New budget will create more pain for Florida's schools

From the Orlando Sentinel's School Zone

by Leslie Postal

Gov. Rick Scott’s recommendation for $1 billion more for public schools is a good one, said the chairman of the House education budget subcommittee.

Rep. Marti Coley, R-Marianna, the subcommittee’s chairman, presented her budget recommendations this morning, saying she tried to “prioritize the classroom” when she proposed a school spending plan that is similar to the Governor’s.

Her plan puts about $1.1 billion more of state money into public education compared to this school year. That would help the state’s pre-K program and public schools keep up with enrollment growth and boost the amount available to schools that earn A’s or improve on Florida’s annual school report card. The award amount, which this year had dropped to $70 per student, would return to $100 per child, Coley said.

Local educators have said that Scott’s school budget plan does not do enough because it wouldn’t fully replace federal funding that has helped shore up school budgets.

Orange Superintendent Ron Blocker told the State Board of Education on Monday that Scott’s plan would leave school districts with less than they have this year by about $100 to $140 per student. He said superintendents want the Legisalture to at least keep funding at current levels, even though the current level has led to “pain all over the state.”

http://blogs.orlandosentinel.com/news_education_edblog/2012/01/house-ed-panel-proposes-budgets-like-gov-scotts.html