The Hillsborough County School Board voted unanimously Tuesday, Oct. 6, to oppose a November ballot measure that would replace the board's authority to appoint the superintendent with a partisan election.

The resolution, introduced by board Vice Chair Nadia Combs, urged voters to reject Referendum 1 in the Nov. 3 general election. If approved, the measure would make the superintendent an elected position beginning with the 2028 general election. Hillsborough County has used an appointed superintendent since 1966.

The change would affect families throughout the district, including those attending Steinbrenner High School, Martinez Middle School, McKitrick Elementary School and Maniscalco K-8 School in the Lutz and Odessa area.

"Every other large district in Florida has a hired superintendent. Why? Because we want someone who has the qualifications, the background, the experience," Combs said during the meeting, as reported by the Tampa Bay Times.

Combs argued that an appointed superintendent can be removed for poor performance, while an elected superintendent would serve a four-year term.

Board members cite qualifications and accountability

Board members raised concerns about qualifications, political influence and the school board's ability to oversee district leadership.

Combs questioned whether candidates for an elected superintendent position would have the educational experience necessary to manage one of the nation's largest school districts.

She also expressed concern about campaign contributions and the possibility that a superintendent would have to divide time between running the district and campaigning for reelection.

Board member Henry "Shake" Washington pointed to the district's recent academic performance.

Hillsborough County Public Schools earned its first districtwide A grade in more than a decade, according to district records.

The district also reported strong results in the 2026-27 U.S. News & World Report Best High Schools rankings, with Steinbrenner High School ranking No. 67 in Florida. Nine district high schools placed among the state's top 200.

Board member Patti Rendon recalled Hillsborough County's previous experience with an elected superintendent.

Rendon said she spoke with a former school board member who served during the 1960s, when an embezzlement scandal involving the superintendent preceded the county's switch to an appointed system.

She argued that the board had limited authority to intervene under the previous arrangement.

Board member Stacy Hahn said residents already have a way to hold district leadership accountable by electing the seven school board members responsible for overseeing the superintendent.

State law puts decision before voters

State Rep. Michael Owen, a Republican from Apollo Beach and former Hillsborough County commissioner, sponsored the legislation that placed Referendum 1 on the ballot. Gov. Ron DeSantis signed the measure into law.

Owen defended the proposal, arguing that parents and other residents should have a direct voice in selecting the person responsible for managing the school district.

Speaking to Spectrum Bay News 9, Owen said the idea had been discussed for years and reflected residents' desire for greater accountability.

He noted that many Florida counties already elect their superintendents.

According to Spectrum Bay News 9, 39 other Florida school districts have elected superintendents. Hillsborough would join them if voters approve the referendum.

Opponents argue that the appointed system allows school boards to evaluate candidates based on professional qualifications and remove superintendents who fail to meet expectations.

Supporters contend that direct elections would make superintendents more accountable to voters rather than solely to school board members.

The debate also comes amid questions about the district's existing leadership.

The board extended Superintendent Van Ayres' contract through January 2029 shortly before the state Senate acted on the legislation in March, according to earlier Tampa Bay Times reporting.

If voters approve the referendum, the first election for superintendent would take place in 2028.

What Referendum 1 would change

Referendum 1 asks Hillsborough County voters whether to replace the appointed superintendent system with partisan elections.

Under the proposal, the superintendent would be elected to a four-year term beginning with the 2028 general election.

A yes vote would approve the change to an elected superintendent.

A no vote would preserve the current system, under which the school board appoints the superintendent.

The referendum would not immediately remove Ayres or change how the district operates following the November election. Instead, approval would establish the process for electing a superintendent in 2028.

Combs also raised concerns about the referendum's wording, arguing that voters could misunderstand what approving the measure would mean.

The school board's resolution expresses its official opposition but does not determine the outcome. Hillsborough County voters will make the decision Nov. 3.

Voting dates and deadlines

Hillsborough County residents can vote on Referendum 1 during the Tuesday, Nov. 3, general election.

Early voting runs Oct. 19 through Nov. 1, with polling locations open daily from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

The deadline to request a vote-by-mail ballot is 5 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 22. Completed mail ballots must reach the Hillsborough County Supervisor of Elections Office by 7 p.m. on Election Day.

Voters can find early voting locations, request mail ballots and review election information through the Hillsborough County Supervisor of Elections website.