House and Senate education budget writers have released competing proposals for teacher salary increases, a top priority of Gov. Ron DeSantis that is expected to be a key issue during negotiations on the upcoming state budget.
DeSantis has asked the Legislature for $602 million to set a minimum salary for all public school teachers at $47,500, which he says would boost pay for more than 100,000 current teachers. He also wants $300 million for a new bonus program that would focus on teachers and principals who work at schools in low-income areas.
He also wants to spend $300 million on a new bonus program that would replace the Best and Bright bonus program, which was funded at $284.5 million this year.
The House proposal, presented by House PreK-12 Appropriations Chairman Chris Latvala, R-Clearwater:
- Allot $650 million for teacher pay increases and no funding for bonus programs for teachers and principals
- Spend $500 million to try to get to the governor’s proposed minimum salary and $150 million to compensate veteran teachers
- Eliminate the Best and Brightest bonus program
The Senate proposal, presented by Senate Education Appropriations Chairwoman Kelli Stargel, R-Lakeland:
- No funding for bonus programs but $500 million for raising teacher salaries
- School districts would receive $400 million to work toward the goal of meeting the $47,500 minimum salary and $100 million to use at their discretion for pay raises for veteran teachers
- Eliminate the Best and Brightest bonus program
