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Magazine Gives Florida 'C' In School Spending

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By ADAM EMERSON

aemerson@tampatrib.com

Published: January 7, 2009

As lawmakers prepare to cut millions from schools to balance the budget, a national magazine says Florida already ranks below most states in money spent per student.

In its "Quality Counts" report set for release today, Education Week magazine gave Florida the below-average grade of C-minus when it comes to school finance.

Florida spends, on average, $8,437 per student, placing it 41st among states. The national average is $9,963.

Instead of boosting spending, Florida's Legislature is preparing cuts to close a widening state budget deficit that's now totaling $2.3 billion.

Under one plan, the state will lose about 2 percent in funding per student, and Hillsborough County schools would face cuts of about $26.7 million.

Overall, the magazine gave Florida a B-minus, using other factors such as graduation rates, academic achievement and college readiness.

The nation received a C.

Other marks Florida received include:

•Chance for Success, C-plus: Measures in this category include graduation rates, reading and math proficiency and college participation. The nation got the same grade.

•K-12 achievement, C

•Standards and accountability, A-minus: Florida was ranked 12th in the nation when it comes to tying standards to standardized tests.

Reporter Adam Emerson can be reached at (813) 259-8285.

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