Page 137 - Superintendent Report 2023-24

Next steps in the Innovative School Project:
• PBL will continue into third grade in FY24
• Full implementation of vocal and band programs in FY24
• Participation in the District’s efforts to support instrumental music instruction

Roosevelt ES parents learning about their child’s work during student exhibitions

Legislative Affairs

The Palm Beach County School District’s Board-approved FY23 legislative platform focused on four vital categories:

1. State Budget/Finance/Funding
2. Teacher Retention
3. Student Scores
4. School Vouchers

On January 12, in a joint workshop with the Palm Beach County Legislative Delegation, Superintendent Burke delivered a
90-minute presentation on the District’s legislative platform. Mr. Burke answered numerous complex questions posed by
the legislative delegation in such a manner that many later commented they fully comprehended and appreciated the detail
and clarity of his message.

Questions from legislators included school security/hardening schools (Rep. Roth), CPR training for student-athletes (Rep.
Gossett-Seidman), Veteran teacher employment (Sen. Berman), homeless students (Rep. Edmonds), Holocaust education
(Rep. Caruso), arming teachers (Sen. Polsky) and Growing Our Own Teachers Program (Sen. Harrell). The legislators
expressed their appreciation for Superintendent Burke’s depth of knowledge and many explicitly stated they left the meeting
satisfied and eager to support their local school districts.

In addition to advocating for the District’s legislative priorities, Superintendent Burke met with multiple legislators in
Tallahassee during Palm Beach County Days on March 7-9. Mr. Burke discussed finance, Florida Education Finance
Program (FEFP) Funding, Base Student Allocation (BSA), and the expected impact of the newly expanded private school
voucher program. He also addressed the need for the FY23 graduating class to use prior concordant scores due to the
misalignment between the newly established measures and the unique nature of these students’ pandemic and post-
pandemic high school experiences.

EDUCATE | AFFIRM | INSPIRE // 137