Pinellas County School Board Meeting July 28, 2026

The Pinellas County School Board held a meeting on July 28, 2026, which included a public hearing on the tentative 2026-2027 millage rates and district budget. The board approved the tentative millage rate of 6.273 mills, which is slightly below the rollback rate, and a tentative budget totaling approximately $1.7 billion across all funds, with $1.09 billion allocated to the general fund and $393 million to capital outlay for facility construction and improvements. The meeting featured extensive public comments, particularly concerning proposed increases in employee health insurance costs, with many staff expressing concerns about affordability and potential impacts on retention. The board also approved a mental health assistance allocation plan with over $5 million in state funding and a partnership agreement with the Florida Educator Health Trust to explore potential cost savings on employee health benefits. No specific contract awards or RFPs were detailed, but the discussion indicated plans for future RFPs related to insurance providers. The meeting concluded with motions to set the date for the second public hearing and to authorize submission of certification of school taxable values.