Bush proposes changes to class size amendment

[ryban]

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. - Gov. Jeb Bush wants voters to change the class size limits they approved in 2002 to have them apply only to a district-wide average, not a hard cap on each class.

Backed by a crowd of top Republican lawmakers and officials from several education groups, Bush hopes lawmakers will put a ballot measure before voters easing the class-size requirement and adding a guarantee that Florida teachers will make at least $35,000. The average starting salary for teachers now is $31,467.

<snip>

U.S. Rep. Kendrick Meek, a Miami Democrat and the leader of the class-size petition drive in 2002, said the idea showed Bush valued tax cuts more than smaller class sizes.

"Gov. Bush is putting a price tag on our classrooms and pitting our teachers against their students," he said.

<snip>

http://www.jacksonville.com/tu-online/apnews/stories/021405/D888GV0G1.shtml

[merwin]

1. So, the rich neighborhoods get 10 people per class, while

the poor neighborhoods get 30+. What a wonderful idea.

[VegasWolf]

2. But the rich kids need better teachers, they are the ones that will

one day be doctors, lawyers, scientists and pretzeldents.

[donco6]

3. Here teacher, teacher . . .

Vote for me and I'll give you a big fat RAISE!

[Erika]

4. Republican Christian values on display

Herd the children in large groups to limit their educational experience. Then offer the teachers a higher salary to babysit rather than educate.

I agree with Dr. Dean. The Republican philosophy concerning children and the needy is mean-spirited to say the least.

[superconnected]

5. I don't trust any republican decison about education at this point

Having a Bush say it just means it will be far worse than even the average rep would have screwed up on.

[struggle4progress]

6. They just plan to lose the cap: they won't raise teacher pay.