Dear Institute Participant,

The Florida School Finance Council is pleased to welcome you as a member of the fourth cohort 
of the Institute of Florida School Finance. The Institute’s Steering Committee has been working 
diligently to design training that meets your professional development needs in Florida school 
finance. Over the next two years, you will explore a wide range of relevant topics while also 
having opportunities to address issues specific to your district and the evolving landscape of 
public education.

Our first training session will take place on Thursday, February 19, and Friday, February 20, 
2026, at the Embassy Suites in Altamonte Springs. These sessions are scheduled as in-person 
events to foster collaboration and strengthen peer relationships. Participants are responsible for 
securing their own hotel reservations and arranging travel to and from the meeting location, as 
needed. Breakfast and lunch will be provided. When selecting a hotel, our goal is to choose a 
centrally located venue that offers accommodations at a rate below $200 per night. 
The opening session on Thursday will provide an overview of the Florida Education Finance 
Program (FEFP) formula and its related components. We will also discuss the legislative process 
that shapes this funding structure, along with other foundational information designed to prepare 
you for the upcoming budget season. 

I would also like to take this opportunity to introduce the members of the Institute’s Steering 
Committee, all of whom bring extensive experience in Florida school finance from a variety of 
districts. Our team includes Heather Frederick, Sarah Graber, Bonnie Penner, Ron Steiger, Scott 
Ward, and Corey Wheeler. We are honored to support you throughout this program. 
Thank you once again for your interest in the Institute. Please watch for additional information in 
the coming weeks. 

Sincerely, 
Bonnie Penner