It has been another challenging week for me with opposing groups wanting the board to listen and take their positions. Folks regularly come to school board meetings and plead the case to opt students out of standardized testing. A school board member from the infamous Lee County, which voted to “opt-out” of state testing requirements and within a week changed their vote after learning of the severe consequences; also tried to convince the Florida School Board Association last week to adopt the opt-out position. The teachers union visited our local board meeting last night and we had three hours of conversation about teacher raises in light of a new budget. Thirdly, I had continuing conversation about school prayer. Lastly, the voucher folks are angry with the FSBA about their lawsuit to declare vouchers unconstitutional. Who ultimately can illicit changes on these four concerns? Let’s take a look. On the testing issue – the state legislature through the Department of Education has decreed the volume of tests. While is true the district can control “practice” tests – it isn’t fair to have such high stakes for kids and teachers without practice or monitoring. So, who decides the members of the legislature – YOU DO. The GOVERNOR selects the members of the Department of Education. Who elects the governor - YOU DO. Thus, much of the power with regard to testing is ultimately in the hands of voters not school boards. The issue of funds being available for teacher salaries is diverse. The LEGISLATURE decides the tax rates and equalizes funding throughout the state on a per pupil basis. The PUBLIC votes on extra local funding and the SCHOOL BOARD decides on about 40% of the budget that isn’t tied to “categorical” funding. And we must all remember every penny comes from the TAXPAYERS. The prayer problem is mainly due to SUPREME COURT rulings but the SCHOOL BOARD can consult experts on case laws to ensure policies are in compliance. And on the voucher issue – the Legislature greatly expanded voucher programs in a questionable last day bill. I believe all sides agree on parent choice and creating additional opportunities for children. But is it correct and just for kids in private schools, funded with public dollars, to only be required to take one annual standardized test while children in traditional public schools, including kindergarteners, are forced to take 4 to 6 end-of-course exams and pass a half dozen exams or risk not receiving a high school diploma. We need BOTH SIDES on this voucher issue to work together for common ground. The current nuclear options is unacceptable to me. Finally, it will take a receptive LEGISLATURE and GOVERNOR to enact any compromise. Meaningful conversation, research and listening to various points of view is always the best way to find common ground and craft solutions. However, we must make sure we direct the conversation to the correct DECISION MAKERS. Our children are counting on us. Comments or questions can be received at [email protected].
Posted on: Wed, 10 Sep 2014 16:18:27 +0000
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