Legislative Priorities

Support additional funding to the Safe Schools Allocation to expand student safety efforts.

Request $2.5M to purchase OpenGate equipment and to upgrade the bus transportation systems with GPS/GIS technology, boosting student safety and operational reliability. 

Support the Mental Health Allocation to expand student services, fund CARE teams and mobile crisis teams, and grow a licensed mental health workforce. 

Promote legislation that cuts red tape, enabling innovation and cost savings.

Amend statute (Ch. 120) to authorize the School Board to post rulemaking notices on its official district website.

Provide flexibility in teacher certification timelines for educators who temporarily leave the profession, allowing extended periods for recertification and re-entry.

Expand F.S.S 1001.42(21) to define educational emergencies to address teacher recruitment, retention, workforce needs, and student needs.

Support an increase in per-student funding to strengthen student achievement, recruit and retain teachers, and to expand school safety and technology.

Provide all K-12 education institutions the same flexibility to develop and expand blended/hybrid learning opportunities. 

Include all Pre-K programs in DOE's FISH calculations to ensure accurate student counts and funding. 

Provide pathways for high-growth districts to address rising enrollment and workforce pressures by aligning resources with demonstrated needs.

Request $374,000 to update the SWFL Public Service Academy facilities.

Fund Technical Colleges at a minimum of 90% based on the Workforce Development Funding through the Florida General Appropriations Act (GAA).

Support increased funding for the Workforce Development Capitalization Incentive Grant