Brevard County school leaders have unveiled plans for a 2026 millage referendum that would allocate additional property tax revenue to teacher compensation. The proposal comes as part of ongoing efforts to address staffing shortages and retention challenges in the district. County Commissioner George C. Levesque said the measure could generate up to $30 million annually for schools if approved by voters. "Our teachers are the backbone of this community," Levesque said during a recent meeting. "This funding would help us keep qualified educators in the classroom." The millage would apply to all property owners in the county, with rates determined by the school board. Superintendent Jack Smith emphasized that the measure is not a guarantee but a potential pathway to long-term stability. "We need to show voters this isn't just about paychecks," Smith said. "It's about investing in the future of our students." The proposal faces opposition from some residents concerned about rising taxes. Karen Thompson, a retiree in Cocoa, said she worries about the impact on seniors. "I've seen property taxes climb every year," she said. "Where does it end?" Supporters argue the investment is necessary to compete with other districts offering higher salaries. The school board is expected to present a detailed financial plan to the public in early 2025. A final vote would require a majority of voters in the November 2026 election. The measure would be the first major education funding initiative in Brevard since the 2018 referendum, which expired after 10 years. Local educators say the timing is critical as enrollment continues to grow across the county. "We're at a crossroads," said Maria Gonzalez, a middle school teacher in Titusville. "Without better pay, we'll keep losing talented staff to other districts." The school district has not yet released specific figures on how much teacher salaries would increase under the proposal. A final analysis is pending after the 2025 budget cycle.