Chamber Notes

By Daniel Kushmer

Last week, I began a series outlining the Governor's plan for the class size reduction amendment. As I begin to write this next installment I am reminded of new and updated information regarding Florida's budget for FY 2004. Recently, I heard a news report stating that more than 23,000 seniors on a fixed income could potentially die due to the Governor's proposed budget. Apparently, the Governor has cut a critical budget item that funds prescriptions for the indigent.

Before I get into class size let me just say, I spoke to one of the Governor's assistant this past week. She informed me that the Governor has no intentions of cutting this important item from the budget. This is just the beginning of the budget process and many items have been cut and will be hashed out during the legislative session beginning in March. Between the class size and the bullet train amendment Florida is facing critical decisions. The Governor is no doubt having a difficult time at best trying to come up with a budget that will not raise taxes on our citizens.

This week we learn of the second of four critical components of the Governor's plan addressing the class size amendment, flexibility. Step Two: Will provide districts with a flexible"toolbox" of ideas to use to accomplish the two-student reduction. Districts must consider, but are not limited to implementing the following:

Adopt policies to encourage qualified students to take dual enrollment courses at community colleges. Adopt policies to encourage students to enroll in courses from the Florida Virtual School. Repeal school board policies that require students to have more than the state-required level of 24 credits to graduate from high school. Use methods to maximize use of teachers such as changing required teaching loads and scheduling of planning periods; deploying district employees that have professional certification to the classrooms; using adjunct educators; or other methods not prohibited by law.

Use innovative methods to reduce the cost of school construction by using prototype school designs; using SMART Schools designs; participating in the School Infrastructure Thrift Program; or other methods not prohibited by law. Use joint-use facilities through partnerships with community colleges, state universities, and private colleges and universities. Adopt alternative methods of class scheduling, such as block scheduling. Redraw school attendance zones to maximize use of facilities while minimizing the additional use of transportation.

Operate schools beyond the normal operating hours to provide classes in the evening or running more than one session of school during the day. Utilize year-round schools and other nontraditional calendars that do not adversely impact annual assessment of student achievement. Implement class size school choice grants. The grants will provide parents with options that include attending a private school. Review and consider amending any collective bargaining contracts that hinder the implementation of class size reduction.

Next week I will address the third step (Equity) in the Governor's plan addressing the class size amendment.

As always, if you have any questions or comments, e-mail me at:

ruskinchamber@earthlink.net