From March 13, 2008

Education & Workforce Development

The Senate Higher Education Appropriations Committee unanimously passed the proposed joint resolution SB 2308 Relating to Sate Cabinet/Education by Senator Lisa Carlton (R-Osprey).  The bill would amend the Constitution to restore education governance to an elected Commissioner of Education, an elected State Board of Education (made of up Florida’s cabinet), and revises the authority of the Board of Governors to administer the State University System. This proposed Constitutional amendment would have to be approved by voters in the November election. 

The bill places community colleges in the Constitution and renames the 28 community colleges as the Florida College System. The proposal also creates a system of governance for the Florida College System, consisting of a Florida College Board, to oversee and coordinate the system and Local Boards of Trustees for each institution. 

The committee adopted amendments that would require the elected commissioner of education to hold an earned bachelors degree.  The bill will now head to the Senate floor for a vote. 

AIF will continue to monitor this very important change in education policy.  Education governance is an issue that has a direct impact on the quality of our students, their academic success, and the quality of our future workforce.