School Board says "no" to Amendment 1

JANUARY 22, 2008

The Hillsborough County School Board voted 5-1 this morning to take a stand against Amendment 1, the property tax reduction measure going before voters Jan. 29.

Board members stressed their distrust in the Legislature's willingness to fund schools appropriately if tax revenues are cut.

"We weren't elected to play nice with the Legislature," said board member Candy Olson, who was doubtful of the Legislature's promises to protect school financing.

"Can you say lottery?" Olson said, recalling how a similar pledge was broken in the past.

"We need to take the bull by the horns,'' said board member April Griffin, who urged taking a position even though Tampa and Hillsborough County governments have not.

Board chairwoman Jennifer Faliero opposed taking a stance against Amendment 1, a priority of Republican Gov. Charlie Crist.

"It's almost becoming a partisan issue," she said. "I just feel in principle it needs to be an individual decision."

Posted by Times education at 1:09:24 pm on January 22, 2008 in

Hillsborough County

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