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
Our district is expanding an initiative to help prevent and quickly respond to vaping on our campuses.
Vaping detectors will be installed in middle and K-8 school bathrooms. We have already been using these detectors in our high schools, where they have helped administrators identify vaping incidents more quickly and respond promptly.
The system uses technology that detects airborne vapor and immediately alerts school administrators so staff can check the area. The detectors do not record audio or video.
Smoking and vaping are prohibited on all HCPS campuses. Expanding this initiative is part of our broader effort to reduce vaping, support student health, and ensure our schools can respond quickly when incidents occur.
To learn more about consequences for vaping-related violations, please view the HCPS Student Code of Conduct: https://www.hillsboroughschools.org/o/hcps/page/student-code-of-conduct
Are you going to school, work, or exploring Hillsborough County? The Hillsborough Transit Authority is here to help!
Students ages 5–18 can ride HART buses for half the regular fare with a Youth Pass. To get one, families must stop by a HART Customer Service window at one of the following locations:
🚍 Marion Transit Center (1211 N. Marion Street) | Monday–Friday: 6 a.m. – 6 p.m. or Saturday: 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
🚍 University Area Transit Center (13110 N. 27th Street) | Monday–Friday: 6 a.m. – 5 p.m. or Saturday: 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Have questions or want more details? Visit GoHART.org or call 813-254-4278.
Students ages 5–18 can ride HART buses for half the regular fare with a Youth Pass. To get one, families must stop by a HART Customer Service window at one of the following locations:
🚍 Marion Transit Center (1211 N. Marion Street) | Monday–Friday: 6 a.m. – 6 p.m. or Saturday: 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
🚍 University Area Transit Center (13110 N. 27th Street) | Monday–Friday: 6 a.m. – 5 p.m. or Saturday: 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Have questions or want more details? Visit GoHART.org or call 813-254-4278.
We’re proud to announce that our newest middle school will be named Kenneth R. Otero Middle School, honoring a longtime Hillsborough County Public Schools leader whose nearly four decades of service helped shape the district we know today.
Mr. Otero began his career as a teacher at Plant High School in 1975 and went on to serve as a school administrator and district leader, including as principal of Sligh Junior High School (now Middle School) and Tampa Bay Technical High School, General Director, Assistant Superintendent for Administration, and Deputy Superintendent.
Throughout his career, Mr. Otero was dedicated to supporting student success, strengthening school leadership, and advancing educational excellence across Hillsborough County.
The approximately $72 million school, opening in August 2027, will serve up to 1,600 students and offer rigorous and accelerated academics, career and technical education, industry certifications, opportunities to earn high school credit, clubs, sports, and more.
We’re excited to bring Kenneth R. Otero Middle School to the Wimauma community and continue a legacy of excellence in education.
Mr. Otero began his career as a teacher at Plant High School in 1975 and went on to serve as a school administrator and district leader, including as principal of Sligh Junior High School (now Middle School) and Tampa Bay Technical High School, General Director, Assistant Superintendent for Administration, and Deputy Superintendent.
Throughout his career, Mr. Otero was dedicated to supporting student success, strengthening school leadership, and advancing educational excellence across Hillsborough County.
The approximately $72 million school, opening in August 2027, will serve up to 1,600 students and offer rigorous and accelerated academics, career and technical education, industry certifications, opportunities to earn high school credit, clubs, sports, and more.
We’re excited to bring Kenneth R. Otero Middle School to the Wimauma community and continue a legacy of excellence in education.
Congratulations to the grand winners of our Tampa Bay Buccaneers Best Krewe Award for the 2025-2026 school year! 🎉☠️
🏈 Carla Nolan, principal of Miles Elementary School
🏈 Stanley Glover, teacher at Marshall Middle Magnet School
🏈 Tiffany Sotelo, parent liaison/aide at Seminole Heights Elementary School
They were recognized and surprised during tonight's board meeting with season tickets.
🏈 Carla Nolan, principal of Miles Elementary School
🏈 Stanley Glover, teacher at Marshall Middle Magnet School
🏈 Tiffany Sotelo, parent liaison/aide at Seminole Heights Elementary School
They were recognized and surprised during tonight's board meeting with season tickets.
Thank you to Reddick Elementary School's Dual Language students for the wonderful performance before today's board meeting!
CALLING ALL STUDENT ARTISTS! 🖍️ It’s time to show off your creativity with our Every Day Matters Poster Contest. In partnership with United Way Suncoast, we’re challenging students to show why coming to school every day makes a difference. Use a powerful slogan, meaningful artwork, or both to share your unique perspective on what motivates you to show up.
