DeSantis proposes $1K bonuses for teachers, $600M to increase minimum pay

OSCEOLA COUNTY, Fla. — Gov. Ron DeSantis announced his education budget proposals in Osceola County on Wednesday.

His proposal includes a second-straight year of $1,000 bonuses for Florida’s teachers and principals; $600 million to raise minimum teacher salaries for the third year in a row from $40,000 to $47,500; and per-student funding at $8,000 per student.

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“By continuing to boost teacher pay, give bonuses to principals and teachers, prioritize workforce education, foster a strong civics curriculum, and replace the FSA with progress monitoring, we’re making a significant difference in the lives of our students,” DeSantis said in a statement.

DeSantis is also proposing $421 million for school safety and mental health initiatives.

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The governor made the announcement alongside Department of Education Commissioner Richard Corcoran at Canoe Creek K-8.

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