1/26/18
The Education Committee of the Constitutional Revision Commission passed out several proposals this afternoon that will now go to other committees or to the full Commission. Actions included:
FAILED: Proposal 25, Plymale, creates separate board of governors for state/community colleges;
PASSED:Proposal 83, Washington, establishes single college system governed by State Board of Education;
PASSED: Proposal 44, Washington, requires supermajority vote for tuition/fee increases at state universities;
PASSED: Proposal 45, Donalds, allows legislature to make provision for other educational services in addition to the system of free public schools;
PASSED, Proposal 4, Martinez, removes the prohibition against using public revenues in aid of any church, sect, or religious denomination or any sectarian institution. (so-called "Blaine amendment")
PASSED: Proposal 93, Martinez, allows school districts to become high performing charter districts with certain flexibilities (similar to statutory pilot involving 4 districts in early/mid-2000's);
TEMPORARILY POSTPONED: Proposal 30, Martinez, provides that a person may not be deprived of any right because of any disability; and
TEMPORARILY POSTPONED: Proposal 10, Gaetz, requires teaching of civic literacy in public schools.
The Committee did not take up proposals 89, 15 (may be withdrawn), 82, 70 or 59. Those are expected to be on the committee's agenda when they meet next Thursday. Complete information on the Commission and proposals can be found at www.flcrc.gov.
Budget documents were released this morning by the House and Senate in preparation for next week's full Appropriations Committees debate, amendment and vote. House documents including the General Appropriations (GAA) bill, implementing bill, FRS employer rates and a detailed FEFP run can be viewed and downloaded here. The Senate has released its version of the GAA, implementing bill and a single sheet summary of the FEFP here.
Of note:
Also attached is the Proposed Committee Bill (PCB) for HB7055 that was posted very late last night in the House. This proposed bill will go before the House Appropriations Committee next week and will be considered the House budget conforming bill. There is no staff analysis for the 198-page bill that is substantially expanded from yesterday's Education Committee approval.
The bill contains all that was in HB7055 as approved yesterday (see staff analysis in our January 24th update) including the new reading instruction scholarship, plus:
FAILED: Proposal 25, Plymale, creates separate board of governors for state/community colleges;
PASSED:Proposal 83, Washington, establishes single college system governed by State Board of Education;
PASSED: Proposal 44, Washington, requires supermajority vote for tuition/fee increases at state universities;
PASSED: Proposal 45, Donalds, allows legislature to make provision for other educational services in addition to the system of free public schools;
PASSED, Proposal 4, Martinez, removes the prohibition against using public revenues in aid of any church, sect, or religious denomination or any sectarian institution. (so-called "Blaine amendment")
PASSED: Proposal 93, Martinez, allows school districts to become high performing charter districts with certain flexibilities (similar to statutory pilot involving 4 districts in early/mid-2000's);
TEMPORARILY POSTPONED: Proposal 30, Martinez, provides that a person may not be deprived of any right because of any disability; and
TEMPORARILY POSTPONED: Proposal 10, Gaetz, requires teaching of civic literacy in public schools.
The Committee did not take up proposals 89, 15 (may be withdrawn), 82, 70 or 59. Those are expected to be on the committee's agenda when they meet next Thursday. Complete information on the Commission and proposals can be found at www.flcrc.gov.
Budget documents were released this morning by the House and Senate in preparation for next week's full Appropriations Committees debate, amendment and vote. House documents including the General Appropriations (GAA) bill, implementing bill, FRS employer rates and a detailed FEFP run can be viewed and downloaded here. The Senate has released its version of the GAA, implementing bill and a single sheet summary of the FEFP here.
