Momentum Seen On Early Education, But Some Say It’s Not Fast Enough
December 10, 2014
Florida children’s advocates are hoping that momentum for investment in early education at the national level will spark interest in changes to preschool funding and policy at the state level as well.
The week after Republicans swept the November elections, Democrat Jim Messina, who managed President Obama’s 2012 re-election bid, and Republican Kevin Madden, a senior advisor to rival candidate Mitt Romney, sent a memo urging members of both parties to “seize the opportunity to own the early childhood education issue.”
“It’s also an issue that has an impact tied to economic performance,” Madden told The News Service of Florida last month. “If we’re going to create a more competitive workforce for the future, then that begins with an investment in early childhood education.”
Momentum for increased funding of education has grown since the election. On Nov. 17, Congress re-authorized the Child Development Block Grant, which provides billions of dollars to states annually to help low-income working families pay for child care. Obama signed it two days later.
And on Wednesday, the president will host a White House summit on early education at which he’s expected to announce the recipients of $750 million in preschool development grants and Early Head Start awards.
Meanwhile, in Florida, Gov. Rick Scott and legislative leaders have slowly added funding for school readiness programs, which subsidize child care for low-income working families, and voluntary pre-kindergarten programs.
“I’ve seen more progress on the horizon than I have ever seen before,” said David Lawrence, chairman of the Children’s Movement of Florida and a long-time advocate for early education. “This is a matter that far transcends any political party…and I find more reason to be encouraged about building an early learning movement than I have in the last 15 years.”
But state Rep. Marlene O’Toole, a Lady Lakes Republican who chairs the House Education Committee, wasn’t as sanguine. She described the momentum as “mixed,” saying she’d read differing data on the results of early education programs, but continued to support them.
“I have visited them. I see value. I think our governor sees value,” O’Toole said. “It’s all about the outcomes. … This governor wants to know what the return on investment is on every major item. He’s a results-oriented guy, as am I.”
During the 2014 legislative session, O’Toole led her committee in developing a bill (HB 7069) that would have upgraded the health, safety and teaching standards of Florida’s early learning programs. The bill sailed through the House, where it had been months in the making, but collapsed over differences with the Senate.
Now, O’Toole said, she plans to review the re-authorized Child Development Block Grant, which would require states to establish health and safety requirements, including some of those contained in O’Toole’s bill, in order to qualify for federal funding.
“I was disappointed to see the bill not make it last year,” she said. “So we’ll be looking at it this year.”
Until the last legislative session, Florida’s voluntary pre-kindergarten and school readiness programs hadn’t had significant funding increases in a decade.
The state budget for the current fiscal year includes an $8.8 million increase for the voluntary pre-kindergarten program, a rise of $54 per student. That brings spending per student to $2,437 — as compared to the national average of $3,841 in 2012, according to the National Institute for Early Education Research.
Florida advocates pointed out that the $54 per-student increase didn’t even restore state spending to where it had been nine years ago, before cuts to the program.
As for the school-readiness program, the budget includes $3 million for additional slots, but the statewide waiting list is estimated at anywhere from 30,000 to 70,000 children.
Former Republican state Sen. Ellyn Bogdanoff, executive director of the Florida Association for Child Care Management, said the state’s early education system had lost $100 million in recent years.
“What’s the Legislature going to do? Nothing, unless we educate them and ask them to do it,” Bogdanoff said.
A new ally for backers of early education is the Florida Chamber of Commerce, which this year established the Business Alliance for Early Learning. Tony Carvajal, vice president of the Florida Chamber Foundation, said the Chamber is concerned about the economic disparity between children with access to early learning and those without.
“What we’re starting to recognize is that by the time they get to the K-12 system, it might be too late,” Carvajal said.
According to the Business Alliance for Early Learning, participants in early childhood learning programs are 80 percent more likely to attend college, while high-quality early childhood education programs increase employability by 23 percent.
