Scott Faces Increasing Pressure On School Funding
May 17, 2017
The chorus of voices calling for Gov. Rick Scott to veto a controversial education bill — and perhaps part of the state budget for public schools — grew Tuesday, even as supporters tried to push back.
Two of the state’s major education organizations — the Florida School Boards Association and the Florida Association of District School Superintendents — sent letters to Scott on Tuesday asking him to nix a wide-ranging schools bill (HB 7069) unveiled on the next-to-last business day of the 2017 legislative session.
The superintendents went a step further and called on Scott to use his line-item veto to strike the Florida Education Finance Program, or FEFP, a move that would essentially force the Legislature to pass a new education budget. The FEFP comprises the majority of state and local funding that flows to public schools.
The letters from the two organizations came on top of calls from the Florida Education Association, the state’s main teachers union, for Scott to take dramatic action on HB 7069, a sweeping measure covering everything from school uniforms and sunscreen to teacher bonuses and recess.
The measure is perhaps best known for its inclusion of a funding program for “schools of hope,” including charter schools in areas with academically struggling traditional schools, and an expansion of the “Best and Brightest” teacher bonus system.
The school boards association was particularly blistering about the way that the bill was put together in budget negotiations between the House and Senate. The legislation emerged as a “conforming bill,” tied to the budget and essentially subject only to an up-or-down vote.
“Legislators took a six-page, single-subject bill, tacked on the content of two very contentious bills, and then added the camouflage of popular provisions from more than a dozen other bills to produce a 274-page behemoth. … We believe that this entire process for developing this conforming bill constitutes an abuse of the legislative process in general and the budget conference process in particular,” wrote Andrea Messina, the school boards association’s executive director, and Tim Harris, its president and a member of the Polk County School Board.
Meanwhile, Miami-Dade County Superintendent Alberto Carvalho appeared at a meeting of the State Board of Education to press the case from school chiefs that the bill and the budget should be vetoed. He said a 1.2 percent increase in the FEFP funding program in the budget year that begins July 1 is particularly paltry.
“That is the lowest increase outside of recessionary conditions,” Carvalho said.
Critics have also pointed out that, while there is a modest per-student increase of 0.34 percent in the FEFP by one measure, the per-student amount under another measure would actually drop. About 20 school districts are expected to see their revenues for each student drop if the current budget is signed by Scott.
Some of the members of the State Board of Education, which is appointed by Scott, suggested Tuesday that they were troubled by aspects of the budget, which defenders say sets aside an all-time high in overall spending on education. Because of enrollment growth and spending outside of the FEFP, the total funding for K-12 education would be at an all-time high even as per-student spending rises only slightly.
“What concerns me (is), if this is a record budget and most of our rural counties are losing money, I’m scared to death of what may happen if we ever have a down year,” said Andy Tuck, vice chairman of the board.
Carvalho suggested that if Scott were to veto both HB 7069 and the FEFP, lawmakers could more broadly spread nearly $419 million that was tucked into the conforming bill. Those funds are now earmarked for a variety of causes including charter schools, persistently failing public schools and teacher bonuses.
But supporters have begun mounting a counterattack. Earlier in the state board’s meeting, House Education Chairman Michael Bileca, R-Miami, defended the conforming legislation, which sprung largely from House ideas on charter schools and teacher bonuses.
“Our approach has been, how do we create this transformative approach to closing the achievement gap, to help really transform these persistently failing schools as well as the areas of the highest poverty in our state,” Bileca said.
Meanwhile, the Florida chapter of PublicSchoolOptions.org, which advocates for public school options like charter and magnet schools, issued a statement calling on Scott to sign the conforming bill.
“HB 7069 is a win for parents because it gives us more options for our children’s education and it entrusts us, not bureaucrats, to make these decisions for our children,” said Carmen Potter, a leader of the group in Florida. “After all, we know them best.”
It is not clear when Scott will have to make a final decision on the bill, which passed before the annual legislative session ended May 8. The governor has 15 days to sign or veto a bill after the Legislature sends it to him, but lawmakers have not done that with the budget or HB 7069.
by Brandon Larrabee, The News Service of Florida
Bratt Elementary Celebrates Reading With Circus Of Fun
May 17, 2017
Students at Bratt Elementary School worked all school year to reach their goals in reading achievement.
Students read books all year long and were required to pass tests with
Students read books all year long, took tests on their reading level, and were required to pass tests with a grade of at least 85 percent in order to reach their grade level goal. In order to reach the goal, students needed to read beyond their time at school.
The 96 studetns in gradeds K-5 that reached their goal were treated to a circus of fun recently, complete with face painting, balloon animals, fish pong, a bean bag toss, ladder ball, juggling and a photo booth. Students were able to create their own clown cupcakes at the Circus Concession Stand to enjoy along with nachos and cheese, circus peanuts, animal crackers and fruit punch. Students received prizes at each station, and a special photo from the photo booth.
