School Recognition Program (A+ Funds)

What statute governs the Florida School Recognition Program?

Florida Statute 1008.36

What exactly does the statute say?

The 1008.36 Florida School Recognition Program states:

1. “The Legislature finds that there is a need for a performance incentive program for outstanding faculty and staff in highly productive schools. The Legislature further finds that performance-based incentives are commonplace in the private sector and should be infused into the public sector as a reward for productivity.
2. The Florida School Recognition Program is created to provide financial awards to public schools that: (a) Sustain high performance by receiving a school grade of “A,” making excellent progress; or (b) Demonstrate exemplary improvement due to innovation and effort by improving a letter grade.
3. All public schools, including charter schools, that receive a school grade pursuant to s. 1008.34 are eligible to participate in the program.
4. All selected schools shall receive financial awards depending on the availability of funds appropriated and the number and size of schools selected to receive an award. Funds must be distributed to the school's fiscal agent and placed in the school's account and must be used for purposes listed in subsection (5) as determined jointly by the school's staff and school advisory council. If school staff and the school advisory council cannot reach agreement by February 1, the awards must be equally distributed to all classroom teachers currently teaching in the school.
5. School recognition awards must be used for the following:
   1. Nonrecurring bonuses to the faculty and staff;
   2. Nonrecurring expenditures for educational equipment or materials to assist in maintaining and improving student performance; or
   3. Temporary personnel for the school to assist in maintaining and improving student performance. Notwithstanding statutory provisions to the contrary, incentive awards are not subject to collective bargaining.”

What does nonrecurring mean?

Nonrecurring means one time only.

Who can make proposals on how to spend the money?

Departments, grade-level teams, teaching teams, functional areas, School Advisory Council (SAC), and individual staff and SAC members. The SAC must be part of the development of the proposed plan.

What if individuals don’t agree with the proposals?

They can cast their vote for “None of the Above”.

What expenditure categories are allowed on an eligible proposal?

Bonuses for faculty and staff members, educational equipment and materials and reserves for unforeseen expenditures (omitted employees).

What happens once all eligible proposals have been submitted?

The principal and/or assistant principal should review the proposals prior to the voting process.

How are the eligible proposals communicated to the faculty and staff at the school?

Principals should make eligible proposals accessible to all staff members. 

Who is eligible to vote?

All school employees currently on staff and each SAC member must be afforded an opportunity to cast one vote by secret ballot.

Refer to Budgeting Department's website document “Understanding the School Recognition Process” for additional explanations.

What can School Recognition awards be used for? 

(a) Nonrecurring bonuses to the faculty and staff

(b) Nonrecurring expenditures for educational equipment or materials to assist in maintaining and improving student performance

(c) Temporary personnel for the school to assist in maintaining and improving student performance

Must the school follow district purchasing procedures?

Yes.

Refer to Budgeting Department's website document “Understanding the School Recognition Process” for additional explanations and Florida Statutes Title XLVIII. K-20 Education Code § 1008.36. Florida School Recognition Program.