What is the condition of state funding for public education in the state of Florida?
Funding for public education in the state of Florida is declining. There have been recent changes in the tax structure, and more changes to be presented to Florida's voters in the November 2008 election. These are the result of intensifying political trends that will likely lead to long-term volatility in the flow of public funds to our public schools.
Our public schools are currently funded by property tax collected locally known as the "required local effort" (RLE) and state revenues (derived mainly from sales tax; there are hundreds of business and industry exemptions). These combined revenues are re-allocated to school districts by the state through an equitable formula within what is called the Florida Education Finance Program (FEFP). This is the first time in several decades that local revenues will surpass state revenues in support of public education, although the state constitution states that the legislature must provide adequate funds for a "uniform, efficient, safe, secure, and high quality system of free public schools."
Lottery dollars, touted years ago as a supplement for public schools, were instead used as a replacement for existing allocations. In Orange County, lottery dollars now pay for approximately one day of operations over a year's time.
The Taxation and Budget Reform Commission is an appointed state board that sidesteps the legislative process to bring proposed constitutional revisions directly to the voters. In their recent session, they reached consensus on a number of proposals. Two are related to public school financing-*Eliminate the "required local effort" (RLE) and require the legislature to replace it with a higher sales tax of up to 1 per cent, repeals of sales tax exemptions , budget cuts in other areas of the state budget, and/or other revenues. (Sales tax revenues are much more volatile than property tax revenues and there has not been much inclination to reduce exemptions.) *Require that school districts spend 65% in the classroom (to be defined year to year by the legislature instead of local school districts). (Orange County Public Schools is already very close to 65%, and is over 80% when school administrators, technology, professional development and other classroom-related allocations are included.) This will be tied-in the same proposal-to a provision to amend the constitution to allow public dollars to go directly to religious entities and sectarian institutions. (Opens door to publicly funded vouchers for parochial and private schools, without provision for accountability.)
These are very serious and challenging times. World-class, high-quality public schools require stable and adequate funding. When voters see such provisions on the ballot, it is essential that they be fully informed. Sometimes proposals sound good, but carry great risk for our children's education.
At this juncture, when our schools have made such progress, we need strong leadership to maintain our momentum toward becoming "the top producer of successful students in the nation." Intense focus on our strategic vision, ability to make equitable, fiscally responsible decisions and vigilance in protecting access to a rich, high-quality education for all children are essential. I have proven my ability to serve in this way, and pledge to continue to serve in this way as we move into these challenging times. I have developed the knowledge, experience, courage, passion and integrity to be the kind of public servant our children need on their side. I have fought for our children over the last four years, and I will continue to fight for them. Their education is too important, too critical, to do otherwise. Once a child is educated and has the spark needed for life-long learning, it can never be taken away.
We must all stand together to protect our children's education, and advocate for stable and adequate funding for our public schools. Our children deserve it, our economy needs it, and our society demands it. High-quality public schools are the foundation of our democracy. They are the vehicle for achieving the American Dream.
"We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness..."
8 months ago