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GOVERNOR, EDUCATION COMMISSIONER, SUPERINTENDENT, SCHOOL BOARD MEMBERS APPEAL TO LEGISLATURE TO INCREASE FUNDING FOR PUBLIC SCHOOLS Gov. Rick Scott, Education Commissioner Pam Stewart and Miami-Dade Superintendent Alberto M. Carvalho, along with members of the Miami-Dade School Board, called upon the Florida Legislature today to make good on promises to Florida’s children by adopting a per-pupil funding level that is at a minimum, consistent with Governor Scott’s recommended budget proffered prior to the commencement of its regular session. The officials expressed their views at a press conference this morning at Dr. Carlos J. Finlay Elementary School in Miami. "We are looking for the Governor’s promise to be realized, to take K-12 funding to minimally $50 above the 2007-2008 funding rates,” said Carvalho. “Florida's economy is healthy and recovering, and it is time we make the education of our children a priority." Superintendent Carvalho expressed that the idea that level funding would be acceptable is incorrect. Level funding for Miami-Dade Schools represents a real decrease in dollars available to the classroom, especially given the Value Adjustment Board (VAB) tax collection shortfall, which would make a difficult scenario into a near impossible one.
# # # 15-DGD/290/JJS
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