The big story: As the legislative session entered its second half, both chambers unveiled their education budget proposals for the coming fiscal year.
Though they adhered largely to the wishes of Gov. Ron DeSantis, the spending plans included some surprises. Perhaps the biggest one came out of the House.
Rep. Randy Fine, who chairs the PreK-12 Appropriations subcommittee, recommended punishing the dozen districts that implemented strict mask mandates against state rule and law. He said they should have $200 million taken away, with that amount to be distributed to the 55 other districts that followed instructions.
The idea could prove a hot potato, because Fine said the money represented the salaries of 1,600-plus district-level officials in those counties. How those school systems, which include some of Florida’s largest, might operate without the department directors and other decision makers who currently receive those salaries remains an open question. Leon County superintendent Rocky Hanna called Fine an “childish, immature bully,” the Tallahassee Democrat reports. Read more here.
Some other ideas are less likely to stir the pot. The Senate, for instance, has proposed boosting all non-instructional school employees minimum wage to $15 per hour. Senate President Wilton Simpson introduced the idea, noting how difficult it has become for schools to keep bus drivers and other workers employed, and to fill vacancies.
The Senate would increase the overall education budget...
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