Crist wants more money for schools

Source: Associated Press

TALLAHASSEE -- Gov. Charlie Crist recommended a statewide education budget that would increase, rather than cut, spending on public schools by $1 billion next year.

The governor's proposal was intended to quiet critics who are concerned that if voters approve his tax-cut amendment on Jan. 29, school funding will drop $1.5 billion statewide over five years.

The proposed budget includes $138 million to offset the potential lost revenue if voters approve Amendment 1. It also includes $125 million more for teacher merit pay, $100 million for middle-school physical education, and $847 million for new teachers and new classroom space to meet class-size requirements.

But the spending package relies on local school districts to collect an additional $337.8 million in property taxes next year to pay for the hikes. Under that plan, if property values continue to decline as they have the past couple of years, school boards might have to raise their tax rates.