The contest will run from Monday, August 31, to Friday, September 11. Posters must be submitted via school mail (Route 7) to our Attendance Coordinator, Thomas Lefevre.
The contest will run from Monday, August 31, to Friday, September 11. Posters must be submitted via school mail (Route 7) to our Attendance Coordinator, Thomas Lefevre.
🏆 National FCCLA Success!
Hillsborough County Public Schools is celebrating two outstanding student achievements at the FCCLA National Leadership Conference in Washington, DC!
🥇 Kai Tran of Marshall Middle School earned 1st Place Nationally in Interviewing Skills, Level 1, and 5th Place Nationally (Gold) in Career Investigation, Level 1.
👏 Samuel Spears of Gaither High School earned 5th Place Nationally in Interviewing Skills, Level 3.
Their success showcases the leadership, communication and career-ready skills developed through HCPS Career and Technical Education programs.
Hillsborough County Public Schools is celebrating two outstanding student achievements at the FCCLA National Leadership Conference in Washington, DC!
🥇 Kai Tran of Marshall Middle School earned 1st Place Nationally in Interviewing Skills, Level 1, and 5th Place Nationally (Gold) in Career Investigation, Level 1.
👏 Samuel Spears of Gaither High School earned 5th Place Nationally in Interviewing Skills, Level 3.
Their success showcases the leadership, communication and career-ready skills developed through HCPS Career and Technical Education programs.
Army Brigade Nurse Major Isis Rosario spoke with medical students and JROTC cadets at Tampa Bay Technical High School this week about career and scholarship opportunities in the medical field, as well as ROTC and military pathways.
Students participated in a Q&A with Major Rosario, asking questions about her career journey and learning more about the opportunities available to help them pursue their own careers in medicine and the military. 🎓🩺🇺🇸
Students participated in a Q&A with Major Rosario, asking questions about her career journey and learning more about the opportunities available to help them pursue their own careers in medicine and the military. 🎓🩺🇺🇸
Congratulations to our Read, White, and Blue Summer Reading Challenge! 🎉
🏫 School Winners — Highest student and staff participation
🎉 Elementary: Lincoln Elementary Magnet School
🎉 Middle: Turkey Creek Middle School
🎉 High: Strawberry Crest High School
📚 Student Winners — Randomly selected from students who completed their reading bingo card
🎉 K-2: Jacob K., Essrig Elementary School
🎉 3-5: Selena I., Davis Elementary School
🎉 6-8: Luca M., Roland Park K-8 School
🎉 9-12: Swara D., Strawberry Crest High School
🏫 School Winners — Highest student and staff participation
🎉 Elementary: Lincoln Elementary Magnet School
🎉 Middle: Turkey Creek Middle School
🎉 High: Strawberry Crest High School
📚 Student Winners — Randomly selected from students who completed their reading bingo card
🎉 K-2: Jacob K., Essrig Elementary School
🎉 3-5: Selena I., Davis Elementary School
🎉 6-8: Luca M., Roland Park K-8 School
🎉 9-12: Swara D., Strawberry Crest High School
School Board Member Jessica Vaughn is looking for high school students to be part of the District 3 Student Advisory Council. If you attend Freedom, Wharton, Steinbrenner, Strawberry Crest, Chamberlain, or Gaither, this is a great opportunity to make your voice heard and drive positive change at your school and in the district. Please see the flyer for more information and to apply.
Friday night, HCPS VooDoo Future Chefs from Chamberlain High School, Tampa Bay Technical High School, Hillsborough High School and Erwin Technical College teamed up with some of Tampa’s premier chefs for the VooDoo Chef’s Signature Chef’s Dinner: A Taste to Remember at Julian B. Lane Riverfront Park! 👨🍳✨
Our students had the opportunity to learn, work alongside industry professionals, network, and experience the culinary industry firsthand—all while helping prepare and serve an unforgettable evening for guests. 🔥🍽️
And a special shoutout to Robinson High School’s Knight’s Tavern, which had its own table at the event and was the only HCPS high school culinary program represented as a solo team! 👏
It was an incredible night of learning, collaboration and showcasing the talent of our future chefs! 🌟
Our students had the opportunity to learn, work alongside industry professionals, network, and experience the culinary industry firsthand—all while helping prepare and serve an unforgettable evening for guests. 🔥🍽️
And a special shoutout to Robinson High School’s Knight’s Tavern, which had its own table at the event and was the only HCPS high school culinary program represented as a solo team! 👏
It was an incredible night of learning, collaboration and showcasing the talent of our future chefs! 🌟
Step Up Scholarships Accepted at HCPS!
