The Board of Governors announced university performance funding scores at its meeting on Thursday, celebrating the fourth year in a row of nearly across-the-board improvement. The System boasted year-over-year gains on six of the eight performance metrics that are common to all universities, including the number of students earning degrees in areas of strategic emphasis (such as STEM). The System’s graduation and retention rates have increased by roughly five points each during the same period.
Based on their excellence or improvement on the Board’s metrics, universities are eligible for a share of the $520 million allocated by the Governor and Legislature during the 2017 legislative session. The model’s 10 metrics include graduation and retention rates, cost to the student, and success for recent graduates.
“In the past four years, we’ve seen steady improvements at the System level and for individual universities,” said Tom Kuntz, Board of Governors’ Chair. “Especially exciting is that we’ve seen universities in the bottom three soar to the top of the pack as they’ve renewed their focus on student success.”
The Board’s newest metric, cost-to-the-student, also pointed to positive outcomes. The average cost of earning a bachelor’s degree is less than $15,000 after financial aid (grants, scholarships and waivers). Furthermore, University Work Plans, in which institutions lay out their future financial goals, indicate that universities are expected to decrease their prices further in the coming years, cutting the student cost per degree from $14,820 to 14,090 by the 2019-2020 school year.
“Affordability has been a priority for the Governor and the Legislature as well as the Board of Governors because it increases student access and relieves student debt,” said Ned Lautenbach, Vice Chair of the Board of Governors and Chair of the Budget and Finance Committee. “It’s exciting to see the universities turning that goal into a reality.”
Universities also boasted a number of individual successes. New College of Florida will get a share of performance funding dollars this year due to its increase in student retention, average full-time wages of undergraduates employed one year after graduation, number of students graduating in areas of strategic emphasis, and cost to students.
The University of Florida, University of South Florida and the University of West Florida all scored in the top three, with UWF soaring from a bottom three to a top three performer in only one year. The accomplishment is partially due to the university’s 5.3 percent jump in retention and 6.6 percent jump in the number of graduates employed one year after graduation, both of which are remarkable gains. UWF’s success is due to a campus-wide effort to invest in long-term strategies designed to increase the institution’s performance in the selected metrics and enhance the overall quality of the education and experience provided. Among the institution’s most successful initiatives is an online graduation dashboard that empowers students, faculty and staff to closely monitor degree progression.
USF secured its spot in the top three by gaining on several metrics, including retention rates, cost to the student, bachelor and graduate degrees in areas of strategic emphasis, the number of students employed one year after graduation, and the number of bachelor’s degrees without excess hours. The achievements are a result of the university’s focus on better preparing students for the workplace through a rigorous and relevant curriculum and strengthened career preparedness initiatives, including the expansion of required experiential learning and internship opportunities.
UF, meanwhile, increased its “number of licenses and options executed” from 147 to 261.The university credits its success to playing “the long game,” focusing on closing deals, fostering a great reputation, and encouraging commercially targeted thinking among faculty.
“We’re at a point in which the effects of performance funding are indisputable,” said Board Member Alan Levine, Vice Chair of the Budget and Finance Committee. “Universities are working diligently toward improvement on these metrics, and that commitment is paying off in the form of better outcomes for students.”
Florida Municipal Electric Association Names Amy Zubaly New Executive Director
Zubaly is the first woman to lead the organization
The Florida Municipal Electric Association (FMEA) Board of Directors today named Amy Zubaly executive director of the association. Since January, Zubaly has been serving as the interim executive director. In her role as the permanent executive director, Zubaly will continue to manage the day-to-day operations of the association, handle member and board relations, oversee the association’s government affairs, communications and education functions and provide strategic planning.
“As we celebrate our 75th anniversary and rich history, it’s fitting that Amy – the first woman to serve as the association’s executive director – lead us into the future,” said Clay Lindstrom, FMEA President and Fort Pierce Utilities Authority General Manager. “Amy’s long record of service to the organization and her deep understanding of the issues important to our members make her ideal for this role. We look forward to taking the association in new directions under her leadership.”
Prior to assuming the interim executive director position, Zubaly served as the association’s deputy executive director of public affairs and strategic communications. She has been with the organization for 18 years. Earlier in her career she held positions with The Nature Conservancy, Florida Chapter, Florida Institute of Government at Florida State University and Reubin O’D. Askew School of Public Administration and Policy at Florida State University. Additionally, she served as assistant director of the Blue Ribbon Commission on Local Government II and a research assistant for the Blue Ribbon Citizens Commission on Cabinet Reform. Zubaly earned her Master of Public Administration and Bachelor of Science in political science from Florida State University.
