Agenda Item #5
Title
FM1 - Class Size Penalties Update
Description
At its June meeting, the Board of Directors of the Florida School Boards Association voted to pursue legal relief from sections of House Bill 5101, Chapter 2010 -154, Laws of Florida, that impose what is believed to be an unconstitutional financial penalty and redistribution of state and local class size reduction funds as a reward or "bonus" for school districts that meet class size requirements. The Greater Florida Consortium of School Boards, of which Palm Beach is a member, has also endorsed this effort (letter attached).
The Florida Legislature appropriated $82 million for CSR for FY11 although the State Board of Education recommended $354 million in February, 2010.
Recommendation
I recommend the Board adopt the Resolution to enter as a party in a proposed lawsuit to declare unconstitutional specific provisions of Chapter 2010-154, Laws of Florida; approve the Retainer Agreement and authorize the Chairman and Superintendent to execute all necessary documents.
My Contact
Financial Impact
Financial Impact $1,500.00 to the General Fund Budget.
The source of funds is the Legal Department Budget.
Attachment: Montford Letter.pdf
Attachment: Retainer Agreement (2).pdf
Attachment: CSR Suit.pdf
Attachment: Blanton Letter.pdf
Attachment: Resolution (2).pdf