Page 11 - MDLC_Legislative Action2015_F

Oppose any further reduction in capital millage available to school districts for the purpose of balancing the operating budget. Oppose any attempt to equalize the capital outlay levy. Oppose the deletion of impact fees unless replaced with another revenue source. Expand the allowable use of a locally voted upon sales tax to include operating expenses that maintain, renovate, or repair existing school facilities or maintain, secure, or upgrade school technology equipment. Governance Oppose legislation that subverts district governance of constitutionally elected local school boards and elected or appointed superintendents. Oppose legislation that modifes the governance structure of The School Board of Miami-Dade County, Florida. Oppose legislation that breaks up large school districts. Choice Support increased accountability measures for all publicly funded school choice options. Oppose all publicly funded programs that lack equitable and suffcient accountability measures. Oppose implementation of additional or any increases in funding for voucher programs while requiring more accountability from schools receiving Florida Tax Credit Scholarship (FTCS) funding. Academics Support legislation that will require high-quality training in reading and English language development for teachers responsible for instructing English Language Learners (ELL). Support the development of high-quality English Language Profciency (ELP) standards. Oppose legislation that would limit offering gifted programs to eligible high school students. Support legislation that delays Academic Scholarship Signing Day until May of each year. Support legislation that ensures that Florida State Assessment (FSA) testing not be administered during religious holidays. Require the state to provide a minimum of one-year lead time on new state requirements for school districts. Maintain the current dual delivery system of post-secondary programs. Support amending F.S. 1009.534 and 1009.535 adding the attainment of the Advanced Placement Capstone diploma as one of the eligibility requirements for Florida Bright Futures Scholarship Program. Create a statewide taskforce for Hispanic Heritage Education modeled after the African-American History taskforce. Student Safety Support legislation that proposes a “slowing down zone” within an area prior to entering a school zone. Support funding to provide training for students, parents, teachers, school administrators, counseling staff, and volunteers to learn how to recognize behaviors that lead to bullying and harassment. Ensure any casino authorized in Florida is at least 1,000 feet from a school or land designated for school purpose. 11