SB 6 Vetoed

The Rovian strategy of the neocons is to move policy talk so far right that Bush policies begin to appear mainstream. This is what happened in Florida with SB 6. When corporatists regroup to offer their version of SB 7 for destroying public education and the teaching profession, it will be something that only Margaret Spellings could love, but it will be hailed as a liberal victory and celebrated by Randi Weingarten. From Tampa Bay Online:

TALLAHASSEE - Gov. Charlie Crist has just vetoed SB 6, ending a week of suspense and protests against the controversial teacher tenure bill sponsored by the chairman of Crist's own political party.

Crist's action goes against conservative leaders, including former Gov. Jeb Bush, and will likely spur more speculation that he plans to break from the party and run as an independent for U.S. Senate.

Crist sited "several issues of concern," about the bill, which would have been ended traditional tenure for teachers hired after July 1 and tied teacher salaries and recertification directly to student performances on tests.

It would have also made it easier for districts to freeze pay and even fire experienced teachers deemed to be ineffective.

Crist said among his concerns was that the bill did not accommodate special education students and teachers. "There must be more consideration given to their individual needs than is afforded in this bill."

He also said he was concerned that the state's control in the bill would infringe on the constitutional right of local control and the way the bill went through the legislature, bypassing teachers and others.

"I find the content of Senate Bill 6 and the manner of its adoption significantly flawed," said Crist.

The issue of merit pay, which he said he supports, is "worthy of future pursuit in a collaborative setting… We must start over. This bill has deeply and negatively affected the morale of our teachers and our parents. They do not believe their voices have been heard." . . . .

Sign the Petition: Veto SB 6 in Florida

by Alex Sink at HuffPo:

Florida's students, parents, teachers and communities are in a knock-down, drag-out fight right now -- and it's a fight we have to win for our kids.

Late last week Florida's Republican-controlled legislature passed a bill dictating a rigid, one-size-fits-all policy that diminishes our local schools' ability to pay and retain strong teachers. Now, it is on Governor Charlie Crist's desk, waiting for his signature, which could happen at any time.

Floridians are standing with me to oppose this harmful bill and making it clear that we don't want Tallahassee politicians making these types of decisions for our local school districts.

That's why so far over 13,000 citizens have signed my petition asking Governor Crist to listen to the parents, students, and teachers he represents -- and oppose this bill before it hurts our schools and students.

This fight is personal for me.

My two children graduated from Florida public schools, and as a proud PTA mom, I know that this bill, Senate Bill 6, is bad for teachers, bad for our kids, and bad for our state's future.

I think testing is an important part of the education process, and that we should bring together our local school districts, teachers, parents and superintendents to determine the best way to reward teachers for student performance. But, a child's education is far more than a couple days of filling in bubbles for multiple choice questions -- yet, this law would make those few days the biggest determinant of our teachers' paychecks.

That's just not right. Florida is a diverse state, and every classroom is different.

To make matters worse, Senate Bill 6 is another unfunded mandate that will simply stretch Florida's overburdened schools further than they are now.

If I were governor right now, vetoing this bill would be a no-brainer. And that's why I hope you will join me to stop it.

The fight to protect Florida's students and schools also shows clearly what's at stake in the race for governor this year.

My opponent, Republican Bill McCollum, is "applauding" Senate Bill 6 and giving it "two thumbs up". McCollum is making it clear that he does not share Floridians priorities -- which is why it's so important to send a strong signal about who is standing up for Florida's interests and who is in it for their own interests.

With Governor Crist poised to make his final decision as early as today, we have to make our voices heard now on this issue. Please join me and speak out.

Sign my petition to Governor Crist now, urging him to veto Senate Bill 6 -- together, we can make sure that Governor Crist gets the message now, before it is too late.