Brevard Public School Superintendent Dr. Mark Mullins Talks About Graduation Plans in Biweekly Update

Graduations will take place from July 18-25 and follow strict social distancing guidelines a

Brevard Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Mark Mullins has launched this biweekly update to keep our community informed of the important decisions and actions impacting our schools and our district. (BPS image)

BREVARD COUNTY, FLORIDA – Brevard Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Mark Mullins has launched this biweekly update to keep our community informed of the important decisions and actions impacting our schools and our district.

Governor Signs Education Budget

Governor DeSantis signed the state budget for Fiscal Year 2020-21 totaling $92.2 billion.

It includes a $500 million outlay to raise the minimum K-12 teacher salary to $47,500 and increase salaries for veteran teachers and other eligible instructional personnel.

The budget also includes $22.5 billion in total funding for the Florida Education Finance Program (FEFP). This is a per student funding amount of $7,793, an increase of $137 per student. Other budget highlights include allocations for early childhood learning and school safety and security.

Unfortunately, the Governor vetoed the $100,000 appropriation for welding-lab equipment for Astronaut High in Titusville.

Governor DeSantis signed the state budget for Fiscal Year 2020-21 totaling $92.2 billion.

CLICK HERE for the FY 20-21 budget overview and education budget breakdown.

The final 2020-21 state budget reflects the legislative budget recommendations used to project Brevard Public School’s budget presented to the school board recently.

The estimated $13 million deficit remains BPS’s reality, a result of a significant state mandated increase contribution to the Florida Retirement System, loss of revenue due to declining enrollment and rising healthcare costs.

BPS Announces Graduation Plans

After careful deliberation and in consultation with our district and school leadership, my superintendent counterparts and the FL Departments of Health and Education, I have made the decision to move forward with outdoor graduation ceremonies to honor our senior Class of 2020.

Graduations will take place from July 18-25 and follow strict social distancing guidelines and other district-mandated protocols.

We look forward to giving our graduates the chance to experience an in-person ceremony surrounded by classmates and family and to be individually recognized while receiving their diploma, but doing so will require a willingness on the part of all those in attendance to comply with added health and safety measures.

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District Rolls Out Student Behavior Plan

Chris Moore, Assistant Superintendent of Student Services, presented the district’s plans for improving student behavior at the June 30 board workshop. Compelling data was shared that indicated the need for a greater focus beyond discipline.

Ms. Moore outlined next steps for a multi-tiered strategy to support social-emotional, behavior and mental health across our school community to begin rolling out this coming school year.

CLICK HERE to watch the presentation (advance to the 20:40 minute mark).

Update on July Campus Activities

BPS has a number of summer programs taking place on school campuses across the district this month. In addition to athletic conditioning, BPS will be holding Driver’s Education and ACT and FSA Algebra 1 End of Course (EOC) testing at various high schools.

Saturn Elementary is holding VPK and several other elementary schools will be launching summer learning enhancement programs this month for students who are at least two-grade levels behind, as a result of recent educational grants approved by the state.

CLICK HERE to view my presentation to the board (advance to the 29:45 minute mark).

Re-Opening Plan to be announced on July 14. Our Re-Opening Task Force is working diligently to put the finishing touches on a plan to return students and staff back to school safely in August. More than 11,000 parents, teachers, staff, and community members provided feedback through the Task Force web page.

Their insights, ideas, and concerns shared have been reviewed and taken into consideration throughout the development of the plan which will be discussed during a board workshop on July 9th and then formally presented at the next board meeting on July 14th. More details to come.

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