Defense Secretary Robert Gates leaves office this month as widely respected as any public figure in America today, appreciated for his willingness to return to public service at a moment of high danger in Iraq and to faithfully serve presidents of both parties.

Bloated by class-size reduction edicts, Florida's teaching force grew by a larger percentage than any other state's between 2003 and 2009 -- even though student enrollment inched up just 1.2 percent during that period.

To contain future personnel and related costs, which Florida TaxWatch estimated at a whopping $40 billion over the next 10 years, the 2011 Legislature scaled back the class-size mandates.

Lawmakers expect their modest move will shave expenses some $70 million a year by giving schools a bit more flexibility in meeting rigid class-size reduction formulas.