Of note:
- The House provides a 1.37% increase in total potential state/local dollars over this past October's 3rd calculation. The Senate is at 1.5%;
- The Senate folds into the FEFP $184M in Best and Brightest scholarships and $88M in Hope Scholarship Supplemental Services that count toward the 1.5% increase; Those dollars this year are additional appropriations outside of the FEFP;
- The Senate uses full projected local tax roll increases in reassessment and new construction for Required Local Effort while the House uses only new construction, which is a change for the House from the freeze on any increase in RLE growth in the past three years;
- The House provides $120.3 million for charter school capital outlay that is connected with last night's new version of HB7055 which stipulates that a school district would not be required to contribute local capital tax dollars to charter schools if the level of FY19 funding is not maintained or if it is decreased in future years. The House maintains the $50M level for public schools; the Senate provides $25M for charter schools and $75M for school districts;
- The Senate increases Safe Schools by about $13 million over current year and sets the minimum district threshold at $250,000/district; the House keeps current year levels;
- The Senate increases the teacher supply funding to $350/teacher; the House maintains current level;
- The Senate provides a $45.20 reduction per FTE in the Base Student Allocation while the House provides a $75.20/FTE increase;
- Through pending PCB/HB7055, House revision to requirements for instruction for students in low performing (ELA) elementary schools including elimination of an extra hour of instruction after school although extra instruction remains required during the school day;
- Affecting the final "bottom line," the allocation in each chamber is for education, Prek-university; The House is higher than the Senate in K-12 FEFP funding overall, but reduces spending in higher education. The Senate is the opposite. That difference will be a significant hurdle to overcome in conference between the chambers later next month.
Also attached is the Proposed Committee Bill (PCB) for HB7055 that was posted very late last night in the House. This proposed bill will go before the House Appropriations Committee next week and will be considered the House budget conforming bill. There is no staff analysis for the 198-page bill that is substantially expanded from yesterday's Education Committee approval.
The bill contains all that was in HB7055 as approved yesterday (see staff analysis in our January 24th update) including the new reading instruction scholarship, plus:
- the contents of HB1 concerning the Hope Scholarship program for students bullied or abused in school and when the parent/s feel the situation has not bee corrected to their satisfaction;
- plus HB25 that requires employee organizations representing fewer than 50% of eligible members to hold election for continuation;
- plus other legislation pertaining to approval of school board member travel, auditing requirements, budget information dissemination, etc., and prohibition of appointed superintendents from lobbying their former boards for two years (same requirement already in place for elected superintendents);
- plus allowing districts to use up to 1% of their federal Title 1 allocations for supplemental and support services;
- and we're still reading through the bill...stay tuned for more.
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1/24/18
Senate Prek-12 Education Appropriations Chair Kathleen Passidomo presented her budget recommendations for public schools this morning. Her FEFP recommendations will go directly to the full Appropriations Committee set to meet next week. The backup including a summary sheet can be viewed and downloaded here. There is no district run at this point. The FEFP summary is on page 14 of the PDF file; notes on content of the pending implementing and conforming bills are on pages 31-32, and the draft proviso language that would appear in the General Appropriations Act (GAA) starts on page 34. Of note, the Senate draft:
Meanwhile, the House Education Committee staff analysis to the proposed 109-page committee bill distributed last night was released late today. The bill is ontomorrow's 10am agenda and the meeting will be webcast on www.thefloridachannel.org. The analysis is attached. The staff summary of the proposed sections follows here:
The bill expands school choice options for parents and strengthens accountability by:
- provides a 1.5% increase in total potential state/local dollars per FTE over this past October's actual enrollment (3rd calculation);
- folds into the FEFP dollars kept separately in HB7069 last year for the Best and Brightest teacher bonuses that would become part of salary rather than a bonus, and funding for the Schools of Hope;
- provides $40 million for Sen. Passidomo's mental health initiative that is part of SB1434;
- increases the Safe Schools allocation by $13 million and the minimum per school district to $250,000;
- provides funding for an estimated 30,000 additional students over the October count, but reduces the Base Student Allocation by $45.20 from the current level of $4203.95 to $4158.75; and
- continues the Senate position to use local taxroll growth from both new construction and reappraisals (reassessments) as was done in years prior to 2016-17.
