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Florida Legislative Update by Jim Warford, FASA Executive Director Good morning, and good news to start this week's FFF. Not only is the DROP 8-Year Extension bill alive and very well in both House and Senate, but Rep. Ralph Arza and Sen. Charlie Clary agreed this week to amend the language to make the inclusion of district-based administrators possible. This is a real victory for FASA! Both Juhan Mixon and I have personally worked these bills because we understand their importance to our members. We also believe they represent a clear signal that the relationship between the legislature and FASA is improving. How can you help? Please take the time to thank both Rep. Arza and Sen. Clarey. A short and simple "thank you" to these two legislators for their support of FASA will make a big difference. I know how busy you are but, please, take just a minute to let them hear from you. It will make a difference. A personal card or letter is always best but you can also e-mail them at:
Also this week, FASA along with school district lobbyists were able to make substantial changes in two very bad bills targeting the delivery of Supplemental Education Services. The DOE drafted the original language of HB1373 and SB2616 with the clear intent of diverting more Title I dollars into the hands of private vendors. The bills would have tied-up millions of dollars in Title I funds in Florida, reduced services to students, placed completely unreasonable demands upon districts and far-exceeded the federal requirements of NCLB. How did this bill even get filed? Once again, the DOE drafted the original legislation without consulting, or even notifying, district Title I experts on the "Committee of Practitioners" which is required under NCLB. Putnam County's Title I Director, Bob Pugh, first brought the onerous provisions of this proposed legislation to FASA's attention. Thank you, Bob. And finally, high school principals should be aware of new amendments this week to both SB2748 and HB1619 that will require you to enter into contracts with at least two vendors for both senior class rings and yearbook photographers. The original language in both bills would have created much greater problems for yearbook sponsors throughout the state. We will continue to track both bills for you and hope to get more flexibility, but high school principals should make their sponsors aware that it certainly looks like there will be changes coming this year. All other FASA priority bills continue to move through the process which is now in its final weeks, and that's when it gets really interesting. There's an old saying that goes... there are two things you never want to see being made, sausage and legislation. They must have been watching during the final weeks. It ain't pretty, but it won't be dull. |
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