Opinion

Beyond K-12

Opinion of the
Published: April 26, 2012

In the cuddly surroundings of an elementary school in Jacksonville, Gov. Rick Scott signed what he called an "education budget" last week, patting himself on the back for his focus on education. Yet higher education wasn't quite so lucky, with the state university system losing $300 million and facing a recommended 5 percent differential tuition increase limit.

The increase was a change from Scott's previous comments in January, when he said he didn't "believe in tuition hikes." However, his plan to lobby the Board of Governors to ensure that universities only increase tuition by 5 percent, instead of the normal 15 percent, blindsided administrators across the state and will do little to solve the troubles universities and students are currently in.

The $70.8 billion state budget cut funding to Florida universities by $300 million, leaving universities to dip into reserve funds to retain their current offerings to students or increase their cost.

USF Provost Ralph Wilcox said USF will receive $145 million in state funding, down $37 million from last year. If the university's tuition were increased by 15 percent, an extra $17 million would go back into the budget. But a 5 percent tuition increase would only generate an extra $6 million in funding, forcing the university to likely cut course offerings and faculty members.

The Scott-imposed belt-tightening will undoubtedly cut off the circulation of students at Florida universities and is unfair when considering the $1 billion he added to public school spending and $55.2 million given for construction and maintenance of charter schools.

If Scott really wants to benefit Florida's education system, he has to look beyond K-12 and give universities a fighting chance at keeping the best and brightest students and faculty members in Florida's struggling economy.