Meanwhile, the House Education Committee staff analysis to the proposed 109-page committee bill distributed last night was released late today. The bill is ontomorrow's 10am agenda and the meeting will be webcast on www.thefloridachannel.org. The analysis is attached. The staff summary of the proposed sections follows here:
The bill expands school choice options for parents and strengthens accountability by:
- Establishing the Reading Education Scholarship Account to provide students who scored Level I or II on 3rd grade English Language Arts (ELA) assessment with a scholarship toward services such as tutoring, summer school, and curriculum
- Streamlines monitoring and oversight provisions for scholarship programs and adds new accountability measures regarding site visits, parental notifications, and fiscal mismanagement
- Expands allowable uses of the Gardiner scholarship to include tutoring by a person with a baccalaureate degree in the subject matter area
- Requiring the Florida Department of Education (DOE) to disseminate templates to assist schools in developing ELA and math curricula
- Requiring paper-based assessments for grades 7-8 in ELA and Math
- Incorporating Social Studies content into reading and writing prompts on state assessments
- Requiring released assessment items to be in an electronic format that facilitates sharing of assessment items
- Requiring school districts to provide Florida Virtual School (FLVS) students with access to district testing facilities for national assessments and industry certification exams
- Allow charter schools to provide school administrator and principal preparation programs that lead to certification upon approval by DOE
- Allow charter schools to delay opening from 2 years to 3 years
- Require school districts to provide charter schools with access to surplus property on the same basis as public schools
- Require school districts to provide background screening results within 14 days for charter school employees or waive the fees for screening
- Revise eligibility for high performing schools to two consecutive "A" grades and allow high performing schools to replicate two schools
- Clarifies provisions relating to charter school terminations
- Expands the Principal Autonomy Pilot Program Initiative to a statewide program and allows trained principals to manage multiple district schools that operate under an independent governing board
- Expands a superintendent’s duties to recommend specific schools to operate under a governing board
- Revises requirements related to home education and private school articulation agreements
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1/13/18
Hard to believe, but Week One of the 2018 Florida legislative regular session is done. Eight more to go.
Lawmakers moved a number of bills through committee or floor action by yesterday. Several education committees did not meet and that trend will continue to some extent next week. Of note:
House Prek-12 Quality Education passed the following:
HB 63 -- Students with Disabilities in Public Schools, by Rep. Edwards
HB 495 -- School District Price Level Index, by Rep. Diaz
HB 577 -- High School Graduation Requirements, by Rep. Silvers
HB 827 -- Instructional Materials, by Rep. Donalds
Senate Ed Appropriations passed SB 564 by Young - John M. McKay Scholarships for Students with Disabilities Program.
Both SB90 and companion HB33 passed their first committee stops that make texting while driving a primary offense that allows law enforcement to stop the violator search the device for texting.
Attached is a list of "Bills on the Move" (31) that got action this week or are likely to get serious consideration. Also attached is the update list of all bills (377) filed thus far that have a direct or indirect effect on Prek-12 Education in some fashion.
Budget was quiet this week and will be next week as well. Subcommittee chairs are expected to unveil their recommendations the week of the 22nd. Expect both chambers to start about where the they last year: the House will propose using only state revenues with about a 1% increase in total potential funding per pupil; the Senate is expected to use local tax roll growth for calculation of required local effort (about $500M) and start with a budget that will be within range of the Governor's 2.74% recommendation. The House serves as budget manager this year and will chair all joint conference committees toward session's end to resolve the differences.
