Lower grades mean less reward money for Central Florida schools

ORLANDO, Fla. — The amount of reward money distributed to the districts dropped substantially this year, mainly because fewer schools received an A grade under the state's revamped grading system.

Channel 9's Michael Lopardi went to one of those schools to find out how the funding cuts will impact children.

Freedom High School used to be an A school, but it dropped last year to a B school. The lower grade cost Freedom High School bragging rights and about $300,000 in reward money.

“The money helps to go back to the kids in making sure that they are getting every resource possible to be successful,” said biology teacher at Freedom High School Tiffany Edwards.

The state rewards schools that improve by a grade or receive an A, but a tougher formula implemented last year led to lower scores and fewer rewards. Freedom's principal said the school used its money to give every staffer a $1,500 bonus.

“A great deal of money for teachers, when they do receive bonuses, goes directly back into the classroom,” said Rolando Bailey, principal at Freedom High School

Edwards said most teachers spent the money on student supplies.

“Ultimately it's what the students need, and that's what our goal is here,” Edwards said.

Statewide, the amount of reward money handed out dropped by 36 percent this year. The Orange County School District saw a 41 percent reduction. Seminole County schools saw a 57 percent drop.

The reductions were even steeper for other counties, adding up to millions of dollars. The Education Department said the drop is primarily because of fewer A schools.

“I'm one of those glass half-full kind of guy, so I look at it as opportunity,” Bailey said.

Freedom's principal said the score is defined by more than a grade, but he'll use the drop as motivation to get back on top.

The state allows each school to decide how to spend the money, but the law sets some limits.

Click here to find out how much school districts and schools in Central Florida received.

Cox Media Group