School district still expecting deficit despite federal funding

A group of 26 states, including Florida, will use $170 million in federal money to find innovative ways to test students.

Much of funding for Florida schools comes from federal stimulus dollars.

But there is a problem on the horizon.

"A lot of that federal stimulus money is going to be drying up, and so we're expecting a major deficit,” said Dr. Bill Vogel, the superintendent for Seminole County Public Schools.

It's best known as the funding cliff for when the stimulus money goes away next year.

The outlook appears bleak, except Florida seems to be getting a lot of money lately.

In addition to the $170 million used for assessment, Florida was also recently awarded $700 million in Race to the Top funds.

"A lot of that money will be restricted, and although it will be a small help, we have a much greater challenge ahead of us with our budget," Vogel said.

Next school year, Seminole County Schools face a $28 million deficit. They will receive only $1.2 million in Race to the Top funds next year, leaving them to find $26.8 million in funding.

This is why Seminole County and other districts will be paying close attention to November general elections to see if voters will approve a half penny sales tax for education.

"Hopefully, we will be making a strong case of why we need the additional dollars in Seminole County," Vogel said.

The state's class size amendment is also causing a budget crunch.

Seminole allotted hiring 112 more teachers to meet the new standard. They said they are quickly approaching that number.