This Video Update features FSBA Interim Executive Director Bill Graham providing an overview of the main charter school bills — HB 7037 and SB 1552 – particularly with regard to the use of local district millage revenue for charter capital outlay funding. In addition, the video provides an update on the Senate and House budgets – SB 2500 and HB 5001 – and the main assessment and accountability bills — HB 7069 and SB 616. (Scroll down below the video for more information)
K-12 Education Budget Proposals
Both budget proposals increase overall FEFP funding by about $750 million — about a 4% increase over the current year – with the House proposal providing about $20 million more than Senate in total FEFP funding. The House focuses on increasing funding for specific programs — such as Safe Schools, the ESE Guarantee, and Supplemental Academic Instruction — while the Senate provides more funding flexibility by focusing much of its increase in the Base Student Allocation. In addition, the Senate budget currently does not include an allocation for Digital Classrooms and also creates a new FEFP program — the Federally Connected Student Supplement.
Action requested: Please contact your legislators and thank them for their commitment to increasing education funding for 2015-2016. Urge them to provide as much flexible funding as possible while also ensuring sufficient funding for state required categorical programs.
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