Opinion

Tentative stab

Opinion of, The Sun Sentinel
Published: November 7, 2012

Give Gov. Rick Scott a "C+" for effort. The governor's idea of issuing "debit cards" to teachers who routinely use their own money to buy classroom items may be a work in progress, but it's another flicker of hope from a governor who initially proposed — and successfully pushed — a $1 billion cut to the budget for public schools. Thankfully, education seems to be a growing priority for the governor. During the last legislative session, he helped restore some of the rash budget cuts he pushed the previous year.

Last week, the governor unveiled a tentative education agenda that includes a few intriguing ideas, the debit card being one of them.

Florida teachers say it's not unusual for each to spend some $250 a year for such items as crayons and notebooks, or help their students with life's necessities, such as deodorant, toothbrushes and all too often, food. To help cover these out-of-pocket expenses, the governor suggests creating a fund from state and local sources, along with contributions from the private sector. While details remain to be worked out, including a strong system of accountability, the idea has merit.

The governor also proposed setting aside $2 million for professional teacher training, which he also hopes corporate donors will match.

Proponents of bigger teacher salaries and smaller class sizes will be disappointed that the governor hasn't come up with more substantial policy initiatives. And skeptics question whether the governor is more motivated by his re-election prospects than a sincere attempt to improve Florida's public schools.

But all that is beside the point. Scott's actions represent a tentative stab at education reform. It's a start, and for the sake of Florida's schoolchildren, it's something that should be encouraged.