“The business community is finally at the table,” said Vance Aloupis, statewide director of the Children’s Movement of Florida, who is optimistic about the state’s direction. “I think you’re going to see more legislators taking note of this issue.”
But Aloupis also agreed with Bogdanoff that the state isn’t moving fast enough.
“A child is only four for one year,” he said. “As we continue to drag our feet, children are getting older. They’re going to the K-12 system not ready to be there.”
Scott spokeswoman Jeri Bustamante described early learning as “a priority” of the governor’s but did not provide details of any potential upcoming budget or policy proposals.
by Margie Menzel, The News Service of Florida
New Escambia County Archery Park Officially Opens
December 10, 2014
Escambia County’s new $4.5 million archery park officially opens today.
The Klondike Archery Park at 7201 Sparshott Drive off Mobile Highway was funded mostly by Florida Fish and Wildlife through a federal grant, with Escambia County contributing in-kind with the property.
The Klondike Landfill originally operated from 1976 to 1982 as a Class 1 Sanitary Landfill on 119 acres and was repurposed as the archery park,. The park includes a two-story archery platform, a shooting range equipped with miscellaneous targets, as well as a safety berm at the eastern edge. The facility includes a clubhouse, restrooms, limited kitchen and two verandahs with picnic tables. The parking area and shooting range are well lit for night time user safety.
For more information on the Klondike Archery Park contact the Lonnie Stone of Panhandle Bowhunters and Archery Association at (850) 982-2837.
Groundbreaking Held For Florida Fallen Firefighter Memorial
December 9, 2014
A groundbreaking ceremony was held this morning in the Florida Capitol courtyard for the state’s new Fallen Firefighter Memorial.
“The memorial will serve as a daily reminder of our support for our fellow firefighters and emergency personnel, while demonstrating its true legacy, that the work that serves on these grounds is only possible because of the selfless lives they’ve chosen,” said Florida Chief Financial Officer Jeff Atwater, who is also the state’s fire marshal, during the ceremony.
A key feature of the memorial will be the names of all the firefighters in the state who have died in the line of duty, including six from 2014.
The ceremony featured Gov. Rick Scott, Cabinet members and a number of family members of fallen emergency personal. The State Fire Marshal’s office has partnered with various firefighting agencies across the state to help fund the memorial, which was approved through a resolution by Scott and the Cabinet last year.
by The News Service of Florida
Photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Forest Service: Fire Danger Level Up
December 9, 2014
Residents in the Blackwater District of the Florida Forest Service, including Escambia and Santa Rosa counties, might see smoke from prescribed burning operations as conditions are favorable. While conditions are right for trained burners to accomplish their goals, the weather also could lead to a higher risk of wildfires and people are urged to use caution if they decide to burn yard debris.
“There comes a point where the weather conditions for great burning overlap with a situation that presents increased fire danger, “said David Smith, operations administrator for Blackwater and certified prescribed burner with more than 25 years of experience with fire. “If you know what you’re doing and are prudent and careful, fire can be an incredibly useful tool. If you’re careless, it can be devastating.”
Predicted conditions could push Fire Danger Levels from moderate to high for a brief period as winds will top 10 miles per hour and humidity levels will fall into the 30 percent range. Earlier freezes killed grasses and small shrubs which will dry out rapidly as humidity drops throughout the day. The combination of steady wind and dry fuels is a watch out situation and people are reminded to obey their local and state burn laws and never leave a fire unattended. To find out more about Florida’s burn laws and regulations, visit the Florida Forest Service’s Web page here.
County Inks Contract With Atmore Ambulance For Walnut Hill, Bratt
December 9, 2014
The Escambia County Commission has inked a contract with Atmore Ambulance to provide emergency medical services for the portion of North Escambia in the 327 phone exchange.
Atmore Ambulance has been providing ambulance service for the Walnut Hill, Bratt, Davisville and surrounding communities in the 327 telephone exchange since 1978. Escambia County will pay the company $125,000 per year for the service. Atmore Ambulance was the only company to submit a bid to Escambia County.