Meanwhile, after a week off, the Education Committee of the Constitutional Revision Commission meets next Friday with a full agenda. The proposals, including staff backup, are listed here:
P 32 by Donalds - EDUCATION, State board of education; School districts; school boards; State University System - eliminates school board member salaries, but provides for travel expenses
P 25 by Plymale - EDUCATION, creates s. 8 - establishes a separate governance structure for community colleges (similar to SB540 under legislative consideration)
P 83 by Washington - EDUCATION, creates s. 8 - similar version of Proposal 25
P 44 by Washington - EDUCATION, State University System - requires 9 votes of a university board and 12 votes of the Board of Governors to implement and tuition or fee incrrease
P 45 by Donalds - EDUCATION, Public education - specifies that no provision of the State Constitution may be construed to limit the Legislature from making provision for other educational services that are beneficial to the children and families of this state
P 89 by Washington - EDUCATION, Public education - adds the following at the beginning of Article IX, Section 1: "The purpose of the public education system of Florida is to develop the intellect of the state’s citizens, to contribute to the economy, to create an effective workforce, and to prepare students for a job."
P 71 by Donalds - EDUCATION, School districts; school boards - allows a separate charter school authorizer at the state level in addition to local school boards
P 93 by Martinez - EDUCATION, School districts; school boards; charter districts - Allows high performing school districts to become charter school districts with flexibility similar to that provided charter schools in s.1002.33(16), F.S.
P 4 by Martinez - DECLARATION OF RIGHTS, Religious freedom - repeals the so-called "Blaine Amendment" removing the prohibition against using public revenues in aid of any church, sect, or religious denomination or any sectarian institution(similar to Amendment 8 in November, 2012 that received a 45% vote, short of the 60% required for approval).
The remainder of the committees and commission activities for next week can be viewed and downloaded here.
State Board of Education
Governor Rick Scott announced reappointment of two State Board members and appointment of a new member late yesterday. His presser follows here:
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. - Today,Governor Rick Scott announced the reappointments of Marva Johnson and Andy Tuck, and the appointment of Joe York to the State Board of Education.
Johnson, 48, of Winter Garden, is a corporate executive for Charter Communication. She currently serves as a commissioner on the Florida Constitution Revision Commission. Johnson received her bachelor's degree from Georgetown University, her master's degree from Emory University, and her law degree from Georgia State University. She is reappointed for a term beginning January 12, 2018, and ending December 31, 2021.
Tuck, 48, of Sebring, is the owner and manager of Natural AG Solutions, LLC. He previously served as Chair of the Highlands County School Board, and Vice Chair of the Florida School Board Association. Tuck received his bachelor's degree from Florida Southern University. He is reappointed for a term beginning January 12, 2018, and ending December 31, 2021.
York, 49, of Ponte Vedra Beach, is the president of AT&T Florida, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. He also serves on the board of directors for Enterprise Florida and has served on the Jacksonville Port Authority. York received his bachelor's degree from Auburn University. He succeeds Rebecca Fishman-Lipsey and is appointed for a term beginning January 12, 2018, and ending December 31, 2020.
The appointments are subject to confirmation by the Florida Senate.
The State Board meets Wednesday morning at 9am in Tallahassee. The meeting will be webcast. Highlighting the agenda is the proposed rule implementing the Schools of Hope legislation from last session (HB7069) and considerating of awards to traditional schools under the bill's funding. The agenda includes:
The full agenda can be viewed and downloaded here.
Lawmakers moved a number of bills through committee or floor action by yesterday. Several education committees did not meet and that trend will continue to some extent next week. Of note:
House Prek-12 Quality Education passed the following:
HB 63 -- Students with Disabilities in Public Schools, by Rep. Edwards
HB 495 -- School District Price Level Index, by Rep. Diaz
HB 577 -- High School Graduation Requirements, by Rep. Silvers
HB 827 -- Instructional Materials, by Rep. Donalds
Senate Ed Appropriations passed SB 564 by Young - John M. McKay Scholarships for Students with Disabilities Program.
Both SB90 and companion HB33 passed their first committee stops that make texting while driving a primary offense that allows law enforcement to stop the violator search the device for texting.
Attached is a list of "Bills on the Move" (31) that got action this week or are likely to get serious consideration. Also attached is the update list of all bills (377) filed thus far that have a direct or indirect effect on Prek-12 Education in some fashion.
