OCPS board reviews budget, policies

Orange County School Board members met in a work session Tuesday, June 4, and discussed the 2019-20 budget priorities, legislative agenda and policies, including the Code of Student Conduct.

The superintendent will finalize the budget for 2019-20, which is expected to be open to a public hearing in July. The school board will vote on the tentative budget at that time, as well.

The chief financial officer discussed the state budget and how it impacts Orange County Public Schools. Overall, the Florida Education Finance Program funding increase was $80.9 million — with $27.8 million to pay for the growth of 3,764 students that is expected for the coming school year.

The Base Student Allocation increase works out to be $75.07, or 1.79%, which brings per-student funding to approximately $7,627.

New increases in state funding were announced: $21.3 million for Best & Brightest, $1.6 million increase for Safe Schools, $3 million for Turnaround Schools and a $493,000 increase for mental health.

In addition, there is a Florida Retirement System rate increase of $2.4 million and health insurance increases that will have to be accounted for.

A number of legislative changes have — or are expected to — become law, and some of them require a change in school board policies. These will be brought before the school board in August.

The school board discussed changes to the Code of Student Conduct for the 2019-20 school year, as well. Policy revisions were discussed regarding maintenance and control of materials and equipment, alternative school education program, public use of school board facilities, student records, and ethics and lobbying.

 These proposed changes will go before the school board for a public hearing and formal vote during a regularly scheduled meeting this summer.