JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Duval County students continued their fight on Tuesday to keep funding for accelerated programs, including advanced placement, International Baccalaureate, dual enrollment and career and technical education.
The Florida Legislature was working to balance the budget, which included the potential cuts that several local school districts said would amount to millions of dollars from HB 5101 and SB 2510.
Duval County Public Schools Board Chair Charlotte Joyce addressed the funding cuts at the school board meeting claiming that the legislature is giving more local control to school districts.
“The superintendent, his desire is to move those funds and keep those funds at the district level to fully fund those programs,” said Joyce. “I support that and I’m looking forward to the legislature getting back together next week to work through the budget in the house and the senate to land somewhere where we’re going to be comfortable, good, and our programs will be sustainable.”
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DCPS said the funding cuts would amount to a 50% cut, which would equal around $8 million.
Students have advocated to keep the funding by voicing their concerns to city council, the state legislature, and now the school board.
“Just read the analysis of the bill,” DCPS student Jarret Kelly said. “It tells you exactly. The second half of our funding is being cut in half and sent to the school board’s general fund. That money is a $100 million shortfall. There’s no way that money is going to come back to our schools.”
Anna Jones also spoke out during the meeting.
“I would also urge the people who are watching us, listen to the students, follow the numbers, and you’ll see that we’re on the right side of the fight,” Jones said.
Superintendent Dr. Christopher Bernier previously said he wanted to fully fund those programs, but students want board policy to ensure that’s the case.