Budget was quiet this week and will be next week as well. Subcommittee chairs are expected to unveil their recommendations the week of the 22nd. Expect both chambers to start about where the they last year: the House will propose using only state revenues with about a 1% increase in total potential funding per pupil; the Senate is expected to use local tax roll growth for calculation of required local effort (about $500M) and start with a budget that will be within range of the Governor's 2.74% recommendation. The House serves as budget manager this year and will chair all joint conference committees toward session's end to resolve the differences.
Meanwhile, after a week off, the Education Committee of the Constitutional Revision Commission meets next Friday with a full agenda. The proposals, including staff backup, are listed here:
P 32 by Donalds - EDUCATION, State board of education; School districts; school boards; State University System - eliminates school board member salaries, but provides for travel expenses
P 25 by Plymale - EDUCATION, creates s. 8 - establishes a separate governance structure for community colleges (similar to SB540 under legislative consideration)
P 83 by Washington - EDUCATION, creates s. 8 - similar version of Proposal 25
P 44 by Washington - EDUCATION, State University System - requires 9 votes of a university board and 12 votes of the Board of Governors to implement and tuition or fee incrrease
P 45 by Donalds - EDUCATION, Public education - specifies that no provision of the State Constitution may be construed to limit the Legislature from making provision for other educational services that are beneficial to the children and families of this state
P 89 by Washington - EDUCATION, Public education - adds the following at the beginning of Article IX, Section 1: "The purpose of the public education system of Florida is to develop the intellect of the state’s citizens, to contribute to the economy, to create an effective workforce, and to prepare students for a job."
P 71 by Donalds - EDUCATION, School districts; school boards - allows a separate charter school authorizer at the state level in addition to local school boards
P 93 by Martinez - EDUCATION, School districts; school boards; charter districts - Allows high performing school districts to become charter school districts with flexibility similar to that provided charter schools in s.1002.33(16), F.S.
P 4 by Martinez - DECLARATION OF RIGHTS, Religious freedom - repeals the so-called "Blaine Amendment" removing the prohibition against using public revenues in aid of any church, sect, or religious denomination or any sectarian institution(similar to Amendment 8 in November, 2012 that received a 45% vote, short of the 60% required for approval).
The remainder of the committees and commission activities for next week can be viewed and downloaded here.
State Board of Education
Governor Rick Scott announced reappointment of two State Board members and appointment of a new member late yesterday. His presser follows here:
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. - Today,Governor Rick Scott announced the reappointments of Marva Johnson and Andy Tuck, and the appointment of Joe York to the State Board of Education.
Johnson, 48, of Winter Garden, is a corporate executive for Charter Communication. She currently serves as a commissioner on the Florida Constitution Revision Commission. Johnson received her bachelor's degree from Georgetown University, her master's degree from Emory University, and her law degree from Georgia State University. She is reappointed for a term beginning January 12, 2018, and ending December 31, 2021.
Tuck, 48, of Sebring, is the owner and manager of Natural AG Solutions, LLC. He previously served as Chair of the Highlands County School Board, and Vice Chair of the Florida School Board Association. Tuck received his bachelor's degree from Florida Southern University. He is reappointed for a term beginning January 12, 2018, and ending December 31, 2021.
York, 49, of Ponte Vedra Beach, is the president of AT&T Florida, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. He also serves on the board of directors for Enterprise Florida and has served on the Jacksonville Port Authority. York received his bachelor's degree from Auburn University. He succeeds Rebecca Fishman-Lipsey and is appointed for a term beginning January 12, 2018, and ending December 31, 2020.
The appointments are subject to confirmation by the Florida Senate.