Under the terms of the contract, Atmore Ambulance directly bills patients for services rendered at an amount not greater than that billed by Escambia County EMS, which provides ambulance service for the rest of the county.
A similar agreement is in place between Escambia County (FL) EMS and the Escambia County (AL) Healthcare Authority for Escambia EMS to provide ambulance service in the Flomaton area.
Studers To Hold $25,000 Century Business Challenge
December 9, 2014
Quint and Rishy Studer will soon hold a “$25,000 business challenge” in Century, providing a winning business plan developer the cash and guidance needed to open their doors.
That announcement came at a Monday night meeting of the Century town council from Mollye Barrows, an employee of the Studer Institute, a not for profit organization that was founded to identify important issues in the Pensacola area and work toward solutions.
Barrows said details on the Century Business Challenge have not yet been finalized, but it will be much like a Pensacola Business Challenge that was held in 2011-2012. In the Pensacola Business Challenge, a winning business plan was funded with a business startup package valued at over $50,000, including cash, a reduced rent lease in a prime downtown Pensacola retail location, and ongoing business training and consulting. The idea was inspired by a similar program in Asheville, NC.
Exactly what the winner of the $25,000 Century Business Challenge will receive and how the competition will work will be announced “sooner than later”, perhaps before the end of the year, Barrows said.
Regardless of those details, one thing is clear, Barrows said. Someone will receive the funding and support to see their business idea become reality in Century, spurring growth in the local economy.
“We are really excited about it and the possibilities,” Barrows said.
Quint Studer is a Pensacola businessman and philanthropist perhaps best known as the owner of the Pensacola Blue Wahoos, and as owner and founder of the private health care consulting company Studer Group. He has donated millions to Pensacola area organizations and purchased millions of dollars worth of property in the downtown Pensacola area for revitalization.
Pictured top: Mollye Barrows announces the upcoming Century Business Challenge Monday night at a Century town council meeting as Brice Harris of the Haas Center for Business Research & Economic Development at the University of West Florida listens. NorthEscambia.com photo, click to enlarge.
Northview Holds Veterans Day, Pearl Harbor Program
December 9, 2014
Northview High School hosted a combined Pearl Harbor and Veterans Day Program Monday.
The program featured patriotic music, a video featuring Northview graduates who have served in the military and a special flag presentation.
Pictured top and bottom: A special flag detail from the Northview NJROTC Monday morning. Pictured inset: Cadet Moriah McGahan addresses the assembly. Pictured below: Northview alumni who have served in the military were featured in a video presentation. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Escambia Man Gets 43 Years For Robbery, Burglary
December 9, 2014
An Escambia County man will serve a 43 year sentence day for day for burglary and robbery.
Brian Toole was sentenced by Judge Linda Nobles to 20 years mandatory minimum on burglary of a dwelling while armed with a firearm and with a discharge, to 10 years minimum mandatory on burglary of a dwelling while armed with a firearm, to 10 years minimum mandatory on robbery with a firearm, and three years on possession of a firearm by convicted felon. Each sentence is to run consecutive to one another for total sentence of 43 years without parole and with no gain time.
Prosecutors said on April 17, 2014, Toole entered an apartment while armed to rob the home but when he encountered a resident at the home, he left. Toole then went to a different apartment, fired a shot through the window, and gained entry to the home through the broken window and stole a television. Toole then met his three co-defendants who were waiting for him in a cab. He directed the cab driver to take them to an unoccupied trailer and then robbed the cab driver at gun point. The cab driver’s money, GPS, in car camera and cell phone were all stolen. The four suspects were later apprehended at an apartment building and at that time all of the stolen items were recovered. The gun was also found by the police.
The charges against the three co-defendants are still pending.
