Forward Manatee – Investing in the Future

At Forward Manatee,

We believe in investing in the future by investing in education.

Who we are

Forward Manatee is a coalition dedicated to supporting the renewal of the 1 mill tax on property to bolster our local public schools. Our journey began in 2018 when the proposal for the 1 mill was first passed. Since then, it has made a significant impact in our schools, enriching the educational experience of students across Manatee County the last 6 years. Now, in November 2024, we are advocating for its renewal to continue this positive trajectory.

What sets us apart is our commitment to keeping every dollar raised within Manatee County. This means that the funds generated through this renewal will directly benefit our students, teachers and schools right here in our community.

To ensure transparency and accountability, an independent citizens’ committee diligently watches over the allocation of these funds. Their role is crucial in ensuring that every dollar is properly spent, supporting the needs of our students and educators.

At Forward Manatee, we believe in investing in the future by investing in education. Join us in our mission to create brighter futures for the students of Manatee County. Together, let’s move forward and make a lasting difference in our community.

Keeping every dollar raised within Manatee County

Co-Chairs

Ernie Withers

Mike Bennett

Vernon DeSear

Benefits of Voting Yes

What are citizens voting on?

Voters in Manatee County will decide whether to renew the 1 mill tax in place since 2018, and keeps Manatee District schools competitive with surrounding counties that also have the additional milage like Sarasota, Pinellas, Pasco, Hernando and Charlotte counties. Hillsborough County is also seeking the additional mill in November.

This is a renewal of a referendum voters previously approved.

This renewal does not raise taxes. Voters approved a renewal in November 2021. This renewal is an extension of the 2021 renewal. This renewal does not raise taxes.

Every dollar stays right here in our community.

Funds raised through this renewal will stay right here in Manatee County supporting our teachers and students — no money will be diverted to Tallahassee or DC. An independent citizen’s committee watches over the allocation of funds as well, which is made up of people in our community.

Funds are used to support our students and teachers.

Funds raised through this renewal will go directly to support our teachers and students in Manatee County, not to buildings or operational expenses. The renewal will keep the additional pay our teachers now receive, continue the additional 30 minutes of instructional time per day, enhance career and technical training programs, and expand arts and athletic programs in Manatee Country schools. In addition, money will also fund safety and security improvements and support charter schools.

This will help us keep quality teachers.

Before this referendum was passed by voters in 2018, Manatee County was losing teachers every year to neighboring counties that offered higher salaries. By making pay more competitive, we have been able to reduce vacancies and keep our great teachers and school staff right here in Manatee County.

Vote YES!

Manatee County had a problem. We lost good teachers to neighboring counties and once voters voted to raise teacher and staff pay, extend learning time, and expand career training programs we’ve turned things around. LET’S KEEP IT GOING, LET’S VOTE YES FOR THE 1 MIL RENEWAL!