Hillsborough County Schools report FTE discrepancies raising financial concerns with DOE

Hillsborough County Public Schools officials are grappling with significant discrepancies in student enrollment data following a recent School Board Workshop held on May 6, 2025. The meeting highlighted concerns over the accuracy of Full-Time Equivalent (FTE) student counts reported to the Florida Department of Education (DOE), which could impact funding and resource allocation for the district.

During the workshop, a board member raised alarms about the reported FTE numbers, noting a stark difference between the district's claims and the figures provided by the DOE. For the 2023-2024 school year, the district reported 81,000 FTEs, while the DOE indicated a much lower count of 76,000. This discrepancy raises questions about the financial implications for the district, as funding is often tied to these enrollment figures.

The discussion also touched on historical data, revealing that in the 2019-2020 school year, the district reported 188,000 FTEs, which was significantly higher than the actual enrollment. The board member emphasized the need for clarity and accountability, stating, "We should be identifying where the lax is, not saying we have less students." This statement underscores the urgency for the district to reconcile its data with state reports to ensure proper funding.

Additionally, the board discussed the importance of maximizing FTE counts through various educational programs, including dual enrollment and virtual schooling. The member stressed that the responsibility lies with the district's administration to create policies that support student enrollment and retention.

As the district continues to navigate these challenges, officials are expected to conduct a thorough review of their reporting processes and work closely with the DOE to align their data. The outcome of these efforts will be crucial in determining the district's financial health and its ability to provide quality education to its students. Moving forward, the board aims to ensure that accurate data is reported, ultimately benefiting both students and educators in Hillsborough County.