My question is about education. I understand that homeowners insurance is a hot ticket item in this year’s election, but I was rather disappointed that the education was not touched upon in great detail in both gubernatorial debates. Do you think that there is a correlation between our focus on education and the fact that Florida ranks 49th in graduation rate among the United States? I also would like to know your stance on the FCAT. I feel that the FCAT should be used as a learning tool and not something that could ultimately jeopardize someone’s graduation.

Thank you,

Staci Lynn
USF Student
Lutz, Florida

Dear Staci:

You are absolutely right about the lack of attention to education, especially higher education, in both gubernatorial debates. It’s no wonder that many college students (who ironically are the high turnout young voters) are frustrated. Issues facing college students—student loans, tuition, class size, course availability—were totally neglected, with all the focus on K-12.  And then candidates wonder why young college-age voters are disengaged.

Polls this election cycle have shown that Floridians are somewhat divided as to the use of the F-CAT. But the issue itself has taken a backseat to pocketbook issues—homeowners insurance, property taxes and rising health care costs.  The candidates’ focus on these issues reflects the realities of the age makeup of non-presidential election year voters. In Florida, the turnout rates of Boomers and seniors far exceed those of young voters. 

You have put your finger on the classic chicken-and-egg scenario. Young voters don’t vote because the candidates aren’t addressing higher education issues, and candidates don’t address college-related issues because young voters don’t vote.

Florida’s graduation rate ranking is attributable to