Florida clamps down on school construction spending

The State of Florida has tightened rules on school construction costs in an effort rein in school districts’ spending on new buildings.

The Orlando Sentinel reported that Central Florida district leaders fear the new rules will hamper their ability to build sturdy, technology-adept school campuses. Districts currently have per-student spending limits on new schools, but the caps don't apply to money coming from local sources.

The new rules will apply to all revenue including local sales tax revenue earmarked for schools. Critics charge that this provision usurps local control of school spending decisions, the Sentinel reported.

Some Florida lawmakers have said school districts were spending too much to build campuses, and urged changes in school funding laws.