Superintendent Hanna Details Sources of $12.5M Budget Shortfall

Leon County Schools Superintendent Rocky Hanna recently addressed the school board and revealed the 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.”