What They’re Saying … Education Leaders Applaud Governor Scott’s Commitment to Education
WHAT THEY ARE SAYING…
Education Leaders Applaud Governor Scott’s Commitment to Education
Chairman of the Small District Council Consortium and Sumter County School District Superintendent Shirley said, “Governor Scott’s budget proposal for education recognizes the special needs in Florida’s small school districts by including funding to begin the construction of new middle schools in Glades County and Dixie County. Superintendents and School Board members in Florida’s small school districts appreciate the Governor’s recommendation to provide funding to the three Regional Educational Consortia. The three consortia enable small districts to consolidate many programs, saving local districts funding and providing needed assistance the small districts could not afford going it alone.”
“I know it’s early in the process, but the laser focus on education is incredibly encouraging,” said MaryEllen Elia, superintendent of Hillsborough County Public Schools. “The Governor recognizes that our economic future is tied to education, and he’s proposing a very wise investment in the future of our state.”
Dr. Wayne Blanton, Executive Director of the Florida School Boards Association said, “With his budget recommendations, Governor Scott has demonstrated his ongoing commitment to restoring and enhancing funding for essential education personnel, programs, and services. FSBA is particularly pleased that the Governor’s budget recognizes the hard work of teachers, enhances school safety measures, and acknowledges education technology needs. We look forward to working with the Legislature to provide a meaningful increase for public schools during the coming year.”
President of Broward College J. David Armstrong, Jr. said, “Governor Scott has taken clear action in this budget to provide a much needed funding boost for our state colleges, and bringing many colleges who have in recent years fallen behind in legislative funding closer to those who are funded at the top.”
Dr. Carol F. Probstfeld, president of State College of Florida, Manatee-Sarasota said, “We appreciate the governor’s recognition of the quality, cost-effectiveness and creativity of the State College System to provide educational opportunities in our community. We welcome his commitment to funding deferred maintenance, achieving equity in the system, rewarding performance and creating opportunities for innovation.”
State Board of Education member Dr. A.K. Desai said, “Governor Scott’s education budget supports the entire K-20 education system and demonstrates his commitment to providing quality education in Florida. I applaud the Governor’s resolve to do the right thing for Florida’s students and teachers.”
University of Florida Professor Tom Dana, member, Florida Digital Instructional Materials Work Group said, “Florida students have already demonstrated that they can compete with their international counterparts. However, to stay competitive it is essential that we embrace new technology designed to increase student learning potential.”
Chancellor, Division of Florida Colleges, Randy Hanna, “The Florida College System has been nationally recognized for providing individuals with access to high-quality, low cost educational opportunities. The Governor’s budget shows how the system will make continued improvements and build on existing strengths to become the national leader in higher education performance.”
St. Johns River State College President Joe Pickens, chair of the Council of Presidents for the Florida College System said, “The Florida College System strives to be first in the nation in the areas of college and career readiness, success and completion, access and affordability, and accountability. The requested funding will help the Florida College System be the leader in postsecondary education performance while meeting the needs of the state of Florida and our local communities.”
Chairman of the District Board of Trustees of Seminole State College Scott Howat said, “The requested funding for the Florida College System will help our colleges be first in the country in postsecondary education performance. Increased performance will provide students in Florida with even greater access to quality educational opportunities.”
Public Schools Chancellor Pam Stewart said, “Parents want their children to have the best education available. This is also true for teachers and students. The governor’s budget for education builds upon what we heard as we traveled the state. This budget addresses issues that are important to parents, teachers, and students, which reflects a strong commitment to K-12 funding.”
State Board of Education member John Padget said, “Today’s education budget proposal from Governor Scott is exactly what Florida’s teachers and students need. Florida needs to move forward with the full implementation of the Common Core State Standards, and this budget supports that goal.”
Commissioner of Education Dr. Tony Bennett said, “This level of commitment to education sends a clear message that Governor Scott is committed to ensuring that children across our state have access to a high quality education Children are our most precious resource. They are tomorrow’s leaders. Investing in their education today helps ensure a successful tomorrow for them, for their families, and for our state.”
Florida State Board of Education Chairman Gary Chartrand said, “Investing in Florida’s children is investing in our future. Proposing a $1.2 billion increase in education over last year’s budget shows that Governor Scott recognizes just how important it is to prepare our students for success in college, career and life. Florida has made significant progress over the past decade and the governor’s budget will help us continue in the right direction.”
Dr. Dennis Gallon, President of Palm Beach State College said, “The proposal to create and fund new workforce programs addresses the College’s desire to add programs, while we struggle with finding the dollars for equipment and faculty. Palm Beach State has experienced huge growth in our manufacturing programs, for example, and would look forward to expanding those, adding new connected programs, and creating more STEM programs. Finally, the College is a significant player in teacher education in our County, and is intrigued by the idea of becoming one of the Governor’s new Teachers College, with the mission of re-designing teacher education.”
Florida State Board of Education Member Sally Bradshaw said, “Governor Scott’s education budget shows a continued commitment to rewarding schools who maintain an A or improve a letter grade. Investing in student performance will help propel Florida’s students to be globally competitive in the 21st century workforce.”
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