High School, for example, went from $22 million to $43 million. After the collapse of property values, the district sought to save money by deferring maintenance. For example, instead of replacing each of its 409 buses every 12 years, it went to a 55-year replacement cycle. After the voters rejected a 1/2 cent increase in local sales tax to benefit schools, the district decided to close four schools. It also decided to pay fines and exceed class size limitations when necessary to balance the budget. In 2013, the schools retained their financial rating of AA- and Aa3 by Fitch Group and Moody's. In 2011, the average teacher earned $44,442 annually, not including benefits. A starting teacher earns $36,000. Top salary was $56,350 after 21 years. In 2011, there was a pool of 1,900 substitute teachers. Using substitutes when required, cost $4.2 million in 2009–10. In 2012, an average principal received $93,000 in salary and benefits annually; a school secretary, $40,000; cafeteria manager, $33,000. The average stipend for middle-school department heads averaged $9,176. The average school office phone bill was $9,317. Estimates of savings for closing four elementary and middle schools to save money was $3.8 million. Class ranking and GPA Brevard County's system for high school class rankings is based around "state-weighted GPA." This system as practiced by Brevard County Schools actually does not refer to any specific state standard, leading to controversy over how rankings are determined. It has been suggested that the policy of awarding weight to Advanced Placement (AP) and dual enrollment programs actually handicaps the students taking the more challenging AP courses, especially in the district's two block-scheduled high schools, since in a block-scheduled program students receive AP credit and weight for only half to three-quarters of the course. The weights are equal in name and course code, in accordance with Florida State Statute. Transportation In 2014, 350 school buses drove 25,000 students to and from school each day. There were 7.700 places where the buses stop. The buses collectively drove annually. Dress code The school board dress code requires lower garments, including pants and skirts, be worn at the waist and prohibits undergarments from being visible. Shorts must "cover the buttocks." All lower garments must fit the student. Depending on the school, students that violate the code can be denied entry to class, be referred to the Dean for discipline and suspended from school. In