Gov. Rick Scott called education his new priority after visiting schools around Florida. His week included a dinner at the Governor's Mansion in Tallahassee with Andy Ford, a leader of the state's largest teachers union.
Ford, the president of the Florida Education Association, said the investment in education and the success of the governor go hand-in-hand.
"You're not changing the world in one dinner," Ford said, "but unless you sit down and start talking, you have not a chance. Public schools are the key to the success of kids, but also the success of a governor. You can't be successful and create jobs if you don't really have an investment in public schools."
Ford said the discussion topics ranged from school funding to standardized tests. The governor has a plan to rid the state of unnecessary regulations that burden teachers and cut into their allotted time for instruction.
Scott announced this week that he will convene with a group of superintendents to recommend rules that could be eliminated.