Florida Education Appropriations

At this moment I am watching the Florida legislature debate and supposedly clarify the 2009-2010 state education appropriations budget. Here are my impressions.

A few of these people are actually concerned about adequately funding schools in the state. Some of the legislators are wrapped up in promoting special high cost programs in their individual districts. It is my suspicion that they are trolling for local votes rather than displaying an actual concern for education.

Most of our legislators are playing politics. Interjected between bouts of Obama bashing and praising are deceptive comments about the level of student funding. Representative Flores states that the funding level per pupil will actually be increased during the next fiscal year. She also states that the revenue funding is the same as in 2006. So why is Florida having to receive a special dispensation to receive additional funds? Flores states that the overall funding is less than in 2006 so Florida does not qualify for the special funding according to their criteria.

If we are receiving more money per pupil then why is our school having to cut off some lights each day and to reduce heating and a/c use? Why are field trips and extracurricular activities sharply curtailed? Why are they moving to a radically different school schedule for next year so they can stack more students in the classrooms? Categorical funding is the answer. We have tons of money build schools but this money can't be used for the students or to buy needed supplies and to keep the schools running. The result is that the students will not be receiving an adequate level of education next year. Don't you just love state educational politics? I am so glad that I will not be facing this type of deceptive crap next year but I feel deeply sorry that my fellow teachers will be stuck in the impossible situation of having to instruct students in hot or cold classrooms with few supplies. It just makes me sick. The least our elected officials can do is to be honest (for a change) and say that the students of Florida will be shafted. It's probably because it would show just how uncaring or education many of our state politicians really are.