Voucher lawsuit to be filed

A coalition of state education groups will file suit tomorrow in Leon Circuit Court against two proposed constitutional amendments that would insulate private-school vouchers against court challenges. According to a press release from the state teachers union, the suit will argue that the Florida Taxation and Budget Reform Commission exceeded its constitutional authority when it placed Amendments 7 and 9 on the November ballot, and that Florida Secretary of State Kurt Browning should remove them.

The plaintiffs include representatives of the Florida Education Association, Florida School Boards Association, Florida Association of District School Superintendents, Florida Association of School Administrators and Americans United for Separation of Church and State. A press conference is slated for 10 a.m. tomorrow.

Comments

[Last American Standing]

I don't know what the teachers union is so afraid of. Most people that are eligible for the McKay Scholarship don't take it. (McKay is a voucher for 'disabled' students only, anyone with an IEP for other than gifted services). A voucher for all students would be a nice option for parents. For the most part I think the public schools would still have the lions share of students. As shown with the McKay parents would ignore the option available.

[patcon]

I understand that the T&B Commission isn't bound by this rule. My point was that they should be. An issue which is important enough to be in a proposed amendment should stand or fall on its own merits and not on the merits of an unrelated issue with which it happens to be paired.

Patcon,

The Tax and Budget Commission is not bound by the single subject rule. That's why the union isn't objecting on those grounds. Of course they would if they could. So your objection is irrelevant in this case.

[BigPic]

It amazes me how the people of Floriduh bemoan and belittle everything from their school's cafeteria food to graduation rates.

Then, when given a chance to actually try and change it they settle for throwing more money down the drain while belittling (or suing) anyone showing a modicum of effort in promoting something that addresses the problem.

Timmy and patcon - more power to ya.

[Jose]

Hey, Jim, take your school choice and pay for it out of your own pocket.

[patcon]

For those of you who are lambasting the teachers for this, please consider these two facts. (1) Look at who is bringing this suit. It is not just teachers, but a wide spectrum of groups concerned with education of Florida's children. (2) Teachers keep hearing, "Quit crying, take your fight to Tallahassee!" That's exactly what we're doing here, and then you take us to task for that.
The real problem with these amendments is that they are not single-issue amendments. When citizens propose amendments for the ballot they must pass a strict single-issue test to be put on the ballot. These proposed amendments put together totally disjoint issues where many people will support one part but oppose the other. They might as well have put forth an amendment which both banned same-sex marriages and allowed publicly funded abortionon demand.

[Teacher]

I'm a teacher in Pasco county--I love my job, don't babysit, and actually teach the standards--I do not teach to the FCAT because research has proven that it's not effective to teach to a test. Have any of you ever visited my classroom? Have any of you ever volunteered in a classroom or school to see how your money is spent? If you want to see where your money goes--see for yourself. If you don't like what's happening, do more than complain! Get involved or be quiet.

[Timmy!]

It is my money that is taken (as taxes) and spent foolishly in so many ways!

Can we, at least TRY something different!

As someone who went to BOTH public and private schools in the same area, the education in the private school was superior.

Thing is: my folks pulled me out of private and put me into public when they decided that the teachers I was scheduled to get in private were inferior. It was evident to me that the public school was one full year behind - it was an unexpected vacation - but gave me time to practice what I already learned. Trouble was I had to bust butt when I went back.

EVERYONE should be able to do this. We know what works. Let's admit it.

Let parents take their money where they get the most value. Make them part of the process.

There are people who don't want a forced ride in the Edsel of Education anymore.

Give vouchers 20 years. What is everybody afraid of? Things getting worse?

[alan]

this sort of stuff is why the teachers dont deserve a pay raise!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

just a union bed of parasites!!!!!!!!!!!!

[alan]

this sort of stuuf is why the teachers dont deserve a pay raise!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

just a union bed of parasites!!!!!!!!!!!!

No wonder the students can't learn. Those charged with teaching, involve themselves in everything but teaching.

[Chris W]

Kim:

If you want better schools, you have to start with better students. All the voucher nonsense in the world won't cure parenting problems.

[Kim]

To the comment at 2:40 pm. Have you heard what teachers (like the one in the recent St Pete Times article) are saying about public schools? What lousy eductions and babysitting they are giving the kids? I pay to send my child to a private school and I think its horribly unfair that my tax dollars are going to give other people's children a lousy education. Vouchers would give those kids a chance to use tax money to get a good education.

Public taxes pay for public schools.

You want private school (and the questionable benefits it may or may not provide), pay for it yourself!

My public school education got me into the Ivy League, my neighbor's catholic school education got her into clerical work (not that there's anything wrong with that).

Education is what you make of it. Involved parents help.

[Richard Bruce]

I support Sen. Obama's disgust with special interest groups. He should voice his opposition to misuse of the courts to further favortism by unnaccountable lobbyists. Why should these groups be against me using my money as I feel fit? What are they afraid of?

[mike]

Yes, Let's not have any competition. Home schools and private schools are the only saviors for this country. Take your agendas and stick them.

Well founded lawsuit.

Sue the bast...ards!