State lawmakers continued to hammer out budget allocations this week, with Florida's education system standing to receive record funding for the 2015-2016 school year.
Large funding numbers for the state's school system were tossed around by Gov. Rick Scott, who has prioritized increased funding to improve Florida's schools and keep the state on the right track for academic success.
State lawmakers are looking at a $1.3 billion surplus this year, but even with the seemingly positive news which seems to make funneling more cash into education a no-brainer, the state may fall short of Scott's promises.
Part of Scott's original proposal for education included record per-pupil funding -- his proposal would tick up the state's spending to $7,170 per student, a $50 increase from the previous pre-recession levels set during the 2007-2008 school year.
As it stands, the Senate and House proposals for per-student spending still don't match up with Scott's numbers. The Senate and House aim to spend $7,097 per student, with the differences between their proposals being a mere 34 cents (the Senate's number is the higher one).
The number is still a jump of $207 from last year's per-pupil spending, but education committee members conceded the reality that they may not be able to meet Scott where he wants them to meet. That's partially due to necessities in other areas of the state's budget, like providing Floridians with big tax cuts as Scott promised.
The raging battle over health care, too, has had an impact on funding in other areas.
"We are left with the consequences of all that has gone on," said Sen. Don Gaetz, R-Niceville, the Senate chair of the Appropriations Committee on Education.
Scott still believes now is the right time to pump money into the state's education system, which has, in recent weeks, boasted increased high school graduation rates.
The State Board of Education has also urged lawmakers to prioritize the bump in per-pupil spending. While it may not seem like a huge increase, the numbers add up when accounting for the hundreds of thousands of students across the state.
“In Florida, under Gov. Scott's leadership, we have worked hard to achieve a substantial surplus and I believe it is critical that it is used to ensure our state’s students are prepared for success in college, career and life," said State Board Chair Marva Johnson.
When it comes to per-pupil funding, Florida ranks 42nd out of all 50 states and the District of Columbia for spending per student. According to numbers from the U.S. Census Bureau, the state with the highest per-pupil spending is New York, which spends nearly $20,000 per student. Florida, on the other hand, spends roughly $8,400 per student.
Budget negotiations are ongoing this week. Special session is scheduled to formally end June 20.
Reach Tampa-based reporter Allison Nielsen by email at allison@sunshinestatenews.com or follow her on Twitter: @AllisonNielsen
