Page 151 - Superintendent Annual Report 2023-24

Legislative Affairs

The superintendent ensured that the District developed the legislative priorities before the start of the school year, with
discussions beginning as early as July, 2023. The first opportunity for the School Board to publicly discuss and elaborate on
the priorities was September, 2023.

The FY24 Legislative Platform focused on six categories:
1. School Safety and Security
2. Students
3. Teachers
4. Finance
5. Curriculum and Accountability
6. Prekindergarten

School Safety and Security
At the November 1, 2023, joint workshop with the Palm Beach County Legislative Delegation, the superintendent responded
to numerous complex questions involving police training, implementing metal detectors, distinguishing between discipline
and behavioral issues, and new safety protocols regarding active assailant drills. Several legislators openly expressed gratitude
for the depth of knowledge shared on every topic and commended the superintendent on all initiatives that continue to keep
students safe. Additionally, the superintendent met with numerous State legislators during Palm Beach County Days on
January 9-10, 2024, and stressed the need for districts to reduce the financial gap between legislative safety mandates and
available funding. The result was a $2.8 million increase to the School District of Palm Beach County budget for Safe School
initiatives.

Students
During the November joint workshop, the superintendent fielded questions on chronic student absenteeism, universal
school lunches, increased mental health resources, and associated funding.

During his meetings with State legislators in January, the superintendent advocated for additional mental health funding
and increased per-pupil expenditures. The result was an unexpected $221 increase in per-pupil expenditures this year and
an increase in mental health funding for the District equal to $1.3 million.

On the federal level, the superintendent successfully advocated to reject a proposal to reduce funds for students with
disabilities. In November 2023, Superintendent Burke joined forces with the Council of Great City Schools and similar
organizations to reject proposed legislation that would reduce funding for special needs students by 80%. In a co-signed
letter, the superintendent encouraged Congress to support funding that would continue to address ongoing educational
challenges facing all students. The effort was successful and the budget remained level.

Teachers
Another success of the District’s FY24 Legislative Platform was an increase in the Base Student Allocation of $182, or
approximately 3.3%. This increase allows more flexibility for teacher compensation and helps expand teacher development
programs, which was also a legislative priority.

EDUCATE | AFFIRM | INSPIRE 151