The legislative delegation is close to finalizing the budget for fiscal year 2009-10. The Senate and the House have significantly closed the gap on their revenue numbers for next year. The latest information we received from Tallahassee is slightly more favorable for Duval County Public Schools than the last update reported to us in April.
If the current figures hold, the funding per FTE (Full Time Equivalent student) would be $6,873, which is slightly higher than the $6,860 last reported. As a result, the final proposed budget estimates an additional increase of $4 million, making the estimated shortfall $44 million instead of $48 million.
Based on the School Board's input at a recent workshop, it is my intent to restore full funding for art, music, physical education, media and guidance at the elementary schools. This would bring us back to this year's level of service.
Additionally, funds for the secondary schools will be appropriated through the "Cabinet and Administrative add on." It was apparent through the Spring budget process that secondary schools were more negatively impacted due to the State revenue shortfall. That being said, it is recommended that the additional $4 million received from the state, should it materialize, be added to the secondary schools’ Base Student Allocation (BSA) in order to restore some surplussed positions.
It is also the intent to restore the .5 Academic Coaches positions at each school, and our Human Resources Department will work with staff and Duval Teachers United (DTU) regarding supplements for extra-curricular activities. Any changes to teacher supplements will require bargaining with DTU.
This information is better than before and as soon as the State budget is finalized, I will proceed with restoring funding to the academic programs outlined above.
As always, thank you for all that you do, and for your continued support of Duval County Public Schools.
