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An unexpected exodus from private schools is leaving public schools with more students, but less money.

The student surprise is costing schools 14 dollars for each new student. More than 12-thousand students left private schools and enrolled in public schools this academic year. School funding for next year�s budget will have to account for the cost of teaching the students. Governor Charlie Crist is optimistic that money will be found to make up the difference.

�I think we are going to be in good shape. I just came out of a meeting with our budget director and this was the issue we were talking about, to continue to be able to fund education. And it looks like right now, keep your fingers crossed, but it looks like now we will be able to continue to that,� said Crist.

Crist will release his budget proposal at the end of the month. The state legislature will begin working on the state�s spending plan in March during the 2010 legislative session.