TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — As residents in Hillsborough County headed to the polls Tuesday, they were tasked with deciding whether a tax referendum that would raise money for local schools should be approved.

By 10 p.m. on election night, the referendum had received a large amount of support, with over 66% of voters in favor of the millage increase.

In total, more than 400,000 people voted yes on the referendum with 427 of the 448 precincts reporting.

“To show that number, to show how much confidence they have in us, just means so much,” said Van Ayers, Superintendent of Schools for Hillsborough County Schools.

With voters’ approval, the Hillsborough County School District will be able to levy an ad valorem operating millage of one mill annually from July 1, 2025, through June 30, 2029.

That means property owners will pay an additional $1 for every $1,000 of property value.

Officials expect the measure to generate nearly $177 million to support students each year. According to the school district, $150.4 million will go to district schools and $26.6 million will go to charter schools.

Some of the funds will also go toward recruiting and retaining teachers, with salary increases for educators and other school staff.

Teachers will receive a salary supplement of $6,000 more a year, and bus drivers and student nutrition workers will receive $3,000 more a year.

“Teachers are the most critical factor. We looked at what drives student achievement most and its classroom teachers,” Ayers said. “That is what this referendum is about is retaining and recruiting the best possible teachers in Hillsborough County.”

The school board has been trying to get a millage increase passed for years. However, the referendum faced opposition from some voters who were wary of the tax increase with a sales tax renewal also on the November ballot.

County commissioners who opposed the millage also said they were concerned with adding a tax referendum amid inflation.