TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — livi.stanford@dailycommercial.com | 0 comments
Gov. Rick Scott’s proposal to increase K-12 per pupil funding to the highest in the state’s history was applauded by local school officials on Monday.
Critics, however, questioned whether the increase was the highest on record after adjusting for inflation.
David Christiansen, chief academic officer, said the state’s per pupil funding is sometimes ranked as low as 47th in the nation.
“Resources matter, especially in light of the fact we are trying to increase our worldwide rankings in these various areas,” he said. “We are going to shepherd any resource we get with fiscal conservatism and make sure every dime is used in the right way. We take it very seriously.”
The extra funding is critical for students becoming college and career ready, Christiansen added, citing the county’s free and reduced lunch rate hovering over 60 percent.
“These students need support and resources,” he said. “Sometimes they don’t have them in their homes. It does make a difference.”