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Board members and public urge state lawmakers to keep AP, IB and career-tech funding
Summary
Board members and many public commenters pressed Seminole’s state delegation to oppose bills cutting weighted funding for AP, IB, dual enrollment and CTE courses, warning local program losses could amount to roughly $8.6 million for the district.
Seminole County school trustees and scores of public speakers on April 8 urged state and federal lawmakers to preserve funding for Advanced Placement, International Baccalaureate, dual enrollment and career-technical education programs as bills in Tallahassee seek to reduce weighted funding.
Vice Chair Garrick and Dr. Dellinger told the board the Florida House and Senate were considering proposals that would halve the district’s weighted funding for AP, dual enrollment, IB and CAPE-related career courses. Garrick said that the proposed reduction would produce an $8.6 million shortfall for Seminole County this year if the cuts were applied to current allocations; Dr. Dellinger and other board members described the programs as fully budgeted at the classroom and exam level and said the dollars pay for test administration, equipment, professional development and teacher compensation.
Public commenters echoed the board’s concern, asking trustees to oppose cuts and to contact the county’s legislators. Former teacher and parent Erin Harper told the board she is “concerned greatly” about proposals that could eliminate programs that support students with disabilities and Title I services. Jessica Jenkins, a current AP teacher who testified, said cuts could force students to pay for AP exams or reduce teacher compensation and that loss of incentives could cause a decline in AP teacher retention. Multiple parents and students described AP and IB coursework as the path that made competitive college admissions, scholarships and industry certificates possible for their children.
Board members and speakers offered examples of career-technical courses that the district funds with those weighted dollars, naming programs from welding and construction to aviation maintenance and healthcare certifications. Dr. Dellinger and Garrick said Seminole received about $17.2 million this school year for those programs and that, if funding were halved, the district would lose roughly $8.6 million.
Speakers asked the board to adopt resolutions, write to congressional and state officials and encourage community members and business partners to weigh in. Stephen Barnes, a rally organizer, specifically requested the board pass a resolution opposing cuts to the U.S. Department of Education; other speakers asked trustees to communicate with Congressman Corey Mills and their state senators.
No formal board action to adopt a resolution was recorded during the meeting. Board members repeatedly urged community members to contact legislators and signaled readiness to advocate for continued funding.
