With four more years on the horizon as Florida governor, Gov. Rick Scott unveiled sweeping plans to raise the state's education budget in 2015.
Scott announced his plans Monday to raise K-12 spending from $18.9 billion to $19.75 billion, which would result in the states highest per-pupil spending to date.
The governors proposal would increase per-student spending from around $6,900 to $7,200.
"Our historic funding proposal of $7,176 per student will provide our schools the resources for our students to have the very best opportunity to succeed because we know the workers and leaders of tomorrow are in our classrooms today," said Scott of the proposal.
The governor went on to say the increased per-pupil spending would better equip students to get jobs in the future.
The Florida Council of 100, a group of business leaders that advise the governor, praised the news as good news for advancing positive steps for Florida's schools.
When paired with the successful policy reforms of the past 15 years, this funding will continue to elevate Floridas excellence in the classroom and make us a beacon for learning and growth, the Council wrote in a prepared statement. By continuing to invest in education, Governor Scott is building on Floridas success to become the very best state to live, work and get a great education.
Praise for the proposed increase flowed to the governor's office from across the state. Included were these:
"Our state's students are fortunate to have some of the nation's best principals and teachers, and this record-setting investment in per pupil funding will ensure they all have the necessary resources to continue thriving." State Board of Education Chair Gary Chartrand.
"There has never been a better time for education in Florida." Commissioner of Education Pam Stewart.
FEA applauds the governor for keeping his campaign promise and increasing the states budget allotment for public school students. We look forward to working with the governor and the Legislature to continue to invest to improve our local public schools and helping all of the students who attend them.Florida Education Association President Andy Ford toThe News Service of Florida.
Mondays announcement comes after a rocky week for the Florida public education system. Just last week, a new report released by Education Week dinged the states education system, ranking it 28th in the nation -- a significant drop from previous years marks. The state earned a D+ in the school finance category, with only a little over 1 percent of students being funded at or above the national average.
No specific details of Scotts proposal were readily available as of Monday, but Gov. Scott will submit his budget proposal in the next few weeks. Florida is expected to have a surplus of $1 billion.
The state's fiscal year begins July 1.
Reach Tampa-based reporter Allison Nielsen by email atallison@sunshinestatenews.comor follow her on Twitter: @AllisonNielsen.
