Tampa Area Voters Decide Superintendent Election

Hillsborough County voters will cast ballots Tuesday to decide if the district's top education leader should be chosen by the school board or selected in a partisan election. The referendum asks residents to choose between the current appointment system and a new model where the superintendent serves as an elected position.

The district currently operates as an A-rated school system with high graduation rates. Rob Kriete, president of the Hillsborough Classroom Teachers Association, questioned the necessity of the change. He noted that the district already achieves strong outcomes for students. Kriete argued that introducing a political race could distract from educational priorities and force candidates to seek funding from outside groups.

Supporters of the measure argue that parents deserve a direct vote in selecting the district's chief executive. State Representative Michael Owen championed the legislation. He stated last year at a legislative meeting that parents and voters should determine who leads their children's education. Owen described the superintendent as the CEO of the district's educational operations.

Opponents warn that the change could inject party politics into local schools. Ali Wilbur, a parent of students in the Hillsborough County School system, said she prefers the current appointment process. She explained that voters already elect the school board members who make the hiring decision. Wilbur expressed concern that political parties would pour money into the race, shifting the focus from student needs to state party platforms.

Wilbur also cited the four-year term length as a drawback. She said it is dangerous to be stuck for four years with a leader who may not be performing well. Kriete added that an election could result in a superintendent lacking public education experience. He stated that the students would bear the cost of the change because candidates would run for different reasons.

The decision will affect how the district is led going forward. If the measure passes, the superintendent position becomes a partisan race open to voters. If it fails, the school board retains the power to appoint the next superintendent. The outcome will be known after polls close on Tuesday.