Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Education Funding topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Parents and board members urge action as state and federal funding threats put AP, IB and CTE programs at risk
Summary
Multiple speakers at Seminole County School Board public comment urged the district and community to oppose pending state and federal proposals that would cut funding for AP, IB, career-technical and dual-enrollment programs; board members said a 50% reduction in weighting could cost the district roughly $8.6 million.
Dozens of parents, teachers and community groups used the public comment period at the Seminole County School Board meeting to press the board and local legislators to oppose pending state and federal proposals they said would slash funding for Advanced Placement, International Baccalaureate and career-technical education programs.
Vice Chair Garrick and Board Member Dr. Dellinger both told the public that bills under consideration in Tallahassee could reduce the weighted funding for AP, IB, CAPE and dual-enrollment courses by 50%. Dr. Dellinger and others said Seminole County received about $17.2 million this school year for those programs; a 50% cut would represent roughly an $8.6 million loss for the district.
Kathy Swerdlow, president of the League of Women Voters of Seminole County, told the board she and the league “proudly stand with you, our educators” and urged continued community support for public education. Speakers including Erin Harper (former teacher and parent), Pam Ferrante (retired educator), Deanna Schott (parent of an IB graduate) and several current teachers and students urged the board to advocate with state and federal lawmakers and asked residents to contact their representatives.
Student and community speakers emphasized that AP, IB and CTE courses lead to college credit, industry certifications and career readiness. Board members described examples of industry-aligned programs that rely on the funding—welding machines, aviation mechanics, biomedical and health-related certifications—and said program funding covers exam administration, teacher professional development and specialized equipment.
Board members asked the public to contact legislators. Member Sanchez noted she sits on the Florida School Board Association legislative committee and offered to share summaries of bills; she and other board members encouraged constituents to contact state senators and representatives and to provide personal stories about program benefits.
Several public speakers also asked the district to take positions or write letters opposing elimination or deep cuts to the U.S. Department of Education; a coalition speaker asked the board to consider a formal resolution and to forward it to the district’s congressional delegation and senators.
No board vote was taken on a formal resolution at the meeting; members described outreach efforts and requested that community members share stories with legislators.
