Superintendent opposes Senate Bill 6

Download Tim McGonegal's letter here.

Manatee County School District Superintendent Tim McGonegal has formally joined the opposition against Senate Bill 6, a controversial bill that ties teacher pay directly to student achievement.

In a letter sent yesterday, McGonegal asked Gov. Charlie Crist to veto the legislation because it would reduce the school district’s budget by $14 million. The district’s operating budget already has been slashed by more than $44 million in just the last two years, McGonegal said.

“The additional cut in state funding resulting from enactment of SB 6 will force our district to eliminate elective offerings and other essential services to our students,” he wrote. “I believe this bill is flawed in many respects.”

McGonegal also said the bill would interfere with the district’s collective bargaining process by specifying salary requirements and imposing prerequisites on the hiring and retention of employees, among other issues.

Additionally, a protest of the bill is scheduled for 4:30 p.m., April 14 on Main Street in Bradenton. All five of Manatee County’s School Board members are expected to attend.

Contact Pam Eubanks at [email protected].