Public education in Duval County has always been a partnership between our school system and the residents that it serves. This connection has never been more important as we face what some are calling a "budget catastrophe."
Florida's Constitution places adequate education funding as a "paramount duty" of the state. We weathered a $70 million budget shortfall this school year and did so with limited impact on our schools and classrooms. Next year will be a different story.
Right now, we are projecting a $135 million funding shortfall for the 2009-10 school year. Even with our belt tightening, and some anticipated relief from the legislature, we are realistically looking at closing a $80.2 million gap next year. Drastic cuts in staff and programs at both the district and school levels will be unavoidable.
Duval County is joining with other school boards and districts across the state to ask for needed funding and legislative actions that could soften the effects of Florida’s statewide economic crisis. Summed up, we are asking our state’s lawmakers to:
- Find new revenue, possibly a one-cent, limited time sales tax increase.
- Give flexibility to school districts for the spending of "categorical" funds.
- Suspend implementation of unfunded mandates.
- Provide flexibility on the temporary use of capital funds to help narrow the funding gap.
Legislators are quick to note that they hear more frequently from tax cut advocates than those who support adequate public education funding. Please make your priorities known to your elected state representatives.
Complete contact information for members of the Duval County Legislative Delegation, as well as additional information about the financial crisis, is available below.
Thank you for your support of public education. Together, we'll continue to provide a high quality education to every student and prepare our children for the complex challenges they will face in today's changing world.
