Clay County Mother Advocates for Education Funding Amid Florida Legislature Bills

The Clay County School Board meeting held on May 1, 2025, focused on critical issues affecting local education, including funding for accelerated learning programs and teacher compensation. Parents and educators expressed concerns about proposed legislation that could significantly reduce funding for Advanced Placement (AP), dual enrollment, and Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs.

A parent of two Clay County students highlighted the importance of these programs, noting that her daughter, Savannah, is benefiting from AP courses and will participate in dual enrollment next year. She urged board members to advocate against House Bill 7030, which could cut funding for these essential educational opportunities by half. The parent emphasized the need for increased funding rather than reductions, asking board members how they plan to address potential funding cuts and what actions engaged parents can take.

In response, Superintendent David Broski acknowledged the concerns regarding funding, particularly the potential decrease in FTE add-on funding for programs. He reassured attendees that the district is committed to prioritizing student welfare and will not cut programs that benefit children. Broski also mentioned ongoing efforts to advocate for better funding and teacher salaries, emphasizing the board's commitment to veteran teachers.

Vicky Kidwell, representing local educators, pointed out that Florida ranks last in the nation for average teacher pay, urging the board to prioritize competitive salaries for veteran teachers. She called for a structured pay scale that recognizes the experience and dedication of long-serving educators, stressing that investing in veteran teachers is crucial for the success of Clay County students.

The meeting also included updates on upcoming events, such as Teacher Appreciation Week and kindergarten registration, with a focus on making the registration process easier for parents. Broski encouraged community involvement in the upcoming teacher recruitment fair, aiming to hire around 70 new educators.

Overall, the meeting underscored the urgent need for advocacy and action regarding educational funding and teacher compensation, as the district prepares for potential challenges ahead.