School district braces for budget challenges amid voucher growth

In a recent government meeting, key discussions centered around the Florida Education Finance Program (FEFP), which will see a 3.38% increase in the base student allocation. This increase is designed to support a state-mandated teacher salary boost totaling $13.9 million, which will also benefit charter schools.

The fiscal year 2025 operating and capital budgets have been balanced, although adjustments are expected before the final budget adoption on September 4th. The district anticipates enrollment growth, particularly in family empowerment vouchers, but faces uncertainties due to factors such as inflation, the expiration of Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ESSER) funds, and the potential end of a sales tax in December 2025.

During the upcoming 2024 legislative session, House Bill 5101 has allocated $250 million annually to mitigate the financial impact of underestimating voucher student growth. Additionally, voters will have the opportunity to decide on the continuation of a half-cent sales tax in November 2024.

The district's fund balance has increased due to ESSER funds, and officials have been cautious in their spending, prioritizing one-time initiatives over recurring expenses. This legislative session has been notably quieter regarding budget changes compared to the previous year, which saw significant reforms in public education, including the expansion of the voucher program and new mandates regarding capital millage dollars. The reduced legislative activity this year has resulted in less funding overall.