Apparently, the parent trigger bill means a lot to former Gov. Jeb Bush.
Bush, who now oversees two foundations dedicated to education reform, reached out to Senators before the controversial vote Friday afternoon.
One particular target: Alan Hays, the Umatilla Republican.
Hays voted against the proposal, which failed 20-20. But after the vote, the pressure continued. Bush had Gary Lester, vice president of the Villages retirement community in Hays district, phone the senator to ask him to reconsider his vote, sources said.
It was unclear what Hays planned to do.
The parent trigger bill would enable parents to demand sweeping changes at low-performing public schools, including having the school converted into a charter school. Supporters say it would empower parents to take charge of their neighborhood schools. But opponents say the bill was written to benefit for-profit school management companies.
-- Marc Caputo and Kat McGrory
Jeb needs to get out of Flori-DUH Education and out of Flori-DUH all together!!!
No one likes the FCAT except Jeb and his buddies, they make money off of it. That's what they will do if they pass this new bill.
SAY NO TO SB 1718.....!!!!
Posted by: Stacy Gutner | March 09, 2012 at 08:16 PM
JEB--GO AWAY!!!! And take your Zombies at The Villages with you!!!! You've already ruined Florida enough!
Posted by: Randall McMurphy | March 09, 2012 at 08:18 PM
Jeb just can't keep his dirty greedy paws out of the state trough. Shame on him. We have a two way tie for the worse Governor's in Florida, Jeb and Rick Scott.
Posted by: Susan | March 09, 2012 at 09:42 PM
Apparently, ol' Jeb must have some SERIOUS money of his own or of some powerful people invested, that he must answer to in order to push this hard...I hope it makes him look stupid for his actions by not passing...our hardworking teachers deserve better...and shame on Jeb for putting greed before education.
Posted by: James Aldrich | March 09, 2012 at 11:15 PM
This type of news needs to go national. Just like the way things happen at the state level, actual students,schools and workers are victimized by a coalition of the powerful. The truth,that the pawns who shout their pure intentions for the children, are backed by kings and queens with the time-power-money to pick up the phone and get what they want...well now what kind of reform is that?
Posted by: Dan McConnell | March 10, 2012 at 11:57 AM
I suspect The Villages is populated by childlless old geezers from "up north" who hate all the children in Florida. JEB! and the fat crooks that run the "government" that control The Villages are part of the 1% who demand government channel ever more tax dollars into their pockets. JEB! is truly an evil SOB!
Posted by: Can't take anymore | March 10, 2012 at 01:30 PM
Since when is it legal to change one's vote after the election is completed? Way to go, Jeb. You couldn't be less respected than you are now.
Posted by: Ahweemaweh | March 10, 2012 at 02:29 PM