Scott announces $24 billion for education – but it’s an election year

Gov. Rick Scott announced on Monday historic funding of $24.43 billion for K-12, state colleges and universities.

Scott, who will roll out his proposed budget recommendations to the Florida Legislature next week, seek to direct $18.84 billion for K-12 public schools, $2 billion for state colleges and $3.59 billion for Florida’s public universities. 

The $18.8 billion in funding for K-12 education funding is the highest in Florida history and includes a record $10.6 billion in state funds.

In addition, Scott is recommending $8.4 million in professional development for principals and assistant principals and $5 million for training and technical assistance for teachers related to the implementation of state standards.

Included in the total funding for colleges and universities is $40 million of new funds for the Florida College System and $40 million in new funds for the State University System for performance funding.