Gov. Rick Scott visited Pensacola Monday, to present a check to the Escambia County School District from the Florida Department of Education. The money is for sustained or significantly improved student achievement at individual schools.
“It’s because you’ve worked hard,” said Gov. Scott. He was at Blue Angels Elementary School, speaking before a backdrop of students, teachers and administrators.
He announced that $1.4 million would be shared by 22 schools in the Escambia District. The payoffs range from $143,000 for Ransom Middle School to $17,000 for Byrneville Elementary. Blue Angels’ share is $85,000.
Schools may use their award to purchase educational equipment or materials, hire temporary staff to help maintain or improve student performance, or for faculty and staff bonuses.
“We have in our budget this year for our District Teachers of the Year $10,000,” said Scott. “For state finalists you get $15,000 and for our statewide finalist will get $20,000.”
Superintendent Malcolm Thomas says how the money will be spent will be decided by the School Advisory Council at each awarded school.
Schools eligible for recognition awards include those receiving an “A” school grade, improving at least one letter grade from the previous year, or improving more than one letter grade and sustaining the improvement the following school year. These awards were based on last year’s FCAT scores. Thomas isn’t sure of the standard to be used next year.
“It will be up to the Legislature, that’s one of the things they’ll debate,” said Thomas. “I do know the Legislature and the Governor are very committed to keeping school recognition funding in place.”
Governor Scott announced last month the distribution of more than $124 million in School Recognition Program funding this year for schools in all 67 districts.
