Page 152 - Superintendent Annual Report 2023-24

Finance
The District had three essential finance requests for this legislative session. All three of these priorities were approved
during this legislative session.
1. Hold districts harmless for expansion of voucher enrollment growth beyond the legislature’s projections
2. Continue to allow school districts to raise funds through ballot referendums
3. Continue to allow Retained Life Estate to increase commensurate with property values

Curriculum and Accountability
During the November joint workshop, five members asked the superintendent for a list of “de-regulation items” they could
propose and support during the session. The goal was to equalize the paperwork requirements of public schools to those
of charter schools.

The superintendent had a deadline of less than 48 hours to generate and distribute the list to the Palm Beach County
Legislative Delegation. He accomplished this task with his team in one day. Another priority of the legislative platform
was to ensure that alternative options were made available for the new progress monitoring assessments, which was also
accomplished this year.

Prekindergarten
The District continues to ask for a full-day, high-quality PreK program for all students. This year, the conversation moved
forward, acknowledging that this program is needed, but with the dilemma of how it will be funded. Nevertheless, in his
meetings in Tallahassee, the superintendent advocated for such a program and helped to move the conversation forward
with State representatives and senators.

Federal Level
Superintendent Burke advocated at the State and federal levels for increased investments to maintain high-quality academic
and mental health support for academic recovery. He confirmed that the District’s Elementary and Secondary School
Emergency Relief funds were specifically allocated for academic recovery and student health support, not for addressing
the District’s significant capital needs. Additionally, he pursued all avenues to maintain connectivity for home internet
access for low-income families with community and private sector partners. The superintendent also monitored and
tracked information with his legislative team to maintain close working relationships with federal agencies that are heavily
involved with K-12 education.

Superintendent Burke and his team are dedicated to establishing solid and supportive relationships with local elected
officials and the business community throughout Palm Beach County. The superintendent and District staff firmly
believe that keeping community leaders well-informed about legislative, educational, and fiscal matters is a crucial shared
responsibility that directly affects our collective success.

152 Superintendent Annual Report 2023 - 2024