For too long, Florida’s public schools have been subject to chronic underfunding, over-testing, and relentless efforts to turn over our local schools to private and unaccountable corporations.
We had some disappointing, heart-wrenching defeats last night, but also some important victories worth celebrating. Today we’re dusting ourselves off and continuing the fight to move Florida forward. That fight was aided in important ways last night.
Across the country, teachers are making headlines as they go on strike. But in Florida, where teacher pay languishes well behind the national average thanks to politicians like Gov. Rick Scott, that’s not an option due to a clause in our state constitution that prohibits strikes by public employees.
Instead of being given a helping hand, Florida’s public schools are being dealt a big sucker punch. HB 7069, if signed by Gov. Scott, would devastate public schools, shortchange teachers, and finance a huge giveaway to corporate charter school chains.
Gov. Scott has been busy trying to whitewash his terrible record on public education. As the 2013-2014 school year begins, it’s time for a reality
