are excited. Everyone on campus is excited for this experience." - Principal Tshiamalenge.
Congratulations to Alexander Perez, one of three seniors selected to receive the Superintendent’s 2-Year Florida Prepaid College Scholarship!
This senior from King High School has had to overcome challenges that many of his peers could never begin to imagine. Despite it all, Alexander has excelled. He will graduate as the salutatorian of his class and plans to attend the University of South Florida, where he will major in psychology.
We are incredibly proud of you, Alexander, and know you will continue to defy the odds and accomplish great things in this next chapter of your life!
https://youtu.be/4e7WTCf2vaA?si=76b6BnOFFWAFRs37
The Teacher Appreciation Week surprises continued this morning at Giunta Middle School! Ms. Dawneva Faison is the winner of four orchestra-level seats to see Beetlejuice at the Straz Center.
Watch the video below of Superintendent Ayres surprising her!
https://youtu.be/BiuMYMT3DmA?si=tQX5jxANbR-udXM-
Surprise! Congratulations to Michkayla Dandreano, a 1st-grade teacher at Forest Hills Elementary School, on winning today’s #TeacherAppreciationWeek gift! She received a $200 gift card to the Azure restaurant at the Tampa EDITION Hotel.
Superintendent Van Ayres and HCPS Teacher of the Year Christi Atkinson also recognized Mrs. Chatman and Mrs. Smith-Moncrieffe with $50 Racetrac gift cards!
Watch Ms. Dandreano's surprise below!
https://youtu.be/yH_zHhVEElQ?si=bTPSt9VdKj3Cf9hD
Meredith began her career with HCPS in 1994 as a music teacher at Walden Lake Elementary School. She also taught at Giunta Middle School and Progress Village Middle School. In 2013, she entered administration as an assistant principal at Rodgers Middle School and later at Boys Preparatory Academy at Franklin Middle School. She currently serves as assistant principal at Roosevelt.
Congratulations, Meredith! We know you’ll continue to build on the proud tradition of excellence for our Rough Riders. 🐴
Lindsay began her teaching career in 2005 in Orlando. She joined the HCPS family in 2009 as a 5th-grade teacher at Cahoon Elementary School (now Woodson K-8 School). From 2014 to 2019, she taught 5th grade, served as a reading coach, and worked as a district resource teacher across several elementary schools. In 2021, she was named assistant principal at DeSoto.
Congratulations, Lindsay! Our DeSoto Dragons are ready to take flight under your leadership.
Anne began her teaching career in Maryland and New Mexico before joining the HCPS family in 2005 at Limona Elementary School. She later moved to Boyette Springs Elementary School, where she taught 1st and 2nd grades and served as a peer evaluator at both the school and district level. Most recently, she has served as the assistant principal at Cimino Elementary School.
Congratulations, Anne! We know our Cougars will accomplish amazing things under your leadership.
Kelly began her teaching career with HCPS in 2015 at Bing Elementary School. From 2017 to 2021, she served as a resource teacher at both Lewis and Robles Elementary Schools. In 2021, she entered administration as assistant principal at Clark Elementary School.
We’re excited to see our Falcons continue to soar under your leadership, Kelly!
Adriana began her career with HCPS in 2007 as a 2nd grade teacher at Mary Bryant Elementary School. From 2008 to 2017, she taught multiple grade levels at Woodbridge Elementary School. She later joined Davis Elementary School, where she served as a 5th-grade teacher, resource teacher, math coach, and assistant principal. Most recently, she served as assistant principal at Bay Crest.
Congratulations, Adriana! We’re excited to see our Seagulls continue to soar under your leadership!
Lindsey began her career with HCPS in 2006 as a teacher at Roosevelt Elementary School, where she taught 2nd and 3rd grade. In 2015, she transferred to Collins K-8 School, teaching multiple grade levels and serving as a resource teacher.
Since 2021, she has served as an assistant principal at Apollo Beach K-8, supporting both the elementary and middle school levels.
Congratulations, Lindsey! We’re excited to see our Dolphins continue to thrive under your leadership! 🐬
Robert began his career with HCPS in 2005 as a social studies teacher at Dowdell Middle Magnet School through the Florida Troops to Teachers Program.
He entered administration in 2009 as an assistant principal at Ben Hill Middle School and later served at Sligh Middle Magnet School and Sgt. Smith Middle School. In 2019, he was named principal at Sgt. Smith.
We’re excited to see our Bulldogs continue to grow and succeed under your leadership, Robert!
Brooklyn began her career in 2011 as a math teacher in Indiana and served in charter schools from 2012 to 2016. She joined the HCPS family in 2016 at Spoto High School and later moved into administration as an assistant principal at Lennard High School, and most recently, at Williams.
We’re excited for you, Brooklyn, and what’s ahead as you lead our IB students to think boldly, inquire deeply, and achieve more!
Kevin began his career with HCPS in 1999 as a social studies teacher at Wharton High School. He later served as assistant principal at Wharton before becoming principal at Freedom High School in 2015.
Our Sharks are ready to welcome you into the shiver, Kevin! Congratulations!
Chandra began her career with HCPS in 2000 as a VE teacher at Progress Village Middle School. She joined Marshall in 2004, where she has served as a VE and math teacher, resource teacher, success coach, and, most recently, assistant principal.
We are very excited for you, Chandra! We can’t wait to see our Dragons continue to grow and thrive under your leadership. 🐉