The State Board meets Wednesday morning at 9am in Tallahassee. The meeting will be webcast. Highlighting the agenda is the proposed rule implementing the Schools of Hope legislation from last session (HB7069) and considerating of awards to traditional schools under the bill's funding. The agenda includes:
- Approval of New Rule 6A-1.0998271, Schools of Hope (PDF)
- Approval of A.A.A. Scholarship Foundation- Florida, LLC as a Scholarship Funding Organization for 2018-19 (PDF)< >Renewal Application Packet 2018-19 (PDF)Approval of Step Up for Students, Inc. as a Scholarship Funding Organization for 2018-19 (PDF)
- Schools of Hope Program Awards for Traditional Public Schools – Whole School Transformation Model (TOP-3 applications) (PDF) Second Round
- · Consideration of an Additional Year of District-Managed Turnaround (PDF)
- Broward County
- Collier County
- Lee County
- Manatee County
- Miami-Dade
- Rule Development Workshop Presentation (PDF)
- Approval of Amendment to Rule 6A-1.09981, School and District Accountability (PDF)
- Consent Items
- Approval of Amendment to Rule 6A-1.099822, School Improvement Rating for Alternative Schools (PDF)
- Approval of Amendment to Rule 6A-1.099828, School Accountability for Exceptional Student Education (ESE) Center Schools (PDF)
- Approval of Amendment to Rule 6A-6.014, General Requirements for Adult General Education Program (PDF)
- Approval of Amendment to Rule 6A-10.040, Basic Skills Requirements for Postsecondary Career and Technical Certificate Education (PDF)
- Approval of Amendment to the contract between the State Board of Education and SEED School of Miami, Inc. (PDF)
The full agenda can be viewed and downloaded here.
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1/9/18
Florida Commissioner Pam Stewart has notified superintendents of the amount to be distributed to eligible charter schools under provisions of HB7069 passed last session. The distribution files are attached and the memo from Linda Champion follows here. These are the official numbers which may differ from what we saw during the 2017 regular session hearings.
The 2018 Legislature opened this morning with Gov. Rick Scott giving his eighth and last "state of the state" address to a joint session of the House and Senate. He focused on budget cuts, a proposed constitutional amendment to limit future legislative tax increases by requiring a 2/3 vote, recovery from hurricanes, fighting opioid abuse, and the global role of Florida, citing specifically Venezuela. The text of his speech is here. https://www.flgov.com/2018/01/09/governor-rick-scotts-2018-state-of-the-state-address/
Speaker Richard Corcoran, in his remarks to the House, called for continuing "reform" and accountability of governmental practices. Concerning education, he called for continued ways to provide parental school choice, referencing examples for the need of HB1 that provides sales tax credit scholarships to parents of children involved in incidents of bullying and assault that are not resolved to the parent's satisfaction. The full text of his speech is here, courtesy of the News Service of Florida:https://newsserviceflorida.com/app/post.cfm?postID=27636&email=s.betts@newsserviceflorida.com&token=580F047D-79F2-45B1-9CA6-C034A7988DB7
Senate President Joe Negron began his Senate comments with a strong stanch against assault or inappropriate behavior by senators or staff, then spent most of his speech on both gains made by universities and his push for SB4 and SB540 to pass. Negron praised work done last year concerning drainage from Lake Okeechobee. Concerning public schools, he said he looked forward to seeing the House parent choice (HB1) legislation. He also called for expansion of industry certification programs in high schools and passage of SB88 that requires a semester of financial literacy in high schools (bill passed the Senate last year, but died in the House).
Only one education bill was heard today, HB731 concerning options for home schooling, and it passed House Innovation subcommittee unanimously. Both Senate and House Education Committees are not meeting this week. House Education Appropriations is hearing individual member project bills tomorrow while the House K-12 Quality Education Committee will take up HB 63 -- Students with Disabilities in Public Schools, by Rep. Edwards, HB 495 -- School District Price Level Index, by Rep. Diaz, HB 577 -- High School Graduation Requirements, by Rep. Silvers, and HB 827 -- Instructional Materials, by Rep. Donalds. Senate Education Appropriations hears SB564 on McKay scholarships that expands school district responsibility in providing or update student education plans and change the matrix of services based upon any reassessment.
