TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WTXL) — Leon County Schools is preparing to lose over $12 million in the budget for the upcoming school year.
- Superintendent Rocky Hanna shared the news with the School Board at Tuesday's meeting.
- The potential cuts follow decisions made by both the federal and state governments.
- Watch the video to find out how your child could be affected and to hear how the Board plans to navigate this challenge.
UPDATED:
Leon County Schools is set to face significant financial setbacks for the upcoming school year. The Superintendent told the board Thursday they are expecting to be down over $12 million for the upcoming school budget.
"Unfortunately, we are beginning to prepare for the worst, hoping for the best, but also realizing hope is not a good strategy," said Superintendent Rocky Hanna of Leon County Schools. "This budget situation is going to present to us the greatest challenge that we have had together since COVID-19."
The funding deficit is a combination of frozen federal funds, a projected loss of about 375 students leaving the district for the state's expanded voucher program, and increasing costs of services.
Hanna said tough decisions will need to be made between now and the first day back at school — August 11, just over one month away.
Hanna said cuts will first impact additional support staff, and before and after school programs.
"We'll cut as much as we can at the district level and keep the classroom harmless for as long as we possibly can," said Hanna. "But at some point, there is going to be some pain experienced throughout the district, not only in Leon County, but throughout the state of Florida."
Despite the loss of funds, the Superintendent said he is confident it's a challenge they can overcome.
Board member Alva Swafford Smith said she wants the board to be included in drafted strategies to over come the loss of funds.
"As a board, we want to be given options," said Swafford Smith. "What are the things we're looking at cutting? What are the options that we have? And how can we come together and agree as a board and then move forward as a district?"
Superintendent Hanna said he expects to have another update Thursday on the status of the funding, when he has calls with board the Superintendent Association and Florida Department of Education.
ORIGINAL BROADCAST TRANSCRIPT:
Millions of dollars cut from Leon County Schools' budget for the next school. Right now, the Leon County School Board is meeting, where they are expected to discuss what the budget looks like for next year.
The budget is expected to be a big point of discussion Tuesday with education leaders set to discuss plans for these cuts.
The agenda notes there will be a legislative session reviewing following the recent signing of the state budget by Governor Ron DeSantis.
Agenda documents for the meeting note the budget is "very lean", also showing that the percentage of new revenue to cover other cost increases is -0.58%.
One school board member said that loss of revenue is also attributed to the number of students projected to leave the school district, opting for school choice and the voucher program, instead.
The agenda also reflects $396 million in Florida education funds are currently frozen, adding the release of those funds are dependent on a federal review. The Florida Department of Education is expected to issue guidance to all district superintendents this week with notes on affected funding and timelines for resolution.
ABC 27 reached out to the Florida Department of Education for comment, but we have not yet heard back.
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