Florida TaxWatch Wants to Recalculate Class Size

Florida TaxWatch weighed in on Thursday, insisting the Sunshine State could save by recalculating class size while not violating a state constitutional amendment voters approved in 2002. Florida TaxWatch finds using a schoolwide average in the calculations could save more than $14.5 million of Florida schools.

"Adjusting the class size calculation to a school average would maintain small class sizes for Florida students and teachers without putting handcuffs on Florida principles and administrators," said Dominic Calabro, the president and CEO of Florida TaxWatch, on Thursday. "By adjusting the way our state's schools calculate their class sizes, billions of taxpayer dollars would be freed up for use on proven tools to increase student learning gains. School districts would be able to invest in better teacher training programs, higher teacher salaries and more resources for students."

Calabro praised a bill working its way through the Legislature that would use a schoolwide average in calculating class sizes.

"Just this week, Rep. George Moraitis Jr. and Sen. Rene Garcia filed proposals (HB 665 and SB 818) that would allow Florida schools to calculate compliance with constitutionally mandated class sizes according to a school average,"said Calabro. "This smart policy change is in line with Florida TaxWatch research recommendations contained in this report and would ensure more of the taxpayers' education investments are spent in Florida classrooms for Florida students."

Florida TaxWatchs findings on the subject can be read here, here and here.