Board approves budget amendments after FEFP adjustment; First Coast Tech receives state grant boost

The St. Johns County School Board approved two budget amendments at its meeting, one adjusting the district’s general fund after a downward change in state funding calculations and a second adding state incentive dollars to First Coast Technical College (FCTC).

On the general fund amendment, Director of Budget Amy Snodgrass told the board that state funds were reduced after Florida Education Finance Program (FEFP) third calculations and an enrollment reconciliation tied to the increase in family empowerment scholarships. The district recorded a net downward revenue adjustment for March 2025 of $1,869,050.78 and reported an updated total of "$544,185,061.97" in revenue transfers and beginning fund balance as of March 31, 2025. Snodgrass described a $2.3 million downward adjustment in state funds associated with the third FEFP calculation and said the change reflected a 167.87 full-time-equivalent (FTE) reduction between the second and third calculations.

Board members pressed for clarity about timing and transparency. Board member Ms. Lau said the late timing of the third FEFP count complicates district budgeting and urged state-level transparency: "We need the information that we need to provide our children with the exceptional education that we have always done," she said, noting the difficulty districts face when state scholarship counts shift revenue after budgets are set.

The board voted to approve the amendment. Chair Tony Coleman called the vote after hearing no further discussion and the motion was announced as carried.

Separately, the board approved a budget amendment for First Coast Technical College. Snodgrass said the amendment added $58,097 in state revenue from the Student Success and Career and Technical Education Incentive Fund, bringing FCTC's total budget to $18,111,881.60 as of March 31, 2025. The state fund supports technical programs that show successful outcomes and helps districts establish new programs in high-demand fields.

Board members highlighted the importance of career and technical education, including industry certifications and planned program expansion. The FCTC amendment passed on a voice vote.

The meeting also approved a travel estimate authorizing board members to attend the joint FSBA and FADSS conference in Tampa (June 13, 2025); estimated board-member travel costs ranged from $1,570 to $1,730 per person, per meeting materials, and the approval was made under Florida Statute 1001.39, which requires prior board confirmation for travel reimbursements over $500.

A public commenter asked the board to publish a full accounting of the superintendent-search costs once the process is complete. Board members acknowledged the request and repeated that the superintendent contract and related financial details will be presented to the board when available.