The St. Petersburg Times recently reported that almost 4,000 students left the Hillsborough County school system during the 2006-2007 school year. That is a HUGE number!
It's apparent to me that a big part of this gigantic enrollment drop is a direct result of our area's out of control property tax rates. Combined with mortgage payments, many just can't make the numbers work and, like Elvis, have "left the building."
The current school year (2007-2008) will be the first time EVER that our school district will have NO GROWTH AT ALL.
Our elected officials in Tallahassee need to get busy and give Floridians real relief from property taxes...and quit playing around.
Peggy Edwards
Coldwell Banker Residential Services
Citrus Park/Westchase, Florida
www.PeggyEdwards.com
(813) 787-2923
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Your family will LOVE the Citrus Park and Westchase area in northwest Hillsborough County! I specialize in the neighborhoods in Westchase, Waterchase, Fawn Ridge, Fawn Lake, Citrus Park & Odessa.
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Hopefully we are on the road to lower property taxes in the State of Florida!
Leah, I sure hope so...what good is affordable housing if the property taxes are unaffordable?
Peggy - I have heard similar reports in other cities. My son and I were talking about this a couple of weeks ago. It is difficult for the schools as well, since they lose money for each child they lose. Somewhere there has to be a light at the end of the property tax tunnel. :)
Well, I can say that the taxes in Florida are less than those here in Texas. My father has a house in Key Largo and paid the same amount in taxes last year that I paid and his house is worth $600,000 more than mine! We don't have state income tax here either. Our schools are supposed to be funded with the help of the state lottery, but that hasn't seemed to help our school systems.
I think that anywhere people live, there is an issue with our schools. I think part of the reason is that the teachers are not paid enough for what they do. You would hope that as teachers are vital to our children's learning experience, the states would wish to pay them handsomely. Teachers are the ones that should make the six figures not the CEO's of gas companies, etc. I occasionally substitute for our district and it is amazing to me how teachers keep up with everything they must do in addition to teaching their students every day!
It is strange to me that those who get paid such low wages (police, firefighters, teachers) are some of the most important and vital people in our communities.
Paula, I sure hope so. Floridians don't need some stop gap measure - we need a real fix to this problem. It's tragic that people can't remain in their homes because their property taxes have hit the roof. Thanks for commenting.
Carolyn, I completely agree and you stated things perfectly. Something's got to give. Thanks for your extremely thoughtful comment.
We could all use a break on property taxes - I can't believe what it has done to the school system. When the numbers speak volumes...it's time for CHANGE!
I had heard there were decreases but hadn't seen any stats on it. My kids graduated this great and I think I washed school thoughts outta my head!
Susie: I'm not sure what the answer is but it is a serious problem.
Chris: There will be a little bit of a decrease, but not enough to matter (IMHO). People need help!