October 23, 2011. Plan cited as way to abolish tenure in Florida higher ed
By John Kennedy
Palm Beach Post Staff Writer
Saturday, Oct. 22, 2011
Months after making controversial changes in the public school system, Gov. Rick Scott is aiming higher – at state colleges and universities, which he wants on the front lines of his fight to create jobs in Florida.
During the past two weeks, Scott has questioned the worth of anthropology degrees; made public the salaries of professors, administrators and other employees of the State University System; and demanded answers from university presidents about how specific programs are helping students find work.
He and his allies call the campaign a “conversation starter” – aimed at rallying support for his push to increase the number of graduates in science, technology, engineering and mathematics, the so-called STEM disciplines that he says will provide the skills needed in an evolving economy.
Fewer than 20 percent of Florida college and university graduates are earning degrees in these areas, he and state officials say.
“Let’s make sure that our universities are first saying, ‘Hey, employers, what sort of jobs are out there?’ so we can make sure we tell our students what the job market is like,'” Scott said last week.
But critics dismiss Scott’s tactics as ham-handed, many calling them an all-out attack on Florida higher education.
Some fear program cuts
The Republican governor expected pushback from university officials.
But even some within Scott’s own party are questioning his approach. They fear it could lead to cuts in other programs within a university system already strained by years of reduced spending, especially with a projected $2 billion state budget shortfall all but assuring another round of belt-tightening next year.
“Every time he says he wants something, it doesn’t mean it comes to be,” said state Rep. Marlene O’Toole, R-Lady Lake, chair of the Higher Education budget subcommittee.
“If we do this, then something has to happen over here,” she said. “You can’t put 10 pounds in a five-pound bag.”
Senate President Mike Haridopolos, R-Melbourne, who teaches at the University of Florida, agreed that driving up the STEM statistics would likely reduce offerings in other areas.
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