At the Charlotte County Chamber of Commerce, we firmly believe that a thriving business community, a strong local economy, and an exceptional quality of life all begin with a solid foundation in education. The success of the students today will directly influence the strength, prosperity, and competitiveness of Charlotte County for generations to come.
That is why the Charlotte County Chamber of Commerce proudly supports the renewal of the Charlotte County Public Schools one-mill referendum on Nov. 3.
Key points to know:
A Renewal, Not a New Tax: The referendum simply renews the existing one-mill property tax for four more years, through 2030, with no increase in the current tax rate of $1 per $1,000 of taxable property value. Renewing the existing one-mill referendum to sustain educational progress, strengthen our quality of life, and ensure long-term prosperity for Charlotte County.
Academic Excellence & Achievement: Charlotte County Public Schools earned an A-rating for the first time in 15 years, ranking 21st among Florida’s 67 school districts and among the 16 fastest-improving districts statewide! Improved academic performance, and record-high 92% graduation rate.
Investing in Educational Excellence: The existing one-mill referendum generates approximately $37 million annually to support competitive educator salaries, teacher retention, classroom instruction, school safety, workforce education, and student enrichment programs.
Investing in Quality Education and Educators: Retaining exceptional teachers, maintaining competitive salaries, enhancing school safety, and providing students with the resources and opportunities to succeed.
Education is much more than what takes place inside the classroom. It is about preparing our young people for meaningful careers, developing tomorrow’s workforce, attracting new businesses, and creating opportunities that strengthen our entire community. When we invest in education, we are investing in the economic vitality and long-term success of Charlotte County.
And the results of that investment speak volumes. For the first time in 15 years, Charlotte County Public Schools has earned an A district rating, a tremendous accomplishment that reflects the dedication of our educators, administrators, students, families, and community partners.
During the 2025–26 school year, the Charlotte County Public School district gained 39 academic accountability points, climbed to 21st among Florida’s 67 school districts, and ranked among the 16 fastest-improving districts in the state.
Half of the grade-eligible schools have achieved an A rating, and no district-operated schools are rated D or F. Equally impressive, Charlotte County’s graduation rate has increased from 76% in 2014 to an outstanding 92% today, the highest in our county’s history.
These are not simply statistics.They represent real students, real accomplishments, and real opportunities for brighter futures. From a business perspective, these achievements are particularly significant.One of the greatest challenges facing employers today is attracting, developing, and retaining a qualified workforce.
Our schools play an essential role in addressing that challenge by equipping students with the knowledge, skills, confidence, and opportunities necessary to succeed in college, the military, or the workforce.
A strong educational system is not only a community asset; it is an economic development necessity.
The existing one-mill referendum generates approximately $37 million annually, providing critical resources to recruit and retain outstanding educators and employees, maintain competitive salaries, enhance classroom instruction, strengthen school security, expand workforce education, and support student programs in the arts, music, and athletics.
These investments help ensure that our students have access to a well-rounded education while creating the foundation for a talented, capable, and competitive future workforce.
It is also important to understand that this referendum is a renewal of an existing property tax, not an increase in the current millage rate. Approval would continue the one-mill assessment for another four years, through 2030, at a rate of $1 for every $1,000 of taxable property value. An independent citizens’ oversight committee helps ensure that these funds are spent responsibly and in accordance with voter-approved purposes.
As CEO of the Charlotte County Chamber of Commerce, I recognize that our community’s success depends upon collaboration, strategic investments, and a shared commitment to moving Charlotte County forward. Businesses do not thrive in isolation. They thrive in communities with excellent schools, skilled employees, strong leadership, and a collective vision for the future. Quality education helps attract employers, supports existing businesses, strengthens property values, and encourages families to establish roots in our community.
Simply put, strong schools help build strong businesses, and strong businesses help build a stronger Charlotte County. We have every reason to celebrate the remarkable progress of Charlotte County Public Schools. However, sustaining that success requires continued commitment, responsible investment, and the determination to build upon what has already been accomplished.
On Nov. 3, we have an opportunity to demonstrate that Charlotte County believes in its students, values its educators, supports its businesses, and remains committed to a prosperous future.
On behalf of the Board of Directors of the Charlotte County Chamber of Commerce, we proudly support a YES vote for the renewal of the one-mill school referendum. Because when we invest in our children, we strengthen our workforce. When we strengthen our workforce, we empower our businesses. And when our businesses succeed, our entire community moves forward.
The students are our future. Their success is our success. And Charlotte County’s future is worth investing in.