October 7, 2010

“Associated Industries of Florida (AIF) is extremely pleased with the Florida Supreme Court’s unanimous decision to allow Amendment 8 to remain on the ballot and provide Florida voters the opportunity to decide for themselves if they want to change existing mandates on schools’ class size limits.

According to Florida TaxWatch, if the people of Florida decide to approve this sensible and fiscally-sound proposal, the state will be able to save $40 billion over the next 10 years in unneeded and unwanted school construction.

Smaller classrooms are not the silver bullet solution to improving our public schools. As research has shown, and as President Obama has even acknowledged, it is good teachers, good principals and involved parents that have the greatest impact on the quality of our education system and students’ ability to reach their full academic potential.

And, by approving this amendment, Florida voters will give school administrators the flexibility they need to offer their students the best education possible rather than trying to meet the arbitrary limits of 18, 22 and 25 in the current class size formula.”