Broward school board deliberates budget, pay raises

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. (FLV) – The Broward County School board met Tuesday evening to discuss the district’s upcoming 2023-2024 recommended school budget.

The tentative budget passed with board member Torey Alston as the lone dissenting vote.

“The budget expands mental health for students and continues funding for additional guidance counselors for elementary schools with enrollments greater than 700 students,” said Superintendent Dr. Peter Licata.

Licata went on to emphasize the budget continues the funding for class size compliance at the 2021-22 fiscal year or school year rates for one more year.

He further explained it supports the equivalent of 154 teaching positions to assist students in accelerating their learning through the use of American Rescue Plan, also known as ARP.

Additionally, it maintains the investment of air quality improvement projects through the use of ARP funding.

Millage rates were also discussed during the meeting.

The proposed millage rate is 6.6156 mills while last year’s rate was 6.1383. The 7.78% rise is largely attributed to voter approved increases in its referendum.

Regarding the rate, board member Torey Alston introduced a motion to reduce the discretionary by .05 mills.

Some spoke against Alston’s motion, saying it’s not the time to reduce the millage rate which would affect the budget. 

Teachers and advocates also spoke to the board about raising teacher pay.

One teacher spoke in favor of a pay increase due to personal affordability, citing that her home insurance has increased the past two years.

Another teacher spoke in favor by asking for respect with a pay increase.

Broward County Teachers’ Union President Anna Fusco also spoke on behalf of district teachers.

“I appreciate that you want to bring a salary increase,” said Broward Teachers’ Union President Anna Fusco. “Its a no-brainer. Everyone needs a salary increase.”

“From the lowest rank who work a minimum of four hours a day, our cafeteria workers. To our bus drivers, our custodians, and our teachers in the classroom, our support staff. Everyone in the system deserves an increase. They need an increase.”

A future public hearing will to finally adopt the budget will adjourn on Sept. 12.