ORLANDO, Fla. — When Florida lawmakers vote on the proposed state budget Friday, leaders of several Central Florida school districts will be watching closely.
The proposal includes an increase in education funding, but school leaders say rising healthcare costs and declining enrollment could still create financial challenges.
According to the proposed state budget, Orange County Public Schools would receive about a 3.17% increase in funding next school year. The district would receive $2.1 billion, $65 million more than it did from the current budget.
However, district leaders say that additional money may not go as far as people think because of rising costs and inflation.
“We always advocate for at least a 3% increase to help keep up with those inflationary costs. We know that things that are going on internationally are causing some additional pressures when it comes to fuel costs and other things. Health care costs is a huge impact to this district,” said Scott Howat, Chief Communications Officer for Orange County Public Schools.
District leaders also noted that they are projecting a drop in student enrollment, which could negatively impact district finances.
Statewide, the proposed budget includes more than $30 billion for school districts, an increase of nearly 3.5% from last year.
OCPS leaders say they are continuing to review the proposed budget while also looking for ways to balance staffing, student needs and operating costs ahead of the next school year.
Other Central Florida school districts are also expected to receive funding increases under the proposal.
Volusia and Seminole counties are projected to receive a little more than 2% more funding than last school year. Brevard County is expected to receive close to 4% more funding, while Osceola and Lake counties are projected to receive a little more than 4% increase.