Does Rick Scott want more money for public schools or charter schools?

From Scathing Purple Musings

by Bob Sykes

While Rick Scott says that “he cannot budge” on increasing funding for education, he doesnt tell voters that two republican legislators, Sen. Steve Wise and Rep. Janet Adkins are sponsoring legislation that would put more money into the pockets of charter school operators. From Walton family funded charter school lobby Florida Charter School Alliance:

“We all know that every student in Florida deserves access to a high-quality school, regardless of race, income level or geographic location,” said Cheri Shannon, president and CEO of the Alliance. “What most peopledon’t know is that public charter students are funded, on average, $2,749 less than their traditional district peers.

Charter public schools educate 10 percent of Florida’s students, and as that number continues to grow, we must alleviate the funding inequity that currently exists. I am confident that lawmakers are equally committed tofostering equity for all public schools students.”

Shannon’s been busy. She defended her clients in an op-ed piece earlier this month that was picked up by a few state newspapers. Even Shannon doesn’t try to deny that many charter schools are for-profit, but doesn’t bat an eyelash in advancing legislation that takes more funding away from public schools for a few charter school operators. Academica, the Florida charter giant Shannon defends, received $9 million in management fees last year.

Can Rick Scott get away with the perception that he’s looking for more money to fund state schools all the while putting even more money into the pockets of rich charter school operators like Academica’s Zuleta family?

http://bobsidlethoughtsandmusings.wordpress.com/2012/01/11/so-rick-scott-wants-more-for-florida-schools-but-his-legislative-allies-want-more-cash-for-charter-schools/