“It is a great honor to continue serving FMEA in this capacity and I deeply appreciate the board’s confidence in me,” said Zubaly. “I am thankful for the opportunity to lead FMEA as we provide support and advocacy for our members today and into the future. The membership of FMEA are vital to Floridians across the state and we will continue to ensure they have the tools they need to build strong communities.”
Originally called the Florida Municipal Utilities Association, FMEA was established in 1942 in response to World War II fuel shortages. Today, the association actively represents and advocates for member cities’ interests on a wide variety of state and federal issues, provides education and training for members and serves as a clearinghouse for industry news and information.
Municipal electric utilities provide affordable, reliable electric service, and have been doing so for more than a century. As community-owned and locally managed organizations, these utilities are focused on serving local needs and interests while reinvesting back into the community for services, such as police and fire protection.
For more information on FMEA and Florida’s public power communities, please visit www.publicpower.com.
Palm Harbor United Methodist Church Receives PSC’s Triple E Award
Palm Harbor United Methodist Church is known for its progressive history, dating back more than a century. This legacy continues today as the church’s energy efficiency upgrades earned them the Florida Public Service Commission’s (PSC) June Triple E Award for Energy Efficiency Efforts.
“When churches can save money on energy costs through efficiency measures, more funds can be used on their primary mission. This is the case with Palm Harbor United Methodist Church, and we’re very pleased to recognize them,” said PSC Chairman Julie Brown.
Duke Energy Florida’s Commercial Assessment Team has worked with the church since 2014. During this time, the church installed Cool Roofs over two buildings totaling 25,400 square feet, Roof Deck Insulation, and a 40-ton efficient HVAC unit. The church is expecting to save about 62,000 kWh annually with these measures and will save even more energy when another HVAC unit installation is completed in July.
“Our church is strongly committed to incorporating energy efficiency measures, and Duke has helped us carry out that vision,” said Dana Roeling, Business Administrator/Education Director. “Our church mission is What started as ‘Yesterday’s Vision’ became ‘Today’s Reality,’and that also typifies our energy efficiency efforts. The money that would have paid on our electric bill is instead benefitting the church’s work and many school programs.”
“Duke Energy worked with the church to find a variety of measures they could use to save money and make their facilities more energy efficient,” said Harry Sideris, Duke Energy state president–Florida. “The more our customers, such as Palm Harbor United Methodist Church, know about their energy use and our efficiency programs, the more opportunities they have to make a difference in reducing their bills.”
About Palm Harbor United Methodist Church
Palm Harbor United Methodist Church is passionate about its vision, “All Ages! All In! Loving God! Loving All! We welcome everyone into the life of the church no matter where you are in your faith journey.” With a membership of 1,000 families, the church began more than 100 years ago as Florida Southern College, a Methodist College in Leesburg. In 1902, the college moved to Sutherland, Florida (renamed Palm Harbor in 1925). In 2003, the first worship service was held in its current sanctuary, with a seating capacity of over 1,700. For more information, visit the church website.
For additional information, visit www.floridapsc.com.
Follow the PSC on Twitter, @floridapsc.
Commissioner Stewart Names Florida’s 2017 Principal and Assistant Principal of the Year
During the Celebration for School Leaders yesterday evening, Commissioner of Education Pam Stewart named Dr. Rachel Shelley, of Sarasota County, as the 2017 Principal of the Year and Kelly Stedman, of Lee County, as the 2017 Assistant Principal of the Year. These school leaders were honored for contributing to increased student performance; safe learning environments; and successful partnerships with parents and community members.
“School leaders set the tone for educators, students, parents, and community members, and they are integral to student success,” said Commissioner of Education Pam Stewart. “Dr. Rachel Shelley and Kelly Stedman have demonstrated unwavering dedication to Florida’s students, and I am honored to recognize them with this prestigious award. The exceptional leadership that they and their colleagues throughout Florida offer is essential to ensuring students receive a world-class education.”
Principal Achievement Award for Outstanding Leadership
The recipient of the 2017 Principal of the Year was awarded a cash prize of $5,000 and $1,000 for her school. The three state finalists were awarded a check for $1,500 and a $375 check for their school, and each district winner was awarded a check for $300 and a $100 check for their school.
