Sarasota District Schools Superintendent Terry Connor is Firm in His Resolve

Fighting for the public schools and the taxpayers

“Trying to redirect these funds now raises serious legal and policy issues, especially since the deadline to challenge the ballot measure has already passed under state law.”

---

Any time confusion begins to mount within the Sarasota public school system, a very clear-headed public explanation takes place from Superintendent Terry Connor.

He presents calm in a storm and courage in a battle. The students, teachers and staff are under his charge and if anyone attacks those he holds responsibility for, Connor will strike them to the ground with the ferocity of a lightning bolt over Tampa Bay.

Data, laws and a loyal administrative staff are as much a part of Connor’s winning combination as is his genuine affection for this district and competitive nature.

Connor at the Feb 17 school board meeting (l); "Trading Spaces" with Venice High School Band Director

Back in July 2025, it was announced that the new Sarasota County Tax Collector, Mike Moran, found an issue that compelled him to believe that the district owed fees associated with the collection of the School Board’s voter-approved millage.

Under Florida Statutes, the Tax Collector’s office is to retain a commission for the collection of ad valorem taxes, which he says the school board hadn’t paid in 23 years.

“It is important for the community to be aware, so taxpayers can decide if they support moving funds that have always gone to schools.”

We asked Connor if he could give an explanation and an update. His reply came promptly. Below is the email exchange:

1. Is there a written statement from the public schools regarding the Sarasota Tax Collector’s request for funds?
For over twenty-three years, the Sarasota County Board of County Commissioners covered any tax collection commission related to the voter-approved school millage for the School Board. Throughout that time, the School Board was never told this would change. The district counted on this practice when planning yearly budgets for students, staff, and classrooms. This sudden change has taken funds that were already set aside for instruction and student services.

The district’s position is clear. Florida Statute 192.091 does not require school districts to pay commissions on voter-approved millages. The law covers commissions for taxing and special assessment districts but lists school districts separately. The district believes this legal difference is important and that the statute does not allow an automatic commission on school funds.

“Without this proof, there is no reason to charge a percentage fee.”

Even if a commission is allowed, the law says it can only cover the actual costs of collection, up to 2%. So far, the district has not seen any documents showing the Tax Collector had extra costs just for collecting the voter-approved school millage. Without this proof, there is no reason to charge a percentage fee.

The district also points out that the community approved the millage expecting the money would go straight to public education. Trying to redirect these funds now raises serious legal and policy issues, especially since the deadline to challenge the ballot measure has already passed under state law.

Sarasota County Schools is open to honest, direct conversations and is working toward a legal solution based on facts, documents, and the law. At the same time, the district will protect taxpayer money meant for students and will use all legal rights if a cooperative solution cannot be reached.

Sarasota County School Teachers of the Year

“Right now, $2.2 million is being deducted from our monthly distribution.”

2. Is there legal pushback available? Could this go to court?
There are always legal options when government agencies disagree about how to interpret a law. The district has kept all its legal rights and will fight any improper use of funds meant for students. Right now, the focus is on solving the issue through discussion, reviewing documents, and legal analysis instead of going to court. If that does not work, we will use all legal options available.

3. Is the District stuck paying the bill?
No final decision has been made. The district disagrees that the Tax Collector should get millions in commissions and believes that, if any fee is allowed, it should only cover actual expenses proven with receipts, not a flat percentage. The exact legal meaning is still under review. Right now, $2.2 million is being deducted from our monthly distribution.

4. How much is allegedly owed? Have terms been worked out?
The Tax Collector’s office says about $2.2 million in commissions is owed, or 2% each year. These commissions are being deducted even though the district does not agree with the Tax Collector’s position.

5. Can the public help?
The public’s role is to stay informed and understand the issue. For over twenty years, the School District did not pay a commission on these millages. The current dispute is about a sudden change from that long-standing practice. It is important for the community to be aware, so taxpayers can decide if they support moving funds that have always gone to schools.

Packed house at a board meeting (l); Connor (m); Tiger Bay Meeting

6. Anything else to add?
Key points the public should understand:

• The district has always tried to have honest discussions. It has asked for documents showing the costs that support the commission claim.

• The district disagrees that a fixed percentage commission is allowed or appropriate.

• More than $2 million has already been withheld during this dispute. The district believes this money should go to classrooms and students.

• We hope to reach a fair and legal solution.

The district is committed to being transparent, using funds responsibly, and protecting resources meant for education.

---

It was Ronald Reagan who challenged Mikhail Gorbachev to “tear down this wall’ on June 12, 1987. It was to show good faith to prove his commitment to reform.

It’s the Sarasota District Public Schools turn to charge in February 2026: “Mr. Moran, return the funds!”

---

Dear Bubbie will keep you updated on all follow-up to this ongoing story.

School Choice is here. This video shows why public education in Florida is the first and best choice for Sarasota families.