Submitted photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
FWC Law Enforcement Report
May 17, 2017
The Florida FWC Division of Law Enforcement reported the following activity during the weekly period ending May 11 in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties.
ESCAMBIA COUNTY
Officers Allgood and Long found two people illegally camping in Perdido River Wildlife Management Area (WMA). Camping is only allowed in designated camping areas and entry into the area is prohibited one and a half hours after sunset. While speaking to the individuals regarding the violations, they were found to be in possession of marijuana. While addressing the violations, another vehicle drove into the parking area. Officer Long approached that vehicle, spoke to the driver and noticed there was a large pipe used for smoking marijuana on the passenger’s side floorboard. The driver and passenger of this vehicle were also found to be in possession of marijuana. Notice to appear citations were issued for possession of less than 20 grams of cannabis and possession of drug paraphernalia.
Officers concentrated on off-shore fisheries patrols. They issued notice to appear citations for possession of undersized and over the bag limit of red snapper and possession of an undersized amberjack. Two other individuals were cited for possession of red snapper in federal waters. Red snapper season is currently closed in federal waters.
SANTA ROSA COUNTY
Officer Lewis teamed up with FWC biologists to speak to approximately 120 students from Woodlawn Middle School at Blackwater River State Park. Officer Lewis spoke to the students about FWC’s mission, resource protection, boating safety and environmental laws.
Officer Arnette spoke to approximately 150 first-grade students from Baker Elementary School at the FWC Blackwater Fisheries Center in Holt. He talked about the role of an FWC officer and answered numerous questions from the young visitors.
This report represents some events the FWC handled over the past week; however, it does not include all actions taken by the Division of Law Enforcement. Information provided by FWC.
NorthEscambia.com photo.
Barry Holds Town Hall Meeting
May 17, 2017
District 5 Escambia County Commissioner Steven Barry held a community town hall meeting Tuesday evening at the Barrineau Park Community Center.
Most questions and comments centered around roads and bridges, including the ongoing closure of Molino Road for a bridge replacement. [Read more: When Will The Molino Road Bridge Reopen?]
Barry said about 20 miles of dirt roads had been paved in District 5 during the last four years, with about 60 miles of dirt road remaining to be surfaced.
Among other issues, residents also expressed concerns about the lack of space for a growing program at the Molino Ballpark and the lack of practice space for the Northwest Escambia football program. Barry said a lighted football practice field will be constructed in Walnut Hill between the walking track at the community center and the nearby Bradberry Park.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Tate Baseball Heads To Regional Finals
May 17, 2017
The Tate High School Aggies advanced to the 1-7A regional final with a 5-1 win over Milton Tuesday.
Gabe Castro pitched a complete game for the Tate Aggies, surrendering one run, allowing five hits, walking one and striking out five.
For the Aggies — Jesse Sherrill 2-2, 2R; Mason Land 1-2, 2R, 2B; Logan McGuffey 1-4, 2 RBI, 2B; Logan Blackmon 1-3, R; Kyler Hultgren 2-4, 3 RBI; Corben Young 1-2.
The Aggies will play in the Regional 1-7A final at 7 p.m. Tuesday at Tate High School against the Nease Panthers.
Northview FFA Alumni Named Finalist For Top State Award
May 17, 2017
The Florida FFA Association and the Florida FFA Alumni Association announced Tuesday that the Northview High School FFA Alumni is one of five state finalist for the 2017 Outstanding Alumni Affiliate award.
The Northview FFA Alumni and the other four finalist chapters will be recognized during the 89th Florida FFA State Convention on Friday, June 16 in Orlando.
Wahoos Earn 5-2 Win Over Jackson
May 17, 2017
The last time Kelly Mella earned a W came in a Triple-A game with the Louisville Bats on Sept. 5 when he pitched seven innings, gave up one run and struck out six batters.
Mella’s first win in Double-A for the Pensacola Blue Wahoos came Tuesday in his eighth start. The right-hander’s five scoreless innings and Aristides Aquino’s third homer in six games propelled Pensacola to a, 5-2, victory over the Jackson Generals at The Ballpark at Jackson.
The series is now tied at 2-2. Pensacola improved its record to 21-18 and remains tied for first with the Mississippi Braves in the Southern League South Division. Jackson dropped to 22-16 and fell into second place in the North Division.
The 23-year-old Mella, the Cincinnati Reds No. 19 ranked prospect, allowed just three hits, walked three and struck out four. He joins the rest of the rotation in the win column with a 1-3 record and 3.92 ERA.
Mella struck out the side in the third inning. He also benefited from a double play in the first inning, Pensacola left fielder Gabriel Guerrero throwing Jackson left fielder Rudy Flores out at second base trying to stretch a single in the fourth inning, and catcher Joe Hudson throwing out center fielder Reyes trying to steal second base to end the fourth inning.
Pensacola also got a big contribution from right fielder Aristides Aquino who went 2-5. His single to right field drove in third baseman Josh VanMeter and put the Blue Wahoos up, 2-0, in the first inning. VanMeter had doubled in second baseman Alex Blandino for the first run of the inning.