Dr. Rachel Shelley, Booker High School, Sarasota County
With more than 28 years of experience in K-12 education, Dr. Rachel Shelley has been praised by her colleagues for her dedication to helping every student succeed and for relationship-based leadership. She motivates students with her mantra, “Every student is college and/or career bound.” Dr. Shelley is a hands-on instructional leader who understands the value of data, and she tracks her school and students’ performance measures to help her make informed decisions.
Outstanding Assistant Principal Achievement Award
The 2017 Assistant Principal of the Year was awarded a cash prize of $2,500 and $500 for her school. The three state finalists were awarded a $1,000 check and a $275 check for their school, and each district winner was awarded a check for $200 and a $50 check for their school.
Kelly Stedman, James Stephens International Academy, Lee County
Kelly Stedman has been the assistant principal at James Stephens International Academy for the last year. Her colleagues expressed an appreciation for her passionate support of students and the way in which she helps teachers grow. She stands out among her peers for her ability to make parents, staff and students feel valued and cared for. No matter the situation, Stedman is described as always having a positive attitude and tackling every challenge she faces.
The Celebration for School Leaders was sponsored by State Farm; Jostens; Council for Educational Change; and Center for Educational Leadership. Earlier in the day, the Florida Department of Education hosted the Commissioner’s Summit for Principals, which was sponsored by the Florida Lottery. The Commissioner’s Summit for Principals provided professional development for the district-level principal and assistant principal of year award recipients.
Candidates for these awards were nominated by the superintendent from their respective school district. Complete lists of candidates from each district for both categories are available online: 2016-17 Principal Achievement Award for Outstanding Leadership District Winners and 2016-17 Outstanding Assistant Principal Achievement Award District Winners.
The Principal Achievement Award for Outstanding Leadership was established in 1988 to recognize Florida principals for their contributions to their schools and communities. The Outstanding Assistant Principal Achievement Award was established in 1997 to honor assistant principals that have utilized teamwork and leadership to increase student achievement and greatly improved school environments.
For more information about Florida’s educator recognition and recruitment programs, visit http://www.fldoe.org/teaching/recognition-recruitment.
AHCA Announces Release Date of the Invitation to Negotiate for SMMC Re-Procurement
The Agency for Health Care Administration (Agency) today announced the upcoming date that the Invitation to Negotiate (ITN) for the re-procurement of the Statewide Medicaid Managed Care (SMMC) program will be posted, on or around July 14, 2017. The ITN will be posted to the Florida Department of Management Services’ Vendor Bid System website.
As stated in s.287.057(23), F.S., “Respondents to this solicitation or persons acting on their behalf may not contact, between the release of the solicitation and the end of the 72-hour period following the agency posting the notice of intended award, excluding Saturdays, Sundays, and state holidays, any employee or officer of the executive or legislative branch concerning any aspect of this solicitation, except in writing to the procurement officer or as provided in the solicitation documents. Violation of this provision may be grounds for rejecting a response.”
While we have not yet entered the statutory blackout period as described in s. 287.057(23), F.S., due to the upcoming re-procurement, we will not have any discussions relating to the scope, evaluation or negotiation of those procurements.
All health plans and potential bidders must direct their questions related to the SMMC procurement to the Agency’s Procurement Officer: Jennifer Barrett, [email protected].
For more information about the SMMC program, or to sign up to receive SMMC related alerts, click here.
FDOT hosts hearing for State Road 500 (U.S. 441) improvement
The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) will host a public hearing regarding proposed improvements to State Road (S.R.) 500 (U.S. 441) from west of S.R. 451 to S.R. 429 Connector Road in Orange County.
The proposed improvements consist of the rehabilitation of the asphalt pavement, which includes; shoulder widening, driveway reconstruction within the limits of the proposed shoulder widening, curb and median modifications, drainage improvements, utility coordination, traffic operations improvements, and surveying. The project also includes multimodal enhancements consisting of bicycle, sidewalk, and transit improvements. This design project is scheduled for completion in early 2018. The proposed improvements are funded for construction in Fiscal Year 2018.
The public hearing will be held from 5:30-7:30 p.m. Thursday, June 29, 2017 at the Apopka Community Center located at 519 South Central Avenue in Apopka. There will be a brief presentation at 6:30 p.m., after which participants may provide comments to all present.
Public participation is solicited without regard to race, color, national origin, age, sex, religion, disability, or family status. Persons wishing to express their concerns relative to FDOT compliance with Title VI may do so by contacting Jennifer Smith, FDOT District Five Title VI Coordinator by phone at (386) 943-5367, or via e-mail at [email protected].
