Florida's school districts still facing budget cuts

From the Orlando Sentinel, by Leslie Postal

Florida school districts could face more painful budget cuts this spring, despite a spending increase approved by the 2012 Legislature.

That's because the infusion of money won't dig them out of the hole created by last year's deep cuts to public education, nor make up for other budget hits they'll take this year.

The Legislature, which wrapped up its session late Friday, approved a boost to school spending of nearly $1billion while it also expanded school-choice options and extended the school day at struggling campuses.

Here are some key decisions state lawmakers made that will affect schools across Florida, assuming Gov. Rick Scott signs them into law:

The up but down budget

Scott demanded more money for public schools this year, and the Legislature agreed. But the increase lawmakers approved won't lead to bigger budgets for local districts this year.

Per-student funding will go up an average of $150. But last year, lawmakers slashed an average of $585 for each student. Making matters worse, thousands of new students are expected to enroll during the next school year, adding to districts' costs. And the federal stimulus money that helped shore up school districts this school year will run out, leaving a budget gap.

Bottom line: Local school boards likely will need to make cuts for the coming school year.

The Seminole County school district, for example, estimates that about $16 million must be sliced to balance its 2012-13 spending plan. That could mean reducing teaching staffs and trimming janitorial services, among other actions. Orange County schools could be short $25 million, on a per-student basis.

"At the end of the day, we still have less money available per student for next year than we have right now," said Rick Collins, chief financial officer for Orange County schools. "That's the reality of it."

As they did last year, lawmakers also budgeted no money for traditional schools' construction projects and again allocated $55 million from that fund to the state's charter schools.

Longer days for some

One of the most dramatic changes will be a longer school day for the 100 lowest- performing elementary schools.

Sen. David Simmons, R-Maitland, pushed the issue, convinced that more time in class could help students improve. Simmons said he wished the state could extend the day for all schools, but doing so for poor-performing campuses would be a "significant step forward."

The budget earmarks $30 million for the effort.

The list of 100 schools will be determined by state reading test scores. A list based on 2011 test data includes 11 schools in Central Florida, nine in Orange and one each in Lake and Volusia counties. Three of the Orange schools are charter schools, one of which has been closed.

Those schools will need to provide an extra hour devoted to intensive reading instruction for the entire school year. The added hour must be taught by effective reading teachers. Students who've scored a 5, the top score, on the reading section on the Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test could opt out of the longer day.

http://articles.orlandosentinel.com/2012-03-10/features/os-education-round-up-legislature-20120310_1_charter-schools-school-districts-elementary-schools