Kriseman -
With the exception of the fact that this bill repeals the STAR (Special Teachers Are Rewarded) provision, I believe this bill is flawed. It takes flexibility away from local districts; it places too much emphasis on the FCAT; it fails to provide all school personnel with the opportunity to earn a bonus, and limits the number of teachers who are eligible. This bill also fails to apply bonuses received to a teacher’s retirement plan. While I support the concept of performance pay and absolutely support accountability, I cannot support a bonus plan with the flaws described above, nor can I support a bonus plan when we have failed to give all teachers an across the board pay increase.