- November 14, 2024
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The following is a news release from the Flagler County School District:
While Flagler Schools administrators are still awaiting Governor Rick Scott’s signature on the 2016 budget, they are happy that funding for the Adults with Disabilities program has been restored and survived the veto process.
“We are grateful to our local lawmakers, state Senator Travis Hutson (Dist. 7) and state Representative Paul Renner (Dist. 24) for their support in Tallahassee," Superintendent Jacob Oliva said. "Both have seen firsthand the impact our program has on families here in Flagler County.”
That’s a sentiment shared by Colleen Conklin, chair of the School Board. “We’re grateful that the Legislature saw the value in our program," she said. "Gratitude also goes to our families, parents and community advocates for writing letters, making phone calls and advocating for our Adults With Disabilities program.”
Kevin McCarthy, director of the Flagler Technical Institute, which oversees the program, said the work does not stop here.
On the advice of lawmakers, he said, the district must develop a long-term funding plan that does not rely on a single source for money. "We are interested in rekindling a partnership with other agencies to provide these services,” McCarthy said.
Previously, Volusia Countybased StewartMarchman Act worked with Flagler Schools to offer the program.
The need for services for adults with disabilities in Flagler County is only growing.
The 2016 budget restores money for the program to 2014/2015 levels — nearly $536,000 — so staffing and client levels can return to those levels.
But there will still be a waiting list for people who need these services in Flagler County. The Adults with Disabilities program will move to a larger facility near Flagler Palm Coast High School over the summer, which could make way for expanded services.
In addition to state lawmakers, both Oliva and Conklin credit Adults with Disabilities program director Jeanne Elliott as well as Tom Lutz, John Cerra and Chris Doolin, for their efforts in securing the funding.