Did you know Hillsborough County Public Schools accepts Step Up For Students scholarships for eligible courses?
Students using the FES-EO or PEP Scholarship may be able to use scholarship funds toward eligible HCPS courses, including electives, advanced academics, CTE, elementary specials, and virtual courses: HCPSScholarships.com
Did you know Hillsborough County Public Schools accepts Step Up For Students scholarships for eligible courses?
Students using the FES-EO or PEP Scholarship may be able to use scholarship funds toward eligible HCPS courses, including electives, advanced academics, CTE, elementary specials, and virtual courses: HCPSScholarships.com
Proud to be on the U.S. News & World Report Best High Schools list! This recognition is a reflection of the amazing teachers, staff, and students who make our school such a special place to learn and grow. Congratulations to all our students and staff.
’Twas the night before school time… and the countdown is ON! 🤩⏰
Superintendent Van Ayres has a special poem to help get our students ready for the big day tomorrow. Take a listen! 📖🎒✏️
https://youtu.be/_8mRaTSoRxM?si=kk_2Es92t4oYkiM1
Dunbar Elementary Magnet School recently brought together generations of alumni, staff, families, and friends to celebrate 100 years of memories and learning! 🩺❤️🎉
From BBQ and games to free books and plenty of Dunbar pride, the centennial celebration was a wonderful reminder of the lasting impact this special school has had on generations of students and families.
Our Dunbar Docs have the prescription for success!
Here’s to the 100 years of memories, and to the many more still to come!
From BBQ and games to free books and plenty of Dunbar pride, the centennial celebration was a wonderful reminder of the lasting impact this special school has had on generations of students and families.
Our Dunbar Docs have the prescription for success!
Here’s to the 100 years of memories, and to the many more still to come!
The future of Tampa’s hospitality is looking bright! 😎🌴🏨✈️🍽️
This week, we celebrated the ribbon-cutting of the expanded Hospitality and Tourism Magnet Program at Jefferson High School.
Made possible through an exciting partnership with Visit Tampa Bay, this expansion will give students even more opportunities for hands-on learning, industry connections, and real-world experience in one of Tampa Bay’s largest and fastest-growing industries.
We’re preparing the next generation of hospitality and tourism professionals right here in Hillsborough County, and we can’t wait to see where they will go!
This week, we celebrated the ribbon-cutting of the expanded Hospitality and Tourism Magnet Program at Jefferson High School.
Made possible through an exciting partnership with Visit Tampa Bay, this expansion will give students even more opportunities for hands-on learning, industry connections, and real-world experience in one of Tampa Bay’s largest and fastest-growing industries.
We’re preparing the next generation of hospitality and tourism professionals right here in Hillsborough County, and we can’t wait to see where they will go!
2026–2027 Student Code of Conduct
Families can now view the 2026–2027 Student Code of Conduct online. The Code of Conduct provides important information about student expectations, rights, responsibilities, and district policies. It is broken up into four sections:
Introduction
Students’ and Parent/Guardians’ Rights and Responsibilities
Policies and Procedures
Discipline
For the full code of conduct, please visit hillsboroughschools.org/o/hcps/page/student-code-of-conduct.
The Plant City Chamber of Commerce hosted its annual New Teacher Breakfast on Friday morning, welcoming new teachers from more than 20 HCPS schools! 🍎📚
Teachers enjoyed a delicious breakfast, had the chance to win raffle prizes, and received an assortment of school supplies generously donated by local Plant City businesses to help them start the school year off right!
Teachers enjoyed a delicious breakfast, had the chance to win raffle prizes, and received an assortment of school supplies generously donated by local Plant City businesses to help them start the school year off right!
The HCPS Transportation Team kicked off the new school year this morning with its annual kickoff meeting at the Lake Wimauma Convention Center! 🚌
Team members heard inspiring messages from Superintendent Van Ayres, School Board Member Patti Rendon, and special guest Cordarius Jones, better known as "Mr. Bus Driver," who shared strategies for building meaningful connections with students, families, and school staff.
Here's to a safe, successful, and connected school year for our Transportation Team!
Team members heard inspiring messages from Superintendent Van Ayres, School Board Member Patti Rendon, and special guest Cordarius Jones, better known as "Mr. Bus Driver," who shared strategies for building meaningful connections with students, families, and school staff.
Here's to a safe, successful, and connected school year for our Transportation Team!
