Coral Springs commissioners set to vote on one point three million dollar budget increase for charter school this week
Coral Springs, Florida – Coral Springs city commissioners are preparing to vote Wednesday on a proposed $1.3 million increase to the city’s charter school budget, a move that would raise the total annual allocation to $20.6 million, city records show. Serving as the governing board of the Coral Springs Charter School, the commissioners are responsible for approving the use of public funds to ensure the school continues to meet the needs of its growing student population.
According to a city memo, the Coral Springs Charter School Fund was initially budgeted at $19,309,603 for fiscal year 2025, covering the period from October 1, 2024, to September 30, 2025. The actual expenditures are projected to reach $20,609,603, primarily due to a combination of rising operational costs and increased student enrollment.
The memo cited several factors driving the overage, including higher expenses for instructional licenses, testing, and textbooks, along with school recognition payouts, contracted security services, expanded community programs, and transportation for athletic events. City officials noted that these additional expenditures are partially offset by various revenue sources, including local grants and Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief funds, which were both received and spent during the fiscal year to cover some of these costs.
“The requested amendment updates the fiscal year 2025 budget and reflects the increased ESSER funds received and spent during that period,” city officials said in the memo. The proposed increase addresses the earlier budget rather than the latest budget adopted in September, and it requires two separate votes for full approval. Wednesday’s session marks the first of these votes.
Charter schools in Coral Springs are primarily funded by the state through the Florida Education Finance Program (FEFP), which allocates public funds based on student enrollment. These tuition-free public schools also receive discretionary funding from the city to cover additional school-related costs. The Coral Springs City Commission oversees the school’s governance, while Charter Schools USA, a Fort Lauderdale-based management organization, handles professional operations, including staffing, curriculum, and day-to-day administration.
The budget amendment comes as the city moves forward with plans for a new, larger Coral Springs Charter School. The current A-rated school, located at 3205 N. University Drive, may eventually be replaced with a modern facility built on city-owned land near the Coral Springs Gymnasium and Coral Springs Police Department. The expanded site is expected to accommodate more students and provide updated learning spaces.
Commissioners, staff, and residents are expected to weigh the proposal carefully, balancing the increased costs with the ongoing demand for quality education in Coral Springs. The additional funding would ensure that the charter school can maintain its high standards while supporting new programs and services for students.
As the vote approaches, city officials encourage community members to stay informed about the budget amendment and future plans for the charter school. If approved, the funding increase will help maintain the school’s reputation for excellence and support the continued growth of its student body in the coming years.
