Crist signs State College System bill

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MAY 28, 2008

Florida has a new State College System.

Gov. Charlie Crist today signed into law a bill allowing Florida community colleges to become "state colleges" – hybrid institutions that will have the ability to grant more 4-year degrees and will likely use St. Petersburg College as a model.

The plan was pushed by legislative leaders stressing the need for greater access to higher education. It won strong support from both parties in both chambers. And it was not opposed by officials with the State University System. The new law also creates a Florida College System Task Force and a State College Pilot Project (which includes St. Pete College) to recommend how community colleges can best make the transition.

- Ron Matus, state education reporter

Posted by Times Editor at 2:51:51 pm on May 28, 2008 in

Higher Education

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About the blog

Gradebook features education articles and insights on schools in Florida, focusing on Tampa Bay area schools. What's the latest from the Florida Department of Education? How is the FCAT being used to compare Florida schools? What's going in on in Tampa Bay schools? Get an insider's view from the Times education reporting team.

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THE TEAM

Rebecca Catalanello covers Pinellas County schools. E-mail her: rcatalanello@tampabay.com.

Tony Marrero covers Hernando County schools. E-mail him: tmarrero@tampabay.com.

Marlene Sokol covers Hillsborough County schools. E-mail her: sokol@tampabay.com.

Ron Matus covers Pinellas County schools. E-mail him: matus@tampabay.com.

Jeffrey S. Solochek covers Pasco County schools. E-mail him: solochek@tampabay.com.

Kim Wilmath covers the University of South Florida. E-mail her: kwilmath@tampabay.com.

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