State Board of Education Hears Details of Teacher Pay Raise Increased School Spending
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State Board of Education Hears Details of Teacher Pay Raise, Increased School Spending
Tallahassee, Fla., May 21, 2013 - At today's State Board of Education meeting in Jacksonville, board members heard details about the teacher pay raise championed by Governor Rick Scott. A priority of the governor, $480 million was included in the 2013-14 budget for classroom teachers to receive a salary increase. The pay raise affirms teachers' contributions to high academic performance and improving student achievement as noted in several national and international reports.The board also heard an update on the Governor's College and Career First budget and the 2013 Legislative Session. The $18.5 billion budget for public schools includes a $1 billion increase in education funding over last year, a boost of more than $400 per student. Additionally, the budget includes $45.3 million for the Teacher Supply Program, providing an average of $250 for each teacher to purchase classroom supplies.
"This was a very good year for education," said State Board Chair Gary Chartrand. "Thanks to Governor Scott's vision and leadership, Florida teachers will receive a well-deserved raise and our schools will receive more money."
Governor Scott signed legislation allowing Florida College System (FCS) institutions to offer baccalaureate degree programs for $10,000 or less, including the cost of tuition and fees. Twenty-three of the 28 FCS institutions offer baccalaureate degrees.
"I'm proud that the Florida College System met the Governor's degree challenge head-on and is working to create degrees that meet our state's workforce needs and are affordable for Florida families and students," said FCS Chancellor Randy Hanna.
The budget also includes $45 million - an increase of $30 million - for performance funding to high schools for students who earn industry certifications.
"The College and Career First budget reinforces Governor Scott's commitment to education and preparing students for college and a career," said Career and Adult Education Chancellor Rod Duckworth.
Commissioner of Education Dr. Tony Bennett and FDOE staff provided a status update on implementing the Common Core State Standards, the technology necessary for supporting the assessments and development of a test item bank for end-of-course assessments.
"Common Core totally changes the landscape of education," said Commissioner Bennett. "The greatest asset is local control of the curriculum and the school district's role in how to best provide instruction to their students."
The board also unanimously approved a request for a Bachelor of Applied Science in Digital Media at Gulf Coast State College. The degree will enable program graduates to work in technical and management positions within the digital media, web technology and computing industries.
For more information about today's meeting, visit State Board of Education.