Governor Charlie Crist today highlighted his 2010-11 proposed budget for Pre K-12 education, recommending record level funding of $22.7 billion to continue learning gains achieved by Florida’s students during recent years. This includes state, federal and local funding, as well as an increase of more than $535.5 million over the current fiscal year. The Governor announced his budget plan at his alma mater Bay Vista Elementary School in St. Petersburg.
“I gained valuable skills and knowledge here at Bay Vista, and I am committed to ensuring that all of Florida’s K-12 students have the best learning environment possible,” Governor Crist said. “Florida’s young people deserve a solid educational foundation for their futures, and we cannot – and must not – let them down.”
Governor Crist pointed to Florida’s decade of educational progress continued this year with an 8th-place national ranking by the 2010 Quality Counts: Fresh Course, Swift Current report. Florida’s ranking is due to improved student performance in elementary, middle and high schools; incentives for top-performing teachers and Florida’s ability to attract and retain a strong teacher workforce; high academic standards and rigorous testing programs; and the percentage of state funds spent on public schools and equitable distribution of those funds to school districts.
The Quality Counts report card issued annually by Education Week tracks state education policies and performance and assigns each state an overall point total to signify their education standing in the nation. This year’s ranking improves the Sunshine State’s ranking of 10th last year and 14th in 2008, up from 31st in 2007.
Governor Crist also called upon the Legislature to approve the revised compact with the Seminole Tribe of Florida to provide funding for education programs. The Governor’s proposed budget includes $433 million, including monies already paid by the Seminoles and a projected amount expected to be collected through the end of Fiscal Year 2010-11.
Crist commended Education Commissioner Dr. Eric J. Smith and the visionary teachers, superintendents and school boards that have partnered with the Florida Department of Education to apply for federal Race to the Top funds. Florida’s past education reform efforts could qualify Florida for more than $1.1 billion over four years to further increase student achievement, teacher effectiveness and the talent pool of Florida’s graduates and workforce.
