State Board of Education Votes Unanimously to Continue to Champion Historic Per-Student Funding During the Special Session
May 20, 2015
DOE Press Office
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State Board of Education Votes Unanimously to Continue to Champion Historic Per-Student Funding During the Special Session
Bunnell, Fla., May 20, 2015 – Today, the State Board of Education voted unanimously to support Governor Rick Scott’s proposal to achieve historic per-student funding for the 2015-2016 Fiscal Year. The Florida Legislature called for a Special Session to establish a budget and the Board requests that the Legislature includes this in their budget.
Education Commissioner Pam Stewart said, “As we approach the 2015 Special Session, it would be remiss of me if I did not mention that I believe the most critical component is incorporating Governor Scott’s proposal to increase Florida’s per-student funding to historic levels. I know that our districts are good stewards of our taxpayer dollars and will be able to make meaningful use of these additional funds to improve student outcomes. I am proud that there is unanimous support among the Board for this important funding for our schools.”
State Board Chair Gary Chartrand said, “Florida is one of the largest states in the nation, and I know that some of the best and brightest minds are sitting in classrooms throughout the state. Educators can make all the difference in the life of a struggling student, but they must have the necessary resources. I am optimistic that our students’ tremendous success in recent years will compel the Florida Legislature to allocate record per-student funding.”
State Board Vice Chair John R. Padget said, “Florida's economic future is linked to today's education priorities. I'm anticipating and hoping that the Legislature will deliver the highest per-pupil funding for Florida's students, guaranteeing a vibrant future for Florida's economy."
State Board Member Marva Johnson said, “All Florida families should have access to a quality education that prepares their daughters and sons for successful futures and builds a world class work force for businesses in our state. With 2.7 million students in more than 4,200 K-12 public schools throughout the state, the Florida Legislature has a tremendous opportunity to make an investment that will impact every single Floridian.”
State Board Member John A. Colón said, “Each child, youth and young adult I encountered along the way has reaffirmed my belief that our state’s children possess endless potential. We must make every effort to ensure we provide our state’s schools with the resources they need to help their students set and reach goals that will keep them on a path to success. It is in that vein that I respectfully request the Legislature honor Governor Scott’s request to fund Florida’s education system at historic levels.”
State Board Member Rebecca Fishman Lipsey said, “Our state’s most valuable asset is our children, and we have a responsibility to ensure they are prepared to achieve academic and career success. I urge the Florida Legislature to stand up for our students and teachers during the 2015 Special Session by reaching historic per-student funding for Florida’s education system.”
State Board Member Michael Olenick said, “The students in today’s classrooms will soon be joining the workforce, and it is essential they have the skills necessary to thrive in a global economy. We must do everything in our power to remain on this path that has greatly benefited Florida’s families, and I strongly believe that achieving historic per-pupil funding for the 2015-2016 Fiscal Year is the right choice for the people of Florida.”
State Board Member Andy Tuck said, “As a parent, I have helped my children on their academic journeys and I have been incredibly grateful that they have access to a world-class education system in our great state, and I know I am not alone in wanting the very best for my children. By investing record amounts in our state’s education system, the Florida Legislature has an opportunity to ensure all of our state’s teachers and schools have the resources they need to prepare Florida’s students for success in college, career and in life. As a longtime resident of Highlands County, I know the impact will be particularly valuable for rural counties.”
For more information about the historic per-pupil funding proposal, click here.
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