Budget conference: Goodbye preeminent funding for Florida’s top universities
Florida’s best universities are not getting any extra state dollars this year as a reward for being in an elite class. The Legislature opted to axe preeminent funding completely. The chambers ended their budget talks late Sunday as the Legislature works to pass a budget in Special Session after failing to do so during the 60-day Regular Session. The Senate originally sought $100 million to reward the “preeminent” research universities but was unable to reach a compromise with the House which wanted to eliminate it. The Senate later lowered its offer to $50 million but the House didn’t bite. More from Florida Politics and Higher Ed Dive.
Vouchers grow in Florida’s budget. Will there be added accountability?
The Florida Legislature’s proposed budget does not address the state Auditor General’s primary recommendations to fix the $4.5 billion school voucher program. It doesn’t create a separate line item for the funding, as participation is projected to increase 14% to nearly 500,000 children. It doesn’t set up unique identification numbers for all students including voucher recipients. It doesn’t require families to regularly confirm where their child is being educated before releasing their voucher funds. [Source: Tampa Bay Times]
Florida teachers unions battle for survival under new state law
Anna Fusco is known as a fighter, often pulling out a pair of boxing gloves inside the Tamarac office of the Broward Teachers Union, the group she has led for the past decade. She’s now preparing for one of the biggest fights facing teachers unions in Florida: the fight for survival. This year, the state Legislature passed, and Gov. Ron DeSantis signed, a tough, new state law that makes it far harder for unions representing teachers, bus drivers, cafeteria workers and many others to remain active, forcing live-or-die votes as early as this summer. [Source: South Florida Sun Sentinel]
Debate over school choice heats up after Florida Education Association files lawsuit
The FEA’s lawsuit claims that private and charter schools receiving taxpayer dollars through vouchers and scholarships aren’t held to the same standards as public schools, and because of that, public schools are struggling. “We’re asking for the legislature to actually enforce the constitution, which means if taxpayer money is being used, there should be accountability to taxpayers. If parents are being given options, then they should have all of the information in those options,” said Andrew Spar, president of the Florida Education Association. But Leslie Coker, who has two sons with special needs, says public school wouldn’t meet their needs [Source: Spectrum News]
In property tax debate, how will Florida define core school services?
Following months of talk, Gov. Ron DeSantis has called for a special session to slash property taxes in Florida. It’s scheduled to begin Monday. One of the bullet point highlights of his plan says that it would require local governments to use the revenue that remains “solely for core public needs” including education. Which parts of the education system he’s referring to aren’t spelled out. [Source: Tampa Bay Times]
ALSO AROUND FLORIDA:
› Sarasota school tax fight reaches Tallahassee as lawmakers propose fix
The ongoing fight between Sarasota County Schools and Tax Collector Mike Moran over millions in tax dollars is now drawing attention in Tallahassee, where state lawmakers are proposing a change that could clarify who pays the cost of collecting voter-approved school taxes. The proposal, which was added to Florida’s tax package with approval from House Ways and Means Committee Chair Wyman Duggan, R-Jacksonville, comes as similar disputes are surfacing in other Florida districts.
› Orange County families say goodbye to closing public schools
At Bonneville in east Orange County, students carried Sharpies and asked friends and teachers to sign their blue Bonneville Elementary Bulldogs t-shirts. They joined parents and former students in paging through albums filled with old class photos and yearbooks. The event was “bittersweet,” said teacher Renee Smithwick, who organized the gathering. It was part carnival, with face painting, bounce houses and a petting zoo, and partly a time for hugs and teary goodbyes.
› Florida lawmakers strike deal on USF Sarasota-Manatee transfer to New College
Over the holiday weekend, the Florida House and Senate agreed on language to transfer the University of South Florida’s Sarasota-Manatee campus to New College of Florida. If passed, the legislation would transfer the property ownership, leases, fixed facilities and equipment from USF Sarasota-Manatee to New College. New College would also assume liability by Dec. 30 for any outstanding debt as of July 1.
› University of Florida hosts public forums with presidential finalist Dr. Stuart Bell
A series of open forums will be held on Wednesday, June 3rd, for students, staff and faculty to hear from the sole finalist for University of Florida President. Dr. Stuart Bell was recommended by the UF Presidential Search Committee to become the university’s 14th president. Prior to this, Dr. Bell was president of the University of Alabama for 10 years.