Gov. Rick Scott presents Hillsborough County Schools a check for nearly $8.8 million

TAMPA - Governor Rick Scott presented Hillsborough County Schools with a check totaling nearly $8.8 million.

The money is part of a school recognition program he says rewards higher grades and higher performance.

Joining him Friday morning at a presentation at Plant City High School were Hillsborough County Schools Superintendent MaryEllen Elia and representatives from more than a dozen schools that are receiving a share of the money.

Rick Scott says the influx of new people to the state, along with unemployment dropping the past 2 years, has led to higher revenues and a state surplus that has given education funding an additional $1.2 billion for this upcoming fiscal year.

The money will not go to all Hillsborough County Schools. Superintendent Elia says the money is going to about 100 Title I schools that have consistently performed above previous levels as an incentive to keep getting better.

To see how much each school is receiving follow this link:
( http://wfts.tv/14DbqJz )

The schools' share of the $8.8 million is being divided up using a proportion of their students as compared to the other schools receiving the money, and can be used to improve existing programs or provide for new avenues of education.