New Teacher Pay Plan Passes Senate, Heads to House
Friday, March 11, 2011
By: James Call, Florida Public Radio

March 11, 2011 | WMFE - A new version of a merit pay plan for Florida teachers appears to be on a fast track to passage. The Florida Senate passed a proposal Thursday just two days after the start of the 2011 Legislative Session.

The Senate modified the bill vetoed last year by then Governor Charlie Crist.  This year’s version links half of a teacher’s pay raises to student performance but unlike last year takes into account a student’s attendance and disciplinary problems. 

The Senate passed the measure on a 26 to 12 vote and sent it to the House. Governor Rick Scott supports the measure and says he is eager to sign it.

“We need too make sure we pay our teachers on their effectiveness.” Scott said. “And we need to make sure that, our best teachers stick around. By making sure we pay the most effective teachers more we’ll do better.”

A key feature of the plan is based heavily on student test scores starting in 2014. The bill would also ban tenure for teachers hired after July 1^st of this year.  

The House has scheduled two days next week to debate the proposal.