Education leaders in Palm Beach, Broward, and Miami-Dade counties fear voters could confuse the Nov. 3 school-funding property-tax renewals with Amendment 3, a controversial statewide ballot measure that would reduce property taxes used for public services — potentially sinking funding that schools have relied on for eight years.
The renewals continue the existing 1-mill property tax — voter-approved levies funding teacher pay, school safety, and mental health — with no tax increase. At stake: in Miami-Dade, 88% of funds go to teacher compensation and 12% to school safety (an officer at every school); in Broward, about $358 million annually, including compensation supplements, safety personnel, and 224+ mental-health professionals. Minimum teacher base salaries this year: $58,250 in Miami-Dade, $51,597 in Broward.
Whether the confusion will actually change votes is education leaders' concern, not a measured outcome — and Amendment 3 itself is politically contested.
Why it matters
This Nov. 3 vote directly affects the schools many Malayalee children attend — teacher retention, school safety, and student mental health services. Check your county supervisor of elections site for sample ballots before voting.
