Florida TaxWatch Wants to Rethink Class-Size Amendment

Florida TaxWatch released a study on Tuesday which finds the state could save $10 billion over the next decade if Florida rolls back its class-size limit for grades 4-12. Voters approved a state constitutional amendment in 2002 with class-size limits.

"The significant investment required from our state to comply with the class-size mandate has drained our education system of the resources it needs to effectively enhance student achievement," said Dominic Calabro, the president and CEO of Florida TaxWatch. "Florida should maximize the use of the taxpayers' hard-earned dollars to ensure every student has the resources they need to succeed. Evidence has shown that reducing class size across all grades, as now required, has not proved to give our taxpayers a good return on their investment."

Bob Nave, the director of Florida TaxWatchs Center for Educational Performance and Accountability, insisted the 2002 amendment has proven costly for Florida.

"Florida's hard-working taxpayers have spent more than $27 billion to reduce class sizes and the state has little to show for it," said Nave. "Florida has ample opportunities to increase student achievement at a much lower cost to taxpayers. Reinvesting money that has been restricted to class-size compliance will equip Florida teachers with the tools they need to succeed in the classroom, and give more students access to a better quality education."

The report can be read here.