After a weeklong education tour, Gov. Rick Scott put down a marker Friday night: He wants to avoid funding cuts for public schools next year -- and would like to boost spending, if possible.

But while Scott's stance might turn out to be popular with parents and teachers, he will have to set aside money for education in an overall state budget that is projected to barely break even.

What's more, Scott will have to come to agreement with some fellow Republicans who say they are just as focused -- if not more -- on making sure the state's education money is well spent.