The State Board of Education has issued a statement commending Gov. Rick Scott for prioritizing education in his recommended budget for 2012-2013.

Scott called on the state Legislature last Wednesday to boost primary education funding by $1 billion next year as he looks to make the rest of the 2012-13 budget 4.6 percent more “efficient.”

The State Board of Education statement:

“The State Board of Education commends Governor Scott on his 2012-2013 budget recommendations for education and urges the Legislature to adopt them. By recommending over $1 billion in new state education spending and the third largest education budget in Florida history, the governor has clearly demonstrated that education is his top budget priority. As Florida moves to new standards, the increase in per-pupil funding and the doubling of the allocation for reading coaches is particularly timely. These funds will ensure that local school districts have the resources they need to help students meet new standards.”