July 11, 2025

Hillsborough Schools Invest $102 Million in Summer Upgrades

News Summary

The Hillsborough County School District is committing $102 million towards summer renovations and HVAC improvements. This funding, sourced from a half-cent sales tax approved in 2018, aims to enhance the learning environment as students return to school. Key projects include significant HVAC upgrades at Hillsborough High School and maintenance improvements across several schools, alongside safety enhancements for student travel. A citizen committee will oversee the investments to ensure responsible use of taxpayer money.

Tampa, FL – The Hillsborough County School District is investing approximately $102 million in summer renovations and HVAC improvements across the district, with funding sourced from a half-cent sales tax approved by voters in 2018. This extensive project includes eight major initiatives aimed at enhancing the educational environment as students prepare to return in August.

Of the total investment, about $85 million is dedicated to overhauling and replacing aging heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems. A significant focus is on Hillsborough High School, where a $16 million HVAC renovation project is currently underway. Since its initiation in December, contractors at the school have been busy removing outdated air handlers to facilitate the installation of modern equipment set to take place this summer. This upgrade will incorporate new air handlers, mechanical equipment, piping, roof vents, and a relocation of the energy plant.

The Hillsborough High School HVAC project is scheduled for completion by the end of July, just in time for the upcoming school year, which begins on August 12. Brandon High School is also among the many schools receiving similar HVAC improvements.

This summer, nearly $17 million is earmarked for various maintenance projects, which include the construction of new playgrounds and repairs to tracks at different schools. The school district has set a goal to complete all summer renovation projects before the new academic year starts, ensuring a safe and comfortable learning environment for students.

To provide oversight of the significant investments, a citizen committee has been put in place to monitor expenditures and ensure that taxpayer funds are used responsibly. The Deputy Superintendent highlighted the essential role the half-cent sales tax revenue plays in maintaining the district’s aging infrastructure, stating that these funds are crucial for preventing expensive outages.

In addition to HVAC and infrastructure renovations, the Hillsborough County School District is also planning to implement safety improvements at five local schools. These enhancements will focus on creating safer routes for children traveling to school. Proposed upgrades include new bike lanes, sidewalks, flashing beacons, and elevated crosswalks designed to slow down traffic and enhance safety for pedestrians.

The school board is also actively addressing overcrowding issues within the district. Plans are in place to add 150 more student stations at Robinson High School to accommodate growing enrollment. Furthermore, Collins Elementary School is set to undergo a transformation into a K-8 institution, allowing for an additional capacity of 594 students.

The funding raised by the half-cent sales tax, which has accumulated around $800 million in total since its approval, continues to play a vital role in the district’s ongoing efforts to improve school facilities and infrastructure. This combined approach not only aims to enhance the learning environment but also ensure the safety and welfare of all students attending Hillsborough County schools.

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Author: STAFF HERE TAMPA WRITER

The TAMPA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERETampa.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Tampa, Hillsborough County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Gasparilla Pirate Festival, Florida State Fair, and Tampa Riverfest. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Tampa Bay Chamber of Commerce and United Way Suncoast, plus leading businesses in healthcare, finance, and technology that power the local economy such as BayCare Health System, Grow Financial Federal Credit Union, and KnowBe4. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREJacksonville.com, HEREOrlando.com, HERESTPetersburg.com, and HERETallahassee.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.

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