Frank Torres
In spite of a tough upbringing in a poor family, education helped Gov. Rick Scott get ahead, he told state leaders Wednesday morning at an Orlando education summit hosted by Education Commissioner Pam Stewart.
The governor next reviewed his educational platform for the audience at the Omni Orlando Resort, connecting it to Florida’s job growth.
“If we don’t have a great educational system we’re not going to grow jobs,” he said, “It’s not going to happen.”
Scott then previewed his upcoming economic development trip to Kentucky, briefly mentioning the ad campaign that launched Wednesday morning, which promotes the state’s progress.
During the Q/A session, Orange County Superintendent Barbara Jenkins asked whether the governor has a “PR plan” to maintain the state’s economic viability. Jenkins’ question came in light of recent independent studies confirming the validity of Florida’s Standards Assessment tests.
Educational leaders called for changes to the FSA, concerned that the resulting drop in school grades caused by the embattled testing system could discourage companies from coming to the state.
Scott said he has headed companies his entire life.
“We’re going down a path I believe in,” he said. “We’re going to have to continue making improvements and changes, and I’m going to have to sell the success of the state.
“A movement against the FSA began in Seminole County, where its proposed ‘Sunshine Solution’ moved the state away from the FSA towards other nationally recognized exams.”
Talking with reporters after the event, Scott and Stewart both waved off concerns about lower school grades.
“When you compare us to other states, it’s not just our numbers, it’s other states’ numbers. We win,” Scott said.
