Split decision on vouchers

JUNE 05, 2008

The official polls say Floridians don't like school vouchers, though they'd stomach them to see 65 percent of education funding dedicated to the classroom. Our informal survey shows that Gradebook readers are fairly evenly split on the issue of using state money to cover private school expenses.

We asked, "Should Florida use taxpayer money to subsidize private school vouchers?" You said:

Yes, it's my money and I should be able to send my kids where I choose. 272 votes - 49%
No, the state should fully support the free public education system and not dabble in private education. 260 votes - 47%
Forget about schools. I need health care relief and fast. 19 votes - 3%

Our new question focuses on graduation. A recent column in the Chronicle of Higher Education posited that a bachelor's degree is "America's most overrated product." We'd like to know what you think. And, as always, if you have any ideas for future questions, or any other thoughts about the Gradebook in general, please send an e-mail to solochek@sptimes.com.

Posted by Times Editor at 1:15:44 pm on June 05, 2008 in

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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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