Fabián Basabe: Stop the spin. Start following the money.

Public schools are the foundation of our democracy, meant to be the great equalizer, giving every student a fair shot at success.

Yet, instead of focusing on strengthening these institutions, we find ourselves trapped in a cycle of budget shortfalls, tough decisions, and a disturbing lack of financial transparency at every level.

Right now, parents, teachers and advocates across Miami-Dade are justifiably concerned about proposed changes to how accelerated programs like IB, AP, AICE and Dual Enrollment are funded. It’s easy and often justified to point fingers at Tallahassee. Florida has historically ranked near the bottom in per-student funding, bouncing between 48th and 50th for years. That fact alone should outrage all of us. You simply cannot deliver a world-class education on a shoestring budget, and that’s exactly what we’ve asked our schools to do for decades.

But here’s the hard truth: while state underfunding is real and ongoing, it cannot be used as a blanket excuse for everything that’s broken in our public school system, especially when there has been increased investment in recent years.

We must build on the progress that has been made

This year, Florida’s total K-12 funding rose by $747.67 million, a 2.62% increase from last year, bringing total state and local funding to over $29.3 billion.

Per-student funding has now increased to $9,203.52, the highest it has ever been in Florida. While this is still below the national average, it represents steady growth and signals a significant shift in priorities.

We’ve also continued to invest in teacher salaries and workforce development. Since taking office:

— We’ve raised the base student allocation again this year.

— We’ve invested in teacher pipeline programs and career readiness initiatives.

— We’ve allocated millions to strengthen STEM and technical education.

— We’ve provided flexibility to local districts under the FEFP to fund their unique priorities.

This progress matters, but it’s not enough. I won’t stop until Florida leads the nation, not trailing it. And that goal requires more than one level of government to step up.

District 106 should be leading this charge. We are the state’s economic engine, a place of cultural and intellectual richness. That should be reflected in the quality and opportunity of our public schools.

Let me be clear. Anyone who has held an elected office for years and failed to prioritize this should no longer be in office.

The real problem: A lack of local accountability

Let’s set the record straight.

Despite the proposed changes to bonus weights for accelerated courses, Miami-Dade will still receive more overall education funding next year than it did the previous year. The “add-on weight” was always a supplement, not the base funding mechanism for these programs. Yes, the sudden shift is concerning and must be addressed. But the idea that it is the sole reason programs are being cut does not hold up under scrutiny.

This is where local accountability comes in.

The Florida Education Finance Program gives districts discretion. The base funding follows the students. Miami-Dade has the flexibility to fund core programs. So why are we being told these vital programs are at risk?

Where is the money going?

We need to ask hard questions without fear

School Boards manage billions of dollars. They make decisions about spending priorities every single year. And yet we rarely get a clear picture of how that money is being used. It’s time for transparency, not deflection.

— Are funds being directed to the classroom or buried in bureaucracy?

— Are budget shortfalls being used to justify cuts that could be avoided through better planning?

— Are we maximizing every state dollar before asking cities and parents to do more?

There isn’t much room for bloat in a system operating near the bottom nationally. Our schools lack basic supplies, lab equipment and musical instruments. Many programs are held together by community goodwill and dedicated staff who go above and beyond.

But that doesn’t mean we stop asking questions. It means we ask better ones with data and transparency in hand.

The false narrative of school closures

One of the most dangerous ideas we’ve normalized is that closing schools is a necessary outcome of modern education budgeting. I reject that entirely.

Public schools are not businesses. They are community institutions. When we close them, we close off opportunity. We send a message that neighborhoods don’t matter and that financial mismanagement, wherever it originated, gets to dictate a child’s future.

We should be investing in these schools, not abandoning them.

A call to action: Demand transparency at all levels

This is not just about blaming Tallahassee. Nor is it about letting local school boards off the hook. It’s about telling the full truth and demanding a better path forward together.

— Parents: Demand transparency from your local School Board. Don’t just ask for more money; ask how the money we already have is being used.

— City officials: Don’t let your budgets become band-aids for poor planning. Demand better from the system that is supposed to serve your constituents.

— School Boards: Be honest. Prioritize students. Justify your decisions. If schools are at risk, show us the numbers clearly, transparently, publicly.

This isn’t a partisan issue. It’s not Tallahassee versus South Florida. It’s a shared responsibility.

We must fully fund our schools and ensure that money follows students

It’s time for boldness. For truth-telling. For action that doesn’t end in another round of finger-pointing and news conferences.

I will not be silent. I will continue to ask hard questions because that’s what our children deserve. And I invite you to join me.

Let’s stand united, demand accountability, and fight for a public school system that reflects the greatness of our community.

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Rep. Fabián Basabe serves District 106 in the Florida House.