State Budget Could Cut Funds Supporting Advanced High School Courses

Educators in Florida are raising concerns over a proposed budget cut that could drastically affect Advanced Placement (AP), International Baccalaureate (IB), Cambridge, and dual enrollment courses offered in public high schools. The budget bill, which has passed through the Florida House of Representatives, includes significant cuts to funding for these rigorous programs that allow students to earn college credit while still in high school.

Budget Cuts Could Limit Student Opportunities

The new budget proposal slashes the reimbursement amount given to school districts for students who excel in these challenging courses. Specifically, the Florida House’s bill cuts the reimbursement fund from $600 million to $300 million. This reduction has raised alarms among educators, who argue that it will lead to a loss of opportunities for students who benefit from these advanced courses. Dr. Steve Gallon, a Miami-Dade School Board member, emphasized the importance of these programs for families, saying, “When you look at a family that’s able to earn college credit for their children at no cost, that is a significant fiscal benefit to that family, and we’re facing very financially challenging times.” He voiced his concern that the reduction in funding would be detrimental, stating, “We should be fighting to promote and increase opportunities for all of our students.”

Funding Cuts Affect College Preparation Programs

Currently, Florida reimburses school districts $865 for every student who passes the IB, Cambridge, or AP exams with a score of three or higher. The state also provides $1,622 for students who earn industry certification in career or technical education programs. These funds are essential for training teachers, purchasing materials, and encouraging student participation in these advanced programs. The proposed budget cuts would impact the quality and availability of these courses, especially in districts like Broward and Miami-Dade, where a significant portion of students—between 54% and 95%—successfully meet the state’s criteria for exam performance. Toni Cooper, the dual enrollment coordinator at Norland Senior High School, explained, “For those higher-achieving students, we need these opportunities so that we can keep encouraging them to do more and be the best that they can be.”

Differing Views on the Budget Proposal

While some lawmakers defend the budget adjustments, claiming they will not significantly cut funding for these programs, critics argue that any reduction still harms students. House Speaker Daniel Perez released a statement asserting that the budget does not cut funding for AP, IB, or dual enrollment programs but rather adjusts the bonus formula that rewards school districts when students pass certain exams. He argued that the new formula would apply to only about 30% of students currently enrolled in these courses, but the budget would still allocate over $300 million in bonus funding for these programs. However, Ron Steiger, CFO of Miami-Dade County Public Schools, disagrees. He described the proposed changes as a “cut,” pointing out that the reimbursement program had been instrumental in expanding access to advanced courses. Steiger added that the adjustments would undermine the progress made over the years in increasing participation in these critical programs.

Hope for Restoration in the Senate

The potential loss of funding for these advanced programs has left many educators and advocates worried about the future of student success. Gallon expressed his hope that the Florida Senate would restore the funding before the bill reached the governor’s desk, stating that this is a crucial opportunity to support the state’s students and ensure their continued success in higher education. As the budget debate continues, many are hoping that the importance of these programs will be recognized and the funding cuts will be reversed.