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Local School Districts Serving Military-Related Students Hail 'Big Win' In Florida Budget

MGN Online

Four Northwest Florida school districts received more than $6 million total in the recently signed state budget. It’s for areas serving military-related students.

Santa Rosa Superintendent Tim Wyrosdick says kids of those serving in the military have a lot of special needs in schools.

“We see students who come in the middle of the year,” said Wyrosdick. “They have difficulty amalgamating academic credits and making that transition from one state to another. As much as we try to accommodate them, it does require a great deal of assistance to make certain that they make that transition.”

Schools in Santa Rosa County—surrounded by many military bases—received about $1.2 million, while Okaloosa—with the largest amount of military students—received the most with about $2.4 million. Calling it a “big win,” Wyrosdick says the funds will help provide guidance counselors and other additional services for these students.

“We see huge needs for both students in our schools and the families that are associated with those students,” he added. “So, these military liaisons help us to assist in the transition both in and out of our schools. Additionally, school guidance counselors dealing with military-dependent children, and their social-emotional needs and their academic needs are a high priority. We really want to make sure certain that those that serve us in our country and abroad and protect us that their children are taken care of and these dollars go a long way in making certain that we can do that.

Escambia and Bay counties also received similar funds. The money for these schools was put in the budget by Sen. Don Gaetz (R-Niceville) and his son, Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-Fort Walton Beach).

For more news updates, follow Sascha Cordner on Twitter: @SaschaCordner.

Sascha Cordner has more than ten years of public radio experience. It includes working at NPR member station WUFT-FM in Gainesville for several years. She's worked in both radio and TV, serving in various capacities as a reporter, producer and anchor. She's also a graduate of the University of Florida with a bachelor's degree in telecommunications. She is the recipient of 15 awards from the Associated Press, Society of Professional Journalists (SPJ), and Edward R. Murrow. Her award-winning stories include her coverage on the infamous “Dozier School for Boys” and a feature titled "Male Breast Cancer: Lost in the Sea of Pink." Currently, Sascha serves as the host and producer of local and state news content for the afternoon news program "All Things Considered" at WFSU. Sascha primarily covers criminal justice and social services issues. When she's not reporting, Sascha likes catching up on her favorite TV shows, singing and reading. Follow Sascha Cordner on Twitter:@SaschaCordner.