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Crist Bucks Party In Teacher Pay Veto
April 16, 2010
Gov. Charlie Crist defied Republican party leaders Thursday, vetoing one of their top priorities – a measure that would link teacher pay to student achievement.
After several days of wavering, Crist pulled the trigger, chastising lawmakers for rushing the bill through the process and ignoring input from thousands of teachers who called and wrote to them about potential kinks in the legislation.
“Quite frankly it reminds me of what happened with the health care bill in Washington where members of my party criticized the Democrats for sort of jamming something down their throat, and then here, about a month later after that happened, the very same thing happens here in education,” Crist said.
The legislation (SB 6) would have based teacher pay raises on a performance appraisal determined by local school districts. Half of that appraisal would be based on student learning gains on standardized exams. The Department of Education would have been charged with developing metrics to measure learning gains.
Teachers have protested that many of the accomplishments they make with students cannot adequately be tested. Many teachers showed up at committee meetings over the last month and told stories of children who have special needs or have a difficult home life. Some warned that teachers would be less likely to go to problem schools out of fear that they would be unsuccessful with students who are in unstable environments.
Crist’s veto flies directly in the face of Republican Party Chairman Sen. John Thrasher, who sponsored the bill, and several other leading Republicans who declared it a priority. Thrasher told reporters after the veto that it was disappointing and it appears there will likely be no attempts in the final two weeks of the legislative session to pass a measure to get around the veto. But he also acknowledged that it often takes more than one year to pass legislation and said it could pass next year – when Crist will no longer be governor.
“We made the best effort we could make in the House, in the Senate,” Thrasher said. “And I’m confident that this is an idea that’s going to sweep across America. I am confident of that.”
Democrats as well as the Florida Education Association, the Florida Association of District School Superintendents and the Florida School Boards Association had been lobbying hard against the bill, but even some representatives of education community were shocked at the public outcry over the legislation.
Crist alone received 65,259 phone calls and E-mails in opposition and 3,090 in support. A spokesman for the governor reported that there were an additional 50,902 E-mails that have not yet been categorized.
His decision drew quick praise from Democrats, but derision from many of his fellow Republicans, including House Speaker Larry Cretul, Senate President Jeff Atwater and former Gov. Jeb Bush, who publicly and vocally twisted arms to garner support for the legislation. The bill also received substantial backing from the business community.
“I am disappointed by the veto of Senate Bill 6,” Bush said in a release. “By taking this action, Gov. Crist has jeopardized the ability of Florida to build on the progress of the last decade, which includes raising student achievement across the board, narrowing the achievement gap for poor and minority students, and improving graduation rates.”
Crist said despite his support for the general concept of merit pay, he had several problems with the bill, specifically how learning gains for special needs children are measured and potential encroachment on constitutional rights on local control for school boards.
“SB 6 places teachers in jeopardy of losing their jobs and their teaching certification without a clear understanding of how gains will be measured and without taking into account circumstances beyond the teacher’s control,” Crist said.
Many Democrats walking around the Capitol after the announcement were jovial in response to the governor’s decision. Incoming House Democratic Leader Ron Saunders and current Leader Franklin Sands said it was the caucus position that members would not publicly gloat about the victory. “Only privately,” Sands added.
Sen. Dan Gelber, D-Miami Beach, noted that the measure could return in some form in the future, though likely not this legislative session.
“Obviously it’s a victory, but I’m not uncorking champagne,” he said. “Because frankly it’s almost a sad statement that we had to fight this hard to stop something so wrong headed. We shouldn’t have been there in the first place.”
by Kathleen Haughney, The News Service Florida
Comments
22 Responses to “Crist Bucks Party In Teacher Pay Veto”
and my point that compromise requires trust on both sides
As long as the teachers’ unions are in the tank for the Democrats and the Democrats are in the pockets of the teachers’ unions, there will never be compromise. Teachers and their unions were left out of SB6 discussions for that very reason. Last year, when Escambia County Schools sent money budgeted for teacher merit pay back to Tallahassee, Jeff Burgosh was quoted as saying the union would never accept any merit pay proposal.
And he sadly was correct.
The point i was making is if both sides will compromise then everyone especially the children will benefit. I realize that will never happen in Florida and it is a waste of time saying it because people want it their way or the highway.
“Maybe Florida needs to take a look at what the city of Washington D C just passed. They did a very strange thing unknown to many called a compromise and both sides got something they wanted.”…Dixie Chick
Ok. Let’s look at Washington D.C.’s school system. They have ranked number 51 out of 51 for 17 straight years. That is the first year they were counted as separate from Maryland and the number went up to 51. They have the highest dollars per student spent. Rank among the top in teacher salaries, but are dead last in education levels every year. Gee, maybe Florida does indeed need to look at what D.C. does!!!!!
BTW, Florida was ranked 48th (behind Georgia, Mississippi, and of course D.C.) prior to Jeb’s A+ accountability measures which include FCAT. Now we are 27th. Of course the same teachers that opposed SB6 will tell you FCAT needs to go to. Get it?????? What could be easier to understand?
I noticed DC got rid of some 200 teachers based on budget shortfall, then somebody else claimed they had a 65 million dollar surplus.
I don’t keep up with such things but noticed them based on your citation of them as an example of good work.
I doubt cooperation will continue if they lie to or distrust each other.
Maybe Florida needs to take a look at what the city of Washington D C just passed. They did a very strange thing unknown to many called a compromise and both sides got something they wanted.
I’m not sure they haven’t already done so.
It seems some think tenure means those who have it can not be removed for any reason rather than the simple concept they can’t be fired capriciously.
They oppose what is not real because somebody else told them it was the other way.
That’s why it is sometimes helpful to check on claims to see if they are true.
David thinking “I heard” is not the same as “I saw”
to tenure or not…sounds very black and white…why cant someone (who really understands the system) think “out of the box” and come up w/a reasonable compromise, whereby the important interest on each side (students/teachers) have their needs generally met.
REGARDING:
“As for Republicans being for smaller and less government, after passing SB6, anyone else got a better joke to tell.”
Let’s see, Republicans passed it, a Republican vetoed it.
Are all Republicans alike?
And while not favoring it because I believe it would be judging the taste of apples based on the color of oranges, I don’t really see it making for smaller or less government. The government’s share of education is exactly equal to its participation in education. If I say I will only buy red strawberries, am I increasing the size of my participation in the strawberry industry?
Now, if I say YOU can only buy strawberries if they are black and that you must buy three pounds per day, THAT would be increasing government size and power.
But what if I say strawberries have to be free of feces? Have I actually increased government involvement in strawberry growing or have I just codified what everybody expected in the first place?
Again, I’m not saying this bill should have been passed, but it is silly to talk about ending government involvement while expecting government money.
It is blatanty obvious that many of the comments on here are from those who have never been teachers. Until you walk a mile in their shoes . . . . .
REGARDING:
no to tenure on April 16th, 2010 2:49 pm
“The reason children are losers again, is because we not getting rid of tenure and thus having to keep to keep bad teacher!!!! ”
AND
no on April 16th, 2010 12:17 pm
“No to tenure!”
TENURE legal definition n The status afforded teachers and professors, long considered a cornerstone of academic freedom of protection against dismissal without adequate cause.
Do you really favor dismissal on a whim or are y’all working from some other definition of tenure?
As I read it, tenure does not protect those who have cause for dismissal, it is intended to protect those who don’t like your …… whatever: race, sex, age, politics, looks, religion or just the fact that you are holding a position they want to give to a buddy.
It would also protect against trumped up charges such as unsubstantiated rumors.
Is this so bad?
David wondering why anyone would want to be able to fire on a whim
at least the two teachers in jay is out the school sytem they should have gotten more time but they have to meet god for their wrong doings….
Your governor used common sense on this one. This bill was not well thought out and rushed through. You can get rid of bad tenured teachers without using the students to do it. Pass legislation to address the issue. If it is documented what the teacher is doing wrong then you can get rid ot them.
The reason children are losers again, is because we not getting rid of tenure and thus having to keep to keep bad teacher!!!!
No to tenure!
Once again I voice my whole hearted support for the Governor in this instance! The legislature should institute a system of accountability for themselves before they start stirring in other people’s personal lives.
Does there need to be a change in teacher disciplinary action? Absolutely! And if you put it to the teachers who consistently perform (like Mr. Varner at Tate, the recent Teacher of the Year) , I am sure they would be glad to give input rather than have something crammed down their throat.
Reward teacher’s for a job well done – not for a single test well taught.
Kids that can’t be taught? Parents are at fault? Why not fire these no account lazy quitters (teachers who say can’t, can’t, can’t, and won’t) and replace them with 10 buck an hour babysitters. Results won’t be any worse and tax payers save tons of money.
That is what you are saying, isn’t that what you are really saying ? Teachers are worthless quitters that can’t teach these kids no matter what they do?
Nice.
As for “preparing for the FCAT”. Well, a kid that can’t read, write, or do math at grade level should be focused on that. Preparing for a comprehensive test is something that we do throughout our lives in many circumstances. How do you get promoted in the military? You have to score high on a comprehensive test. How do you acheive certifications like RN, PE, Dr., etc? There are some heavy duty comprehensive tests that you have to pass. Quit whining and teach the students. That way, the legislature won’t be forced to continue to try such radical reforms. Simple.
Crist,
How about coming to Alabama and replacing Riley?
No to tenure…………….please tell us how the children lose here???? My son went to a local middle school here and is at Northview High School as I type. All I remember is that for weeks when he was in middle school, all he did was prepare for the FCAT. If this bill would have passed I believe that is all our kids would be doing would be preparing for that FCAT. The teachers do not need that added stress. I am not a teacher but I do know that they have a tough job. There are alot of good students out there, but there is quite a few kids out there who is nothing but a drain on society and have no desire to learn. I personally think that the FCAT should be tossed in the trash, and let’s get back to the old ways of doing schoolwork.
Not really sure how the children lose here. I don’t think the bill would have improved anything. Some people are just natural born teachers and just like any other job you have some who excell and lead where you have those who can’t even follow. Teaching like anything else you will have those who are just in the way and those who are blessing to the students. Thank GOD for the blessings.
The children —– loses again!!
As for Republicans being for smaller and less government, after passing SB6, anyone else got a better joke to tell.