Senate panel reviews FY2026–27 preK–12 budget; senators and teachers press for clarity on allocations

TALLAHASSEE — Committee leaders presented a high‑level overview of the proposed FY2026–27 preK–12 budget and FEFP formula changes, and senators pressed for details on specific allocations and how supplemental amounts would be distributed.

Chair Burgess summarized the package as totaling $34,900,000,000 in preK–12 funding (including local funds), with $30,000,000,000 directed to public schools and K–12 scholarships—a $693,000,000 increase over the prior year. The base student allocation was increased by $50. The Family Empowerment Scholarships were budgeted as a separate state categorical at $4,500,000,000. The chair also cited targeted supports including $25,000,000 to assist districts with declining enrollment and $432,800,000 for VPK to maintain current per‑student funding.

Senators asked staff to explain why some categorical allocations showed reduced or no increases; staff said the numbers reflect changes in usage and workload rather than an absolute cut. Senator Jones asked whether all districts had raised teacher pay to the minimum threshold; the chair said not all districts had met the minimum and that the additional funds were intended to give districts flexibility.

Public testimony focused on the Schools of Hope allocation: Krista Tian (Miami‑Dade) urged reconsideration of a $6,000,000 allocation for Schools of Hope and argued funds would be better directed to traditional public schools and teacher pay; D'Vette McCain, a public school teacher, also asked the committee to consider reinvesting funds into existing public‑school infrastructure.

Chair Burgess said the committee will continue work in appropriations and conference and thanked participants for their input.