Persons with disabilities who require special accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act or persons who require translation services (free of charge) should contact Gene Varano at 386-943-5145 or by e-mail at [email protected] at least seven (7) days prior to the hearing. If you are hearing or speech impaired, please contact us by using the Florida Relay Service, 1-800-955-8771 (TDD) or 1-800-955-8770 (Voice).
For more information about the project, visit the project website at www.cflroads.com.
FDLE arrests Broward County man for scheme to defraud and grand theft over $100,000
The Florida Department of Law Enforcement arrested Colin L. Ansby, 25, of 225 NW 79th Terr., Margate, for one count each of scheme to defraud over $50,000, grand theft over $100,000, and grand theft between $20,000 and $100,000.
Ansby was the recipient of the proceeds of an elaborate scheme to defraud victims in Florida and Pennsylvania. The scheme, known as a business email compromise, used compromised email accounts to convince the victims to wire transfer money which they believed was for legitimate business purposes.
A victim in Lee County, Florida, believed that she was communicating via email with her real estate attorney, and wire transferred over $100,000 for a real estate purchase. A victim in Pennsylvania believed that she received an email from a superior directing her to wire transfer over $20,000 for the purchase of clothing.
Ansby was booked into the Broward County Jail. He will be prosecuted by the Office of Statewide Prosecution, Ft. Myers, Florida.
Florida Legislators Honored with 2017 Legislative Appreciation Awards
Florida League of Cities Recognizes 21
Legislators for Home Rule Advocacy Efforts
The Florida League of Cities honored the following Florida legislators with the organization’s Legislative Appreciation Awards for their tireless efforts to protect the home rule authority of Florida’s cities by supporting the League’s legislative agenda during the 2017 regular legislative session.
Special recognition goes to the League’s Defenders of Home Rule, Sen. Jeff Clemens and Rep. Danny Burgess, for consistently leading the fight to preserve Home Rule during the legislative session.
“On behalf of Florida’s 412 cities and thousands of municipal officials, both elected and appointed, the Florida League of Cities and its advocacy team are proud to recognize these home rule advocates for their continued support,” said Florida League of Cities Legislative Director Scott Dudley. “We believe the government closest to the people should make the decisions affecting the quality of life of the citizens they have been elected to represent. These hardworking legislators continually supported that ideal, and we owe them a great deal of thanks.”
Legislative Appreciation Award recipients are legislators who advocate on behalf of the League and its member cities time after time. These lawmakers consistently voted in support of League positions, offered amendments to help prevent pre-emptions and unfunded mandates, and/or worked behind the scenes to rally support for League positions during the 2017 legislative session.
Defenders of Home Rule
Sen. Jeff Clemens, Lake Worth
Rep. Danny Burgess, Zephyrhills
Freshman Legislative Appreciation Award Recipients
Sen. Gary Farmer, Fort Lauderdale
Rep. Kamia Brown, Ocoee
Rep. Mel Ponder, Fort Walton Beach
Legislative Appreciation Award Recipients
Sen. Aaron Bean, Jacksonville
Sen. Audrey Gibson, Jacksonville
Sen. Kathleen Passidomo, Naples
Sen. Bobby Powell, West Palm Beach
Sen. Perry Thurston, Fort Lauderdale
Rep. Loranne Ausley, Tallahassee
Rep. Jose Felix Diaz, Miami
Rep. Bobby DuBose, Fort Lauderdale
Rep. Joe Geller, Dania Beach
Rep. Bill Hager, Boca Raton
Rep. Don Hahnfeldt, The Villages
Rep. Shawn Harrison, Tampa
Rep. Mike Miller, Orlando
Rep. George Moraitis, Fort Lauderdale
Rep. Kathleen Peters, St. Petersburg
Rep. Richard Stark, Weston
Founded in 1922, the Florida League of Cities is the united voice for Florida’s municipal governments. Its goals are to promote local self-government and serve the needs of Florida’s cities. Florida’s cities are formed by their citizens and governed by their citizens. The League is founded on the belief that local self-government is the keystone of American democracy. For more information, visit www.floridaleagueofcities.com.
Gov. Scott Announces ATIO USA to Open Manufacturing Facility in Hendry County
Project Will Create 39 New Jobs in Clewiston
Governor Rick Scott today announced that ATIO USA, an aluminum recycling and manufacturing company, will open a new facility in Hendry County. Although Minnesota and Tennessee were both considered for the project, Hendry County was ultimately selected as the best location for ATIO USA’s new facility. The project will create 39 new jobs at an average of more than $42,000 a year and result in a $26 million investment in the local community.
Governor Scott said, “I am proud to announce that ATIO USA has selected Clewiston, Florida over Minnesota and Tennessee as the best location for their new manufacturing facility. Last year we permanently eliminated the sales tax on manufacturing machinery and equipment, and our commitment to making Florida more business friendly is helping our state outcompete other locations for these important jobs wins. Also, with the establishment of the new $85 million Florida Job Growth Grant Fund, we will be able to attract even more businesses to Florida. The creation of 39 new jobs is great news for the families of Hendry County, and I look forward to seeing ATIO USA’s continued success.”
Lucio Medolago, CEO of ATIO USA, LLC said, “We are really happy to make Hendry County the Home of ATIO USA, and look forward to actively supporting this community. The Aluminum recycling factory and refinery, along with a complete metallurgical laboratory, will be located in Clewiston. In addition to manufacturing ‘Green Billets’, we will be able to conduct metallurgical research to develop new materials and new alloys. We will be collaborating with local universities in our research department, and hiring and developing local talent as this plant comes to life. This is just the beginning of a successful operation that is the result of an excellent coordination between Enterprise Florida, the Hendry County EDC, county commission and partners in the community. I would like to thank the State of Florida and Hendry County for welcoming us and for their support in moving this project forward.”
The ATIO project has been a collaborative effort between Enterprise Florida, Hendry County, the Hendry County EDC, Glades County and local partners. ATIO has committed to hiring local talent by partnering with the Hendry County Economic Development Council, local vocational training partners, and CareerSource Southwest Florida.
Mike Grissom, Interim President & CEO, Enterprise Florida, Inc., said, “Florida’s rural communities are the backbone of our state and we are proud that ATIO USA has chosen Hendry County as a location for this facility. Our team has worked hard to ensure that high-tech manufacturers like ATIO USA come to Florida and this is huge win for our state.”
Cissy Proctor, Executive Director of the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity, said, “The announcement of ATIO USA’s decision to expand their company in Hendry County is great news to families in Southwest Florida’s rural communities. Florida’s manufacturing industry continues to grow, and we are proud to partner with ATIO USA to bring good jobs to Clewiston.”
Michael Swindle, Hendry County Board of County Commissioners chair, said, “Hendry County is excited to have ATIO USA as a business partner. Their specialized industry will bring greater diversification to Hendry County’s economy and workforce. We look forward to growing with ATIO USA to ensure a brighter future for Hendry County and our residents.”
Brent Kettler, Executive Director, Hendry County EDC, said “I’ve had the pleasure of working directly with the ATIO executive team, and cannot express how promising this project is. The commitment to operate in a rural area, provide living wages, and strong emphasis on infusing modern manufacturing technology that is both environmentally friendly and sustainable, in addition to committing to hire local talent, is a project any community would benefit from.”
ATIO was created to supply high quality aluminum in order to satisfy the increasing demand of manufacturers. ATIO’s Florida-based operation will manufacture parts and additional items for the global automobile industry and OEM suppliers. ATIO USA will use scrap and waste aluminum in addition to primary raw material to manufacture an aluminum alloy known as ‘Green Billets’ for the U.S. and international markets.
Enterprise Florida, Inc. (EFI) is a partnership between Florida’s businesses and government leaders and is the principal economic development organization for Florida. EFI facilitates job growth through recruitment and retention, international trade and exporting, promotion of sporting events, and capital funding programs to assist small and minority businesses. EFI launched “Florida – The Future is Here” to promote the state as the nation’s premier business destination.
Florida AMBER Alert Activation for Alanda McCoy out of Santa Rosa County
A Florida AMBER Alert has been issued for Alanda McCoy, a white female, 4 years old, 3 feet tall, 41 pounds, brown hair, brown eyes, last seen in the area of the 6000 block of Berry Hill Road in Milton, who was last seen wearing a yellow spaghetti strapped tank top, a light colored skirt and blue flip flops.
The child may be in the company of William Kavchak, a white male, 27 years old, 6 feet 2 inches tall, unknown weight, black hair, brown eyes. William goes by Billy. They may be traveling in a 2007, green Mercury Montego, Florida tag number Y53UNW. The vehicle may look light blue in color. There is a dent on the right front passenger bumper. The tail lights have plastic covers with silver lines on them. If you have any information on the whereabouts of this child please contact the Milton Police Department at 1-850-983-5420 or 911. #FLAMBER.
