TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP) — Florida’s statewide teachers union says it’s again being shut out of planning for a $700 million federal Race to the Top grant.
Florida Education Association president Andy Ford said on Thursday it’s happened since Gov. Rick Scott took office and forced Eric Smith out as education commissioner.
Ford noted no teacher was invited to a grant meeting Thursday and Friday in Washington, D.C.
A spokeswoman for Education Commissioner Gerard Robinson said teachers unions continue to play a key role in grant projects at the local level. She said no union officials were invited to the Washington meeting because federal officials limited the Florida delegation’s size.
It includes Robinson, two of his top assistants, four local superintendents, two business leaders and the head of the Florida Philanthropic Network.
Source: Associated Press
