Florida Governor DeSantis Announces Record $1.25 Billion for Teacher Pay Increases

HIALEAH, Florida – Florida Governor Ron DeSantis announced a record $1.25 billion allocation for teacher pay increases for the upcoming 2024-2025 school year during a press conference at a charter school in Hialeah.

DeSantis touted Florida's top ranking in education by U.S. News and World Report for the past two years. 

DeSantis said that part of the reason for this achievement was Florida's rational approach during COVID-19, prioritizing students' interests over following the direction of teacher unions. 

DeSantis criticized the unions for being too partisan and for suing to close schools during the pandemic, arguing that it would have hindered Florida's educational success. 

"If the unions had won that fight, we would not be No. 1 in education," DeSantis said.

Suspending Schools Official Who Ignore State Law

"If a superintendent or school board member is telling teachers not to follow state law, that is grounds for suspension," added DeSantis.

"We’ve wielded that suspension authority against prosecutors who disregard the law, and we will wield it against school officials who disregard the law."