The 2018 Legislature opened this morning with Gov. Rick Scott giving his eighth and last "state of the state" address to a joint session of the House and Senate. He focused on budget cuts, a proposed constitutional amendment to limit future legislative tax increases by requiring a 2/3 vote, recovery from hurricanes, fighting opioid abuse, and the global role of Florida, citing specifically Venezuela. The text of his speech is here. https://www.flgov.com/2018/01/09/governor-rick-scotts-2018-state-of-the-state-address/
Speaker Richard Corcoran, in his remarks to the House, called for continuing "reform" and accountability of governmental practices. Concerning education, he called for continued ways to provide parental school choice, referencing examples for the need of HB1 that provides sales tax credit scholarships to parents of children involved in incidents of bullying and assault that are not resolved to the parent's satisfaction. The full text of his speech is here, courtesy of the News Service of Florida:https://newsserviceflorida.com/app/post.cfm?postID=27636&email=s.betts@newsserviceflorida.com&token=580F047D-79F2-45B1-9CA6-C034A7988DB7
Senate President Joe Negron began his Senate comments with a strong stanch against assault or inappropriate behavior by senators or staff, then spent most of his speech on both gains made by universities and his push for SB4 and SB540 to pass. Negron praised work done last year concerning drainage from Lake Okeechobee. Concerning public schools, he said he looked forward to seeing the House parent choice (HB1) legislation. He also called for expansion of industry certification programs in high schools and passage of SB88 that requires a semester of financial literacy in high schools (bill passed the Senate last year, but died in the House).
Only one education bill was heard today, HB731 concerning options for home schooling, and it passed House Innovation subcommittee unanimously. Both Senate and House Education Committees are not meeting this week. House Education Appropriations is hearing individual member project bills tomorrow while the House K-12 Quality Education Committee will take up HB 63 -- Students with Disabilities in Public Schools, by Rep. Edwards, HB 495 -- School District Price Level Index, by Rep. Diaz, HB 577 -- High School Graduation Requirements, by Rep. Silvers, and HB 827 -- Instructional Materials, by Rep. Donalds. Senate Education Appropriations hears SB564 on McKay scholarships that expands school district responsibility in providing or update student education plans and change the matrix of services based upon any reassessment.
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1/7/18
State
Legislators begin the 2018 regular session officially Tuesday morning, a session that will last 60-days, adjourning on March 9th, unless extended at the end (or adjourned early which is highly doubtful).
Governor Rick Scott will address a joint session sometime after 11am, giving his last "State of the State" address and budget/legislative requests for FY19. Both Speaker Richard Corcoran and Senate President Joe Negron will address their respective chambers beforehand to outline their priorities for the 60-day period.
Committee agendas are now published 36-hours in advance for the House (eg, 4:30pm Monday for Wednesday) and 60-hours in advance for the Senate (2 days following the date of notice). All remaining bills must be filed by Tuesday. Thus, we will have an onslaught of proposed legislation coming through this week. Attached is a tracking chart of some 348 bills filed through yesterday that directly or indirectly affect Prek-12 education. After this week and as committees begin hearing bills, I'll provide a second list of those actually "moving" through the process. The volume of legislation so far is about average as sessions go. Early on, Speaker Corcoran has given support to HB1, Hope Scholarships, that has been approved by one committee so far. President Negron has focused on higher education, seeking approval of legislation contained in last year's SB4 that failed to pass and which is contained in two bills--SB4 for universities and SB540 concerning community college governance.
Budget committees concluded their hearings of Governor Scott's proposed FY19 budget last month. We expect to see initial "Chairman's" budgets the week of January 22 (3rd week of session) at the subcommittee level. Look for the Senate to be higher than the House and likely both below the Governor's nearly 3% increase.
Meanwhile, some of the Constitutional Revision Commission (CRC) subcommittees meet this Thursday and Friday. The latest calendar of meetings and proposals agended can be viewed here. The two holding keen interest to us, Education and Local Government, are not meeting. attached is an updated status of proposals currently being tracked of interest for K-12 education. For more information, go to www.flcrc.gov. The Commission must complete is work by the beginning of May. The subcommittees are expected to consider more proposals, then forward what they approve by simple majority vote to the full commission. Further public hearings will be held around the state and that schedule is posted on the website here.
Federal
January 19th is the expiration of the current Continuing Resolution (CR) that extended last year's federal budget to now in order to avoid a federal shutdown. At stake is a potential $9 billion cut in US-Ed department dollars for education. Notably for K-12 is the pending House position to eliminate Title 2-A funds for staff development/teacher training. The Senate does not have a voted position at this point. Also key in this mix are 1) continuation of funding for Medicaid administrative claiming (transportation being a significant part) and whether CHIP, Children's Health Insurance Program, is continued. At this point funding remains federal and in Florida into March before it ends without any renewal.
Secretary Betsy Devos has numerous federal regulations up for action...renewal, deletion and modification. The list can be reviewed here.
Of note, in case you missed it, is the nomination pending Senate confirmation of former Florida Education Commissioner and Lt. Governor Frank Brogan as Asst. Secretary for Elementary and Secondary Education. He will serve in that role pending Senate confirmation.
Legislators begin the 2018 regular session officially Tuesday morning, a session that will last 60-days, adjourning on March 9th, unless extended at the end (or adjourned early which is highly doubtful).
Governor Rick Scott will address a joint session sometime after 11am, giving his last "State of the State" address and budget/legislative requests for FY19. Both Speaker Richard Corcoran and Senate President Joe Negron will address their respective chambers beforehand to outline their priorities for the 60-day period.
Committee agendas are now published 36-hours in advance for the House (eg, 4:30pm Monday for Wednesday) and 60-hours in advance for the Senate (2 days following the date of notice). All remaining bills must be filed by Tuesday. Thus, we will have an onslaught of proposed legislation coming through this week. Attached is a tracking chart of some 348 bills filed through yesterday that directly or indirectly affect Prek-12 education. After this week and as committees begin hearing bills, I'll provide a second list of those actually "moving" through the process. The volume of legislation so far is about average as sessions go. Early on, Speaker Corcoran has given support to HB1, Hope Scholarships, that has been approved by one committee so far. President Negron has focused on higher education, seeking approval of legislation contained in last year's SB4 that failed to pass and which is contained in two bills--SB4 for universities and SB540 concerning community college governance.
Budget committees concluded their hearings of Governor Scott's proposed FY19 budget last month. We expect to see initial "Chairman's" budgets the week of January 22 (3rd week of session) at the subcommittee level. Look for the Senate to be higher than the House and likely both below the Governor's nearly 3% increase.
Meanwhile, some of the Constitutional Revision Commission (CRC) subcommittees meet this Thursday and Friday. The latest calendar of meetings and proposals agended can be viewed here. The two holding keen interest to us, Education and Local Government, are not meeting. attached is an updated status of proposals currently being tracked of interest for K-12 education. For more information, go to www.flcrc.gov. The Commission must complete is work by the beginning of May. The subcommittees are expected to consider more proposals, then forward what they approve by simple majority vote to the full commission. Further public hearings will be held around the state and that schedule is posted on the website here.
Federal
January 19th is the expiration of the current Continuing Resolution (CR) that extended last year's federal budget to now in order to avoid a federal shutdown. At stake is a potential $9 billion cut in US-Ed department dollars for education. Notably for K-12 is the pending House position to eliminate Title 2-A funds for staff development/teacher training. The Senate does not have a voted position at this point. Also key in this mix are 1) continuation of funding for Medicaid administrative claiming (transportation being a significant part) and whether CHIP, Children's Health Insurance Program, is continued. At this point funding remains federal and in Florida into March before it ends without any renewal.
Secretary Betsy Devos has numerous federal regulations up for action...renewal, deletion and modification. The list can be reviewed here.
Of note, in case you missed it, is the nomination pending Senate confirmation of former Florida Education Commissioner and Lt. Governor Frank Brogan as Asst. Secretary for Elementary and Secondary Education. He will serve in that role pending Senate confirmation.
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