Florida Minority Graduation Rates

1
Florida Minority Graduation Rates
Source Manhattan Institute Study
2
Per Pupil Spending in Florida Districts2007-2008
School Year
9,853
8,853
10,372
Figures are only operating costsall construction
and interest excluded
3
What is Public Education?

• Old Definition A guaranteed seat in a government
  owned and run school assigned by your zip code
• New Definition Using taxpayer dollars to educate
  children in the best way possible.
• Who will decide the best way?
• If you have enough money, you decide 

Income should not determine educational
opportunity.
4
A Neighborhood inDade County
5
1998 Private Scholarship Effort

• 1,500 annual scholarships
• No Advertising
• 12,000 applications for 700 scholarships

6
Corporate Tax Credit Scholarship Program

• Passed by Legislature in 2001
• Now has 20,000 children
• 40 African American, 30 Hispanic
• Avg. Household Income 24,000

7
Participating Schools

• Over 800 private schools in program
• Average tuition 4,700 per year
• 80 faith based
• Concentrated in low-income areas

8
The Pushback

• Union
• School Districts
• Press

9
The Changing Politics of Choice
10

• Democrats for School ChoiceMay 19, 2008