Superintendent warns state funding cuts could halve support for Clay County accelerated programs

Superintendent David Broski told the Clay County School Board on May 1 that proposed state changes could significantly reduce funding for accelerated-learning programs such as IB, AICE, Advanced Placement and dual enrollment.

Broski said the district’s FTE add-on funding for those programs “would go from, 5,800,000.0 to 2,900,000.0 in Clay County in real numbers.” He and board members said the difference would be large enough to affect programming and that the district is actively advocating with state legislators.

A parent and district volunteer, Dr. Shonda Nicole Hoseley, told the board she had been tracking HB 7030 and asked what the board is doing to protect accelerated programs and how the district would mitigate any funding reductions. “It’s my earnest hope that funding for the accelerated learning programs are not reduced, but increased,” she said.

Board members said they have been engaging with state elected officials. Board member Donald Treece said representatives attended Clay Day in Tallahassee and that several board members have met with delegation members to press for continued support of accelerated programs.

Broski said the board has previously demonstrated a commitment to programming and that the district is preparing contingency plans but will not make cuts that “harm children.” He asked the community to continue advocacy and to contact legislators as state budget negotiations continue.

No formal board action was taken at the May 1 meeting. Board members directed staff to continue advocacy and to update the board as the legislative process moves forward.