Aquino came through in the fifth inning when he smashed a two-run homer to left center field that also scored first baseman Angelo Gumbs, giving Pensacola a, 5-0, lead. Gumbs had doubled in VanMeter to make the score, 3-0.
Aquino, who won the Reds’ Minor League Player of the Year Award last season with the High-A Daytona Tortugas, now has three homers in his last six games and is tied with center fielder Brian O’Grady for the team lead with five homers. He also is showing flashes of coming out of his slump, going 8-25 in his last six games (.320).
Blandino finished the game 2-4 with two doubles and a run scored for Pensacola. VanMeter also had a notable game at the plate, going 1-2 with his ninth double of the season, three walks, a run scored and one RBI.
A trio of relievers finished up the game for Mella and preserved his victory. Ariel Hernandez pitched two innings and struck out four. Blue Wahoos closer Jimmy Herget earned his 10th save, which is tied for the Southern League lead, and struck out two hitters. The 23-year-old now has fanned 32 hitters in 18 innings in his first season in Double-A.
Janie Blackmon Dews
May 17, 2017
Mrs. Janie Blackmon Dews, 70, passed away on Monday, May 15, 2017, in Pensacola, Florida.
Mrs. Dews was a native of Bratt, FL, former resident of Pensacola, FL and had resided in Cantonment, FL for the past year. Mrs. Dews was a veteran of the U.S. Army, hospice volunteer and a member of the Central Chapel. She is preceded in death by her husband, Willie Thomas Dews; parents, George and Leonora Blackmon; sister and brother-in-law, Louise and Joe Sanders; sisters, Connie Garrity and Winnie Blackmon; brother-in-law, Bernie Wiggins; and daughter-in-law, Julia Castillo.
She is survived by her four sons, Mark Castillo of Long Island, NY, Christopher Shane Castillo of Long Island, NY, Craig (Dawn Marie) Castillo of Long Island, NY and Heath (Brittany) Dews of Pensacola, FL; one daughter, Carissa (Kyle) Sheppard of Cantonment, FL; one sister, Florine Wiggins of Bratt, FL; and six grandchildren, Amanda Castillo, Jessica Castillo, Craig Castillo, Mark Castillo, Domnik Gunderson and Aiden Dews.
Funeral services will be held Friday, May 19, 2017, at 3 p.m. at the Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Home with Rev. Clayton McCormick and Rev. Rick Maharrey officiating.
Burial will follow at the Godwin Cemetery.
Pallbearers will be Johnny Lacy, Jarrod “Bubba” Long, B.J. Long, Justin Long, David Torrence III and Jarrett Nelson.
Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Homes is in charge of all arrangements.
Ernest Ervin Hadley
May 17, 2017
Mr. Ernest Ervin Hadley, 73, passed away Monday, May 15, 2017, in Mobile, Alabama.
Mr. Hadley was a native and lifelong resident of Stockton, AL. He was a veteran in the U.S. Army and was of the Holiness Faith. He is preceded in death by his father, Thomas E. Hadley and mother, Rachel Hadley Stewart.
He is survived by his wife, Joyce Stacey Hadley of Stockton, AL; one daughter, Tina Lynn Hadley of Stockton, AL; one brother, David Hadley of Stockton, AL; two sisters, Doris and Robert Ramer of Perdido, AL and Elsie and James Bryars of Perdido, AL; one granddaughter, Amber Stacey; and numerous nieces, nephews other relatives and many friends.
Funeral services will be held Saturday, May 20, 2017, at 2 p.m. at the Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Home with Rev. Don Sanks and Rev. Michael Hadley officiating.
Burial will follow at the Dean Cemetery.
Visitation will be Saturday, May 20, 2017, from 12:30 p.m. until service time at 2 p.m. at the Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Home.
Pallbearers will be Johnny Ramer, Jimmy Ramer, James L. Bryars, Jim Bo Brown, Marty Hadley and Robert Danny Hadley.
Honorary pallbearer will be Mason Hadley.
Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Homes is in charge of all arrangements.
Pedestrian Killed On Nine Mile Road
May 16, 2017
A pedestrian was struck and killed on Nine Mile Road Monday night.
The Florida Highway Patrol said 68-year old John McDowell of Pensacola was traveling north in the right turn lane of Pine Forest Road toward Nine Mile Road when two pedestrians entered his path. His 2005 Hyundai Santa Fe struck 28-year old Gary L. Surgner, Jr., of Niceville and 28-year old Sean M. Harris of Pensacola. The pedestrians were crossing Pine Forest Road from the Circle K toward the driveway of the Pine Forest Center.
Surgner was transported to Sacred Heart Hospital where he was pronounced deceased. Harris was transported to Sacred Heart Hospital where he was listed in critical condition.
McDowell was not injured.
Any charges against McDowell are pending the outcome of a Florida Highway Patrol traffic homicide investigation.