Hillsborough Education Foundation

10/15/2026

From improved lighting to upgraded door hardware, fire alarms, and new security systems, the Half-Penny Promise has helped make school campuses safer across our district.

Referendum 3 would continue that investment, building on the safety improvements already made in our schools.

See what’s been accomplished so far: https://halfpennypromise.com/promises-kept/

10/15/2026

Big things happen when business and education come together! 💙

CEOs in Schools gives business leaders a firsthand look at our public schools while creating meaningful connections between principals and community leaders. These experiences spark new perspectives, open doors, and help build a brighter future for Tampa Bay.

Be part of the impact. One day can make a difference.

Join us November 6 for One Day of Change! Choose your school and get involved at CEOsinSchools.com.

CEOs in Schools Hillsborough County Public Schools

10/14/2026

Selecting a superintendent is one of the most important decisions affecting the leadership of a public school district.

This November, Hillsborough County voters will decide whether that responsibility should remain with the elected School Board or shift to voters through a partisan election beginning in 2028.

HEF believes maintaining the appointed model supports professional leadership, clear accountability and a continued focus on what is best for students, teachers and schools.

Learn more about the November referendum and HEF’s position here:
EducationFoundation.com/ElectedVsAppointedSuperintendent

10/13/2026

✨ What if 30 minutes a week could help shape a student’s future?

Hillsborough Education Foundation is inviting caring adults to become mentors through Take Stock in Children of Hillsborough County. Students throughout our community need positive role models, and some schools are in greater need of mentors than others.

📍 Find out where you’re needed most! Visit EducationFoundation.com/Mentor-A-Student to explore the school needs map and discover a mentoring opportunity near you.

💙 30 minutes a week can build a meaningful connection, inspire a student, and make an impact that lasts.

You have the power to make a difference. Become a mentor and apply today!

10/12/2026

Mark your calendar and enjoy an evening of music for a great cause! 🎶🧡

Join The Florida Orchestra for Pops in the Park at Vinoy Park on Saturday, October 24, at 7 p.m.! Pack a picnic, bring a blanket, and enjoy an unforgettable night of music under the stars — all for free!

While you’re there, bring new school supplies to donate to our Tampa Bay School Supply Drive in partnership with Pinellas Education Foundation! ✏️🎒 Your donations will help provide local students with the supplies they need to succeed.

Let’s make a difference together, one backpack at a time!

10/09/2026

New playgrounds. New bleachers. New grandstands. The Half-Penny Promise has given students across Hillsborough County better places to play, compete, and grow. Let’s keep the momentum going for the next generation of Hillsborough students.

See all of the schools who received better places to compete and play at https://halfpennypromise.com/project/turf-installation/

10/08/2026

✏️ The first bell is just the beginning.

Back-to-school season may be over, but the need doesn’t end when the school supply lists disappear.

Throughout the year, Hillsborough Education Foundation helps ensure students and teachers have access to the resources, opportunities and support they need to succeed; from classroom supplies to caring mentors and pathways to college and career.

Your gift helps make that possible all year long.

💙 Will you help? Make a gift today: educationfoundation.com/donate/one-time-donation

10/07/2026

🏃‍♀️ Join Hillsborough Education Foundation for the 5th Annual Race for Education 5K & 1-Mile Run/Walk on Saturday, November 7, 2026, at the University of South Florida, hosted in partnership with Hillsborough County Public Schools and USF College of Education.

Experience an exciting new course this year while helping make a difference! Proceeds from the 5K directly benefit local educational initiatives.

🎟️ Run fast! Register today at: EducationFoundation.com/RaceforEducation

Lace up your running shoes and help promote fitness and raise funds supporting educational programs for Hillsborough County students.

10/07/2026

This November, Hillsborough County voters will decide whether the Superintendent of Hillsborough County Public Schools should change from an appointed position to a partisan elected office.

Under the current appointed model, the elected School Board evaluates the superintendent’s performance and has the authority to take action, including removing the superintendent, if leadership is not meeting expectations.

Under the proposed model, the superintendent would instead serve a four-year term as a partisan elected official, and the School Board would no longer have the authority to remove the superintendent from office.

HEF believes the School Board should have the authority to hold district leadership accountable and respond when leadership changes are necessary to best serve Hillsborough County students, teachers and schools.

Learn more about the November referendum and HEF’s position here: EducationFoundation.com/ElectedVsAppointedSuperintendent

10/06/2026

🎉 Congratulations to Brian and Maureen Butler, recipients of the Hillsborough Education Foundation’s first-ever CEOs in Schools Impact Award!

As founders of CEOs in Schools and leaders of Vistra Communications, Brian and Maureen saw an opportunity to connect Tampa Bay’s boardrooms with its classrooms — and turned that vision into a movement.

What began at Mort Elementary School has grown into a powerful program bringing hundreds of community leaders into our schools each year. Through meaningful partnerships, hands-on service and lasting relationships, CEOs in Schools has helped business leaders become advocates, while giving principals trusted thought partners and new perspectives.

Thank you, Brian and Maureen, for building something that makes a lasting difference for our schools, educators and students. We’re proud to celebrate you! 💙