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Public speakers and board members urge state lawmakers to preserve CAPE, AP/IB/AICE funding; board moves to draft resolution
Summary
Public commenters and several board members criticized House Bill 5101 and Senate Bill 2510 language that would reduce add-on FTE funding for CAPE and advanced programs. The board directed staff to draft a resolution opposing the cut and to circulate it for signature and rapid distribution to legislators.
Speakers at the Marion County School Board meeting on April 8 warned that proposed state legislative changes to add-on funding for CAPE certifications and advanced programs would cut local revenue and limit student opportunity.
John Crawford, a community member who identified the bills by number, said the House and Senate proposals would “reduce the FTE add on for CAPE for successful completion of CAPE certifications and then advanced programs such as AP, IB, and ACE testing,” and estimated the change would represent a $2,500,000 reduction in the Marion County budget. Crawford said the loss would hit programs used to close achievement gaps and urged the board and community to act.
Superintendent Diane Gullett and board members echoed those concerns. Gullett provided a one-page summary of how the bills could affect Marion County students and said the district would share that information on social media. Board Member Dr. Sarah James and several colleagues said they would support rapid advocacy. James described plans for a countywide town hall and said she had scheduled meetings with legislative aides in Tallahassee to press the district’s case.
Board members agreed by consensus to have staff draft a short resolution opposing the portions of the bills that would cut CAPE and advanced-program add-on funding, circulate it to board members, and deliver copies to legislative aides and representatives. Attorney Jeremy Powers confirmed the board could prepare a draft and bring it back as an informational item for formal adoption at a subsequent meeting. Several board members volunteered to deliver hard copies to legislative offices and to post the district fact sheet online.
Public and student speakers emphasized practical impacts. A student board member said the ACE (Cambridge Advanced International) program helped her gain college scholarships, and a student from Lake Weir High School described CTE classes — digital video, culinary, construction and HOSA — as decisive for career direction. Board members urged community members to contact their legislators immediately, noting the bills were expected to be considered by the House and Senate within days.
The board did not adopt a formal resolution at the April 8 meeting; instead members directed staff to prepare a draft for immediate circulation and subsequent formal adoption.