Ascend Donates Christmas Gifts For Over 70 Seniors
December 9, 2014
Ascend Performance Materials paid a surprise visit Monday to the Council on Aging of West Florida, donating gifts for over 70 of the seniors served by the program. Pictured from Ascend are Pam Powers, Chuck Langham, John Bobo and Sherri Pitts. Photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Taxpayer Tab Mounts In Welfare Drug Testing Legal Fight
December 9, 2014
Taxpayers are on the hook for at least $307,000 — and perhaps much more — to cover legal expenses in Gov. Rick Scott’s repeated failed efforts to convince courts that a onetime campaign pledge to drug-test welfare recipients is constitutional.
A federal appeals court last week ruled that the state’s mandatory, suspicion-less drug testing of applicants in the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families, or TANF, program is an unconstitutional violation of Fourth Amendment protections against unreasonable searches and seizures by the government.
It was the fourth court decision against the state since the law — something Scott campaigned on during his first bid for office the year before — went into effect in mid-2011. A federal judge put the law on hold less than four months after it passed, siding with the American Civil Liberties Union of Florida and the Florida Justice Institute, which filed the lawsuit on behalf of Luis Lebron, a single father and Navy veteran.
Thus far, the state has racked up $307,883.62 in legal fees and costs in the case, according to Department of Children and Families spokeswoman Michelle Glady. That does not include potentially hefty charges for legal fees from the ACLU.
Scott has not yet said whether he will appeal the unanimous ruling last week by a three-judge panel of the 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals. The governor could seek an “en banc” review by the full appeals court or take the issue directly to the U.S. Supreme Court.
Republican legislative leaders said Monday they support Scott on the drug-testing issue.
“I think it’s appropriate to defend the law that was passed by a bipartisan majority of members of the House,” House Speaker Steve Crisafulli, R-Merritt Island, said. The law was approved 78-38 in the House and 26-11 in the Senate, with support from two House Democrats and no Senate Democrats.
Senate President Andy Gardiner, R-Orlando, “supports the policy and the governor’s defense of the law, which was passed by a democratically elected legislature,” Gardiner spokeswoman Katie Betta said.
But ACLU of Florida Executive Director Howard Simon, who blamed the governor and the Legislature for the cost to taxpayers, blasted Scott for refusing to back down.
“The governor trapped himself into this problem by making a campaign pledge when he was a candidate for governor in 2010, in my view shamelessly exploiting ugly stereotypes about people needing temporary assistance,” Simon said. “It is just a shame that the taxpayers of the state of Florida end up paying that much money and perhaps a lot more for the governor’s ill-conceived, unconstitutional crusade. … Someone needs to send him an e-mail and tell him that the election is over. He’s been re-elected and there’s no reason to waste taxpayers money anymore on clearly unconstitutional crusades.”
In last week’s 54-page opinion authored by appeals-court Judge Stanley Marcus, the Atlanta-based court again rejected Scott’s arguments that the drug tests are needed to ensure that children in poor families grow up in drug-free homes. Also, the state has argued that TANF applicants give up privacy rights by consenting to urine tests to be eligible for benefits.
The law “offends the Fourth Amendment,” Marcus wrote, and relied on the state’s own evidence showing that, during the short time that the law was in effect, fewer than 3 percent of TANF applicants tested positive for drugs.
“Of course, citizens do not abandon all hope of privacy by applying for government assistance. By virtue of poverty, TANF applicants are not stripped of their legitimate expectations of privacy — they are not employees in dangerous vocations or students subject to the (power) of the state,” Marcus wrote.
Scott, meanwhile, has been forced to capitulate on an executive order requiring all state employees to submit to urine tests. The federal appeals court ruled last year that the governor could not constitutionally justify drug testing for all types of state workers without a reason. Scott and lawyers for the ACLU of Florida, which represents the state workers’ union, haggled for months before reaching consensus on the classes of jobs that could be eligible for the tests. The U.S. Supreme Court this summer refused to hear an appeal in the case, which is pending before a federal judge in Miami.
by Dara Kam, The News Service of Florida