The board overseeing Florida’s public schools is already working on how much money it will need next year for kindergarten through 12th grade public schools, and community and state colleges.
Florida’s chief economist told the board that revenues are coming in higher than projected and that could mean good news for Florida’s budget. Areas like healthcare and education have felt the budget pinch over the last few years. The state board of education is already working on where to put that extra money IF they should get it.
“We have to remind ourselves that The amount of money were spending in infinitissimal improvements in class size is amazing, not well spent and I want it to go to incentive pay for the best teachers," said State Board of Education Commissioner John Padget. He also says that's a place where money could be re-allocated and funding increased.
In addition to easing class size restrictions, Padget says he’d like lawmakers to re-start the matching grant programs for colleges and universities. The program was suspended a few years ago due to budget cuts.
