Voters to decide whether to loosen class size caps
by Michael C. Bender | April 8th, 2010
Loading ...Florida House lawmakers just approved a measure for the November statewide ballot that asks voters to loosen the state’s strict class size caps.
The proposed constitutional amendment needs 60 percent support from voters. It won 62 percent from the House (77-41) and 68 percent from the Senate (26-12).
If voters agree, schools could calculate their class sizes by using a school-wide average instead of capping individual classrooms. The school averages would comply with the current caps: 18 students in K-3; 22 in grades 4-8; and 25 in 9-12.
Under the amendment, individual classrooms could increase to 21 students preK-3; 26 in grades 4-8; and 30 in 9-12.
Supporters say the state has already spent $13 billion to reduce class sizes and can’t afford any more. Opponents argue that voters knew what they were doing when they approved the original amendment in 2002.
Where's the money? Use The Post's interactive database of who wants and who's getting federal dollars.
Use these interactive graphics to find and contact Palm Beach County and Treasure Coast legislators.
Sentenced to die for crimes judged heinous and cruel, inmates await execution in a 9 feet by 6 feet cell.
April 8th, 2010 at 7:39 pm
FL has already spent $16 Billion on class sizeimprovement.
This refinement does not take away anything - it just recognizes that “19th child” problem.
Consider the class size limit versus the actual average class sizes of 2009/10:
PK - 3 — 18 — v. — 16.39 Actual
4 - 8 — 21 — v. — 18.91 Actual
9 - 12 — 25 — v. — 21.94 Actual
No other state has accomplished what Florida has this decade!! Don’t listen to rabid demonization - there is no conspiracy against education.
When Jeb Bush took office FL 4th & 8th graders were in the bottom nationally in both reading and math.
In 2007 FL 4 & 8th were ABOVE Nat’l Avg in Reading; 4th were Above Nat’l Avg in Math!
Think a minute about all the Illegal Aliens and anchor babies we are stuck educating … 52% of all PBC students are Title 1 for free bkfst, lunch etc….???
April 13th, 2010 at 11:01 pm
IS JEB STILL ANGRY OVER THE VOTERS APPROVING SMALLER CLASS SIZE IN THE INTEREST OF OUR STUDENTS??