Bill Would Send Commissioner Choice To Voters

The Florida Senate

State Sen. Joe Negron, R-Stuart

Voters would once again choose Florida’s top education official if a bill proposed by a state senator becomes law.

Stuart Republican Sen. Joe Negron introduced the constitutional amendment to elect the Commissioner of Education Monday.

The commissioner has been appointed since voters amended the state constitution in 1998. Negron’s bill would also dissolve the state Board of Education.

“I think its time to restore public education to its proper place of stature along with agriculture, finance and our legal system which are the other Cabinet positions,” Negron told The Florida Current. “The current education system is confusing and ambiguous. I think it’s an unworkable structure and results in a diminution of focus on education in Florida.”

If approved by lawmakers, the governor and 60 percent of voters, the amendment would take effect in 2014.

Should Florida appoint or elect its education chief? How much influence should the governor have over education policy?