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.
Leon County Schools is currently facing a projected $12.5 million shortfall. This financial challenge is the result of several factors — frozen federal funds, reductions at the state level, and rapidly rising operational costs. While school districts across Florida are also feeling this strain, the impact on our district is especially severe.
Federal grants frozen by Trump administration
One of the biggest challenges we face is the immediate freeze on federal grants. 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.
Less state funding from Florida lawmakers and the governor
At the state level, the outlook is no better. Last October, we were hit with a $2.2 million funding reduction after enrollment projections weren’t met. Then, in June, we lost another $550,000 due to a miscalculation by the Florida Department of Education involving students in the scholarship (voucher) program.
While we hoped for at least a modest increase in state funding this year, they only provided an additional $41 per student, a mere 0.7% increase. Less than 1% simply doesn’t come close to supporting our existing programs, not to mention all the mandates from the state.
Costs are going up for health insurance, retirement, security
Moreover, our basic operational costs are rising steeply. Health insurance costs are up 8%, adding $3.2 million to our expenses. Utilities could rise by another $600,000 to $700,000, and changes to the Florida Retirement System will cost an additional $767,000. Contracts for school deputies and school nurses have increased by over $700,000.
In total, these increases represent more than $6 million in new expenses that we must cover — without any new money to do it.
Making tough choices, protecting classrooms
So, where does this leave us?
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 afterschool program — are at serious risk.
Our fund balance is now at 3%, the minimum allowed by state law. That is because we’ve chosen to invest in people —by hiring more staff in schools and providing employee and teacher raises. It was the right thing to do, but it leaves us with little cushion to manage a crisis of this size.
Even in this challenging time, I want to be clear: our schools will open on Aug. 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.
Still, 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 to fund private schools and students in home-school programs. These schools, now funded with taxpayer dollars, have zero accountability and transparency. While there are multiple chapters of Florida Statute that govern and regulate traditional public schools, private schools, which are receiving tax scholarships for their students, have zero.
As we move forward, I ask for your understanding and your support. These choices are not easy, but they are necessary. Together, we will continue to fight for the students and families of Leon County.
Rocky Hanna is superintendent of Leon County Schools.
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This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: Rocky Hanna: A Leon schools ‘financial crisis’ and the state, federal cuts that fuel it
Reporting by Rocky Hanna / Tallahassee Democrat
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