A state constitutional amendment that would loosen class-size restrictions is headed to the Senate floor. And, Senate Democrats arent happy about it.
The Joint Resolution, sponsored mainly by Sen. Don Gaetz, R-Destin, passed the Senate Policy Steering Committee on Ways and Means with a 15-8 vote. The vote followed party lines, and almost all Democrats opposed it.
The proposal will need to pass both the House and Senate with a 60 percent majority before being added to the November ballot.
The bill, which amends state class-size requirements passed in 2002, allows schools to calculate class sizes at a schoolwide average, instead of on a class-by-class basis.
The 2002 constitutional amendment approved by voters required that class sizes from pre-kindergarten through third grade could have no more than 18 students; fourth grade through eighth-grade classrooms, no more than 22 students; ninth grade through 12th grade, no more than 25 students.
The amendment calls for class sizes to be calculated at the classroom level, as opposed to the schoolwide average as they are now, starting in the fall.
Gaetzs amendment (SR 2) requires that schools continue to calculate class size on a schoolwide average.
It would also stipulate that no more than 21 students be assigned to pre-kindergarten to third-grade classrooms; no more than 27 students to fourth through eighth-grade classrooms; no more than 30 in high school classrooms.
Gaetz said the proposal is common sense. Its needed to cut school-district costs and eliminate the need for new schools and teachers. Schools are combatting tremendous class-size influxes, especially with districts facing a migration of refugees from the earthquake in Haiti.
This is not hypothetical, Gaetz said. This is happening in South Florida today.
All 15 Republicans on the committee voted in favor of the proposal.
"I do think it is imperative that we give a little more flexibility," said Sen. Evelyn Lynn, R-Daytona Beach.
Critics say the schoolwide average will contribute to overcrowding of individual classrooms.
Eight Democrats -- all but one -- voted against the proposal.
Smaller classes are better for public education right now, said Sen. Dan Gelber, D-Delray Beach. He said the 2002 class-size restriction was imposed for good reason. He opposed the constitutional amendment but could possibly support a statutory one.
Sen. Nan H. Rich, D-Sunrise, said she understood why school principals and superintendents were in favor of the bill. But, its not good for education, she said, and it violates the spirt of the public who voted for the 2002 class-size requirements.
I think the people dont want their will to be overturned, she said.
