The St. Petersburg Times is reporting that even after the passage of Senate Bill 736 (which is now in the hands of Gov. Rick Scott, who has enthusiastically supported the measure), lawmakers are continuing to raise questions about how it will be paid for. #
It’s worth reading the whole post, but here’s an exchange between state Sen. Paula Dockery, R-Lakeland, and Education Commissioner Eric Smith: #
“Does that mean the legislation we just passed was not necessary for us to participate in Race to the Top funding?” she asked. #
Answered Smith: “Race to the Top dollars will go a long way in furthering the implementation of 736. They are absolutely in alignment and support one another.” #
Asked Dockery: “So where will the performance-pay dollars come from?” And, later: “Does that mean then that some teachers will get paid less?” #
Some teachers will be paid less than other teachers, Smith said — but there are no plans to pay them less than they make now. And the merit pay system won’t rely on new money, he added, but on restructuring the existing salary scale. #
The bill’s House sponsor, Rep. Erik Fresen, R-Miami, also said yesterday that teachers would not be paid less, though the bill also does not provide funding for raises. He said the raises would come in the future when revenue recovers, and that the bill will ensure those raises are based on performance (as determined under a yet-to-be-developed evaluation system based partially on student tests). #
