Leon County Schools Superintendent Rocky Hanna recently revealed the school district is facing a projected $12.5 million shortfall.
“As we prepare to welcome students back for the new school year, I feel the weight of the responsibility we carry as a school district. Our mission has always been to provide a high-quality education tailored to the needs of every child. But this year, we are entering the school year facing a financial crisis,” said Hanna
Hanna noted that the financial challenge is the result of several factors which include frozen federal funds, reductions at the state level, and rapidly rising operational costs.
Frozen federal grants is one of the biggest challenges. Over $6 million in funding that supports programs like teacher training (Title II), gifted and early learning programs (Title IV), and after-school initiatives has been withheld. These funds are under review with no clear timeline for resolution. For now, we must assume they will not arrive, and that means preparing for the loss of programs we know make a difference in the lives of students.
At the state level, LCS was hit with a $2.2 million funding reduction after enrollment projections weren’t met. Then, in June, the district lost another $550,000 due to a miscalculation by the Florida Department of Education involving students in the scholarship (voucher) program. This years budget allocated an additional $41 per student, a 0.7% increase. Hanna said, “less than 1% simply doesn’t come close to supporting our existing programs, not to mention all of the mandates from the State.”
In addition to these revenue shortfalls, LCS operational costs are rising. Health insurance costs are up 8%, adding $3.2 million to expenses and changes to the Florida Retirement System will cost an additional $767,000. Also, contracts for school deputies and school nurses have increased by over $700,000. In total, these increases in operational expenses represent more than $6 million in new expenses.
Hanna said “as superintendent, I’ve always prioritized protecting the classroom. Our immediate goal is to cut as much as possible at the district level and shield students and teachers from the worst of these cuts. But that strategy won’t last forever. Programs we value—like arts and athletics, academic interventionists, counselors, social workers, and the 21st-century after-school program —are at serious risk.”
Hanna reassured interested parties by saying “our schools will open on August 11. Buses will run, students will be fed, and learning will take place. We remain fully committed to delivering a high-quality education to every child. Our team is working hard—together with the school board—to find creative solutions.”
However, took the opportunity to question state leaders. “I would be remiss if I didn’t voice my deep disappointment in the decisions being made by state leaders. In a state with a strong economy and constant talk of tax cuts, public education continues to be underfunded. It is disheartening to watch our schools—places that shape the future of our state—get left behind. In the meantime, however the legislature has found nearly 4 billion dollars to fund private schools and students in home-school programs.”
Superintendent Hanna Details Sources of $12.5M Budget Shortfall added by Staff on
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“At the state level, LCS was hit with a $2.2 million funding reduction after enrollment projections weren’t met.”
Hey Rocky, isn’t it YOUR job to maintain and hopefully increase enrollment in Leon County schools? You do that by offering a superior learning experience that entices parents to send their kids to your schools instead of the many available alternatives.
You seem to spend your time bad-mouthing Charter Schools, fighting with the State and Governor, writing articles and making appearances discussing how you don’t have enough money. Why not direct your energy towards putting together the best educational program you can with the resources you’ve been given?
You said, “Our team is working hard…” Perhaps it’s time to get your team to start working smart. That’s what leaders do. Rocky, it’s time to stop playing “woe is me” and start leading.
We need DOGE at all levels of government.
How about this: Maybe Rocky is just incompetent?
Remember a few years ago when he had public employees work around his own property? Nobody talks about that much anymore.
This is what happens when you lose lose sight of the purpose of schools in teaching the fundamentals instead of supplanting parents and involving yourselves in social and family issues that are not your business and have no place in education. You are reaping now what you’ve sown over many years. Enough is enough and the voters have spoken.
Here’s a thought: Rather than wasting taxpayer time, money, and resources fighting school choice – perhaps a better approach would be to focus on trying to become a school of choice.
Parents have awakened to the dangerous indoctrination practices and are pulling their children out of the Public School System for a myriad of reasons. Identify the reason(s), face that reality, and make the changes necessary to save the system.
Doubling down on blame, crazy, and hate is not the answer.
Sounds like a good time to do less, focus on fundamentals.
Or move some dollars from CSC since no one knows what they do with the millions they get.
The city and the county have plenty of money and dont need to depend on the rest of the country.
Are positions like ‘academic interventionists, counselors, social workers’ really needed to teach kids? Maybe the schoolboard has had some mission creep over the years.
The sense of entitlement runs strong in Rocky Raccoon. Fire a bunch of administrators, transfer the rest to the classroom and actually educate children as opposed to kowtowing to the NEA to squash competition.
They are OUR tax dollars, not your entitlement.
Leon County homeowner and business budgets have suffered 4 years of sky rocketing food, housing and fuel costs, inflationary salaries, severe real estate taxes on inflated values, etc.
Finally getting relief on inflation but the last four years of damage has been critical with no end in sight on real estate inflated values.
Look within your own operations, maybe review all processes for necessity, streamline where you can and reduce the meeting goers/bureaucrats.
Lastly, the State allowing Parents to send their kids to Christian schools is a good thing Sir.
Remember it is our tax dollars.