Statement from Superintendent Pratt-Dannals regarding 2010 Education Jobs Bill
On August 13, 2010, the U.S. Congress passed the Education Jobs bill. Initial reading of the bill indicated that the one-time revenue could only be used for school level hiring or rehiring of teachers and other staff for this school year. However, having received the guidelines from the U.S. Department of Education on Friday, August 13, it appears a much broader interpretation is being used to implement this bill.
The fact that the Federal Government took this unprecedented step indicates the urgent financial situations districts throughout the country are facing, including Duval County. Throughout the country, districts are experiencing layoffs, furloughs, reduction in salaries or the inability to pay increases in current contracts.
We continue to face unknowns such as our enrollment’s impact on the budget; potential mid-year cutbacks as we’ve had the past three years; a lower than anticipated collection rate on property taxes; the amendment to the original
class size amendment on this November’s ballot; and a potential shortfall of $125 million next year with the loss of stimulus funding and the quarter-mill currently in place.
According to the federal guidelines of the Education Jobs Bill:
- Funds can be allocated for the 2010-11 or 2011-12 school years.
- Funds must be spent on school-based personnel, including principals and assistant principals
- Can be used for compensation and benefits for:
1. Hiring back personnel
2. Eliminating furlough days
3. Providing incentives
4. Giving raises
5. Adding after-school programs
6. Lengthening school days
7. Providing professional development for school-based personnel
- Funds CANNOT be used to increase contingency fund
The bill requires the Governor of each state to submit an application certifying maintenance of effort and returning it by September 9, 2010. Although not verified, it is anticipated Governor Crist will submit this application within the next few weeks. The Governor also must decide one of two allocation methods, either by a direct student count or by one that is used to distribute Title I funds for schools with a high number of free or reduced lunch students. In either event, the District stands to receive in excess of $20 million in one-time money. Should events fall as anticipated, the funds could be available as early as October.
This new development gives the School Board the opportunity to sustain the current contract with Duval Teachers United for teachers and paraprofessionals without having to propose further staff layoffs or furloughs.
As this new funding source has not been confirmed, the reality of a $5 million gap remains. While hopeful, the School Board remains cautious as it proceeds into negotiations. Once more, I cannot comment at this time about further specifics of the negotiations as the first bargaining session is scheduled to commence today at 5:30 pm.
Should this funding source be realized, I am confident that this current dilemma may be resolved soon.
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