Cutting taxes to fund education?

By Dave Weber, Orlando Sentinel

When the Florida Legislature meets in March and April, Sen. David Simmons is expected to be in the thick of education reforms proposed by new Gov. Rick Scott. The Maitland Republican, 58, who chairs the Senate's budget subcommittee on education for public schools, talked with Orlando Sentinel education reporter Dave Weber about school funding and related issues that are expected to be at the center of debate.

Question: Gov. Scott wants to reduce school property taxes, federal subsidies are running out and state economists predict a $3.5 billion budget shortfall for next year. Are schools in for more budget cuts?

Answer: There are certain things that need to be prioritized and one of them is education. To the extent we can, I hope we will be able to hold education funding harmless — keep it stable. But there still needs to be a significant reallocation of resources within the education budget.

Q: School officials complain that the costs of the state's Class Size Amendment are unbearable. What changes do you propose to reduce the need for hiring teachers and building classrooms to meet requirements?

A: We need to really define the core classes subject to the amendment. Why would Advanced Placement classes be considered core classes and you are capped at 25 students when you have a class full of over achievers? And we don't need to be measuring the class caps every second of every day. That was never intended.

Q: Gov. Scott is considering asking the Legislature to approve a voucher program that would let all parents send their children to private schools at state expense, or even reimburse them for home schooling expenses. Are you on board?

A: I am a firm believer in choice and the right to reasonable choice. But I am cautious about such a proposal. I am going to look at what is proposed and look at the details. And any kind of voucher plan or anything that looks like a voucher plan must meet constitutional muster.

Q: Former Gov. Jeb Bush and his conservative Foundation for Florida's Future have heavily influenced Gov. Scott's education reform plans. Should the Legislature be attentive?

A: Some of Bush's ideas are very good ideas and they are worth listening too. His foundation has no more influence than many other reputable think tanks.

Q: You have suggested that Florida students have a longer school day — a costly proposal. What's the benefit?

A: We have been trying to shove 25 pounds of sugar in a 10-pound sack. When you have children with so much to learn and not enough time to learn it, you won't succeed. If you want to see the most dramatic improvement in education in Florida, then add one hour to the school day at schools that have Cs, Ds or Fs for state grades.

Q: Republicans say they like less government interference or control, yet the Republican-led Legislature is putting more and more controls on public education. Why?

A: I don't believe Republicans are putting what you would call more regulations on the schools. We are refining the existing rules and changing the existing rules.

Q: In Seminole County, which you represent, annual surveys of parents indicate widespread satisfaction with public schools. Why should high performing districts such as Seminole have to meet state mandates designed to improve student achievement in poorly performing schools?

A: This year we hope to further relax control over districts such as Seminole. But it is obvious that Seminole is thriving under the state requirements. If you don't measure, you don't care. We are measuring and we are getting excellent results.

Q: Another teacher merit-pay and tenure proposal is in the works. Last year's failed legislation was considered too harsh by many. What do you favor?

A: I suggest we have performance pay in an equitable fashion and I suggest that we have a mechanism that will provide stability to teachers so they feel they have a job — but at the same time provide a mechanism for those who don't belong in the teaching profession to move on. Obviously the tenure system we have does not work.

Q: Many Florida teachers feel like they have become punching bags for critics of public education. Are teachers to blame for shortcomings of public schools — and is it fair?

A: Most teachers — 90 percent or more — dedicate their lives to changing the lives of our children. To the extent that they have been wrongly castigated by some people, I can only say that is unfortunate. But I suspect that 10 percent of teachers are causing 50 percent of our problems and need to be given the opportunity to find something else to do.

Q: Some say constant criticism of public schools by lawmakers is doing more harm than good. What's your opinion?

A: If someone is complaining about lawmakers demanding excellence, those complaints are not justified. Our lawmakers are nothing but a reflection of the beliefs and aspirations of our citizens.

Dave Weber can be reached at dweber@orlandosentinel.com or 407-883-7885.
From the Orland Sentinel:http://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/education/os-simmons-education-qa-20110103,0,7120539.story