Gov. Rick Scott and his fellow Republican lawmakers are on a collision course over pay raises for teachers.
Republicans in the House and Senate are pushing for raises to be award based on merit, while Scott wants an across-the-board raise for every teacher in Florida.
House and Senate conference committees have agreed to set aside $480 million for teacher raises, but they want that cash to be based on performance.
On Monday Gov. Scott got a little help with his goal for across-the-board raises from Orange County Schools Superintendent Barbara Jenkins.
Jenkins came out with a statement that says it makes sense to give all teachers a raise right now because theyre getting good results in the classroom.
Plus, she says, Florida needs to boost its average teacher salary because it lags behind the national rate.
Its also a very good time because of the way were moving with our reform to add to our average teacher salary so that we can compete as we recruit talent. Lastly, we certainly want some recognition to our teachers because we believe it will help us hold on to our talent as well.
Gov. Scott reiterated that one of his two main priorities for the legislative session is to give teachers an across-the-board raise. Asked if he was issuing a warningto the Legislature, he said,Look, Ive got my priorities. They have their priorities.
"I believe were going to have a great session. I have two significant priorities that focus on how do we make sure our families get back to work and how do we make sure our students get a great education. We need to do an across-the-board, $2,500 pay raise for each and every one of our classroom teachers. Our K-12 system is doing an outstanding job. Were number six in the country. Were on our way to being number one. The right thing to do is reward our teachers with this pay raise.
The governor said he hopes lawmakers will accept his position before the end of the session next week.
Dave Heller is a Tallahassee freelance reporter/videographer.
