Broward school board approves $20 million transfer from capital reserve to pay bus drivers

The School Board of Broward County, Florida at a special meeting approved an amendment to the district budget that moves $20,000,000 from the capital reserve to the general fund to pay current bus driver salaries for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2024, and ending June 30, 2025.

"The increased capital transfer to the general fund is $20,000,000, from $168,000,000 to $188,000,000," said Dr. Hepburn, superintendent, describing the amendment and noting the funding will come from capital reserve, which will be reduced "from $67,000,000 to $47,000,000." She said the amendment does not change the tax rate adopted in September 2024.

Omar Shim, director of capital budget, told the board that the move is permitted under state law. "Florida Statute 1011.71 allows the transfer of funds to cover these expenditures," Shim said. When asked by Board Member Pham about the origin and recurring nature of the funds, Shim replied that the money comes from capital millage and said several other Florida districts have made similar transfers after a legislative change a few years ago. "It is relatively new. I think a few years back, two years back, the legislature changed it, to allow this," he said.

Board Member Alhadeff asked whether the salaries funded by the transfer would be part of ongoing labor negotiations or a separate action. Dr. Hepburn said the district is "in a process of negotiating upcoming salaries" but that the transfer being approved is to cover current salaries.

The motion to approve the budget amendment (Item 1) was moved by Dr. Zeman and seconded by Mrs. Leonardi. The board voted to approve the item; the item passed unanimously.

Following the vote the chair said the scheduled business for the special meeting had been completed and adjourned the session; the board planned to reconvene the regular meeting in a few minutes.