Sarasota County School Board addresses scholarship funding discrepancies in workshop

The Sarasota County School Board convened on July 22, 2025, to discuss critical financial matters affecting the district, particularly regarding student enrollment and scholarship funding. The meeting highlighted the complexities surrounding the funding calculations for students enrolled in scholarship programs and the impact on district revenues.

During the session, board members addressed the issue of student withdrawals and late enrollments, noting that only a small number—approximately five students—had withdrawn after the initial enrollment period. Despite these changes, the district maintained that the students remained part of their official count, which is crucial for funding purposes. The board expressed concerns about the lack of communication from the Florida Department of Education regarding the verification of student counts, which has delayed the fourth calculation of funding.

A significant point of discussion was the financial implications of scholarship programs on district funding. The board explained that while students enrolled in scholarship programs are counted for revenue calculations, the actual funds allocated for these scholarships do not reflect the district's earned revenue. This discrepancy has resulted in a deduction of approximately $2.5 million from the district's budget, funds that the board argued should have remained with the district to support the education of students within public schools.

The meeting concluded with a brief recess after two and a half hours of discussion, indicating the complexity and importance of the topics covered. The board's ongoing dialogue with the Department of Education aims to clarify these funding issues and ensure that the district receives the financial support necessary for its students. The next steps will involve continued advocacy for a more transparent funding process that accurately reflects the district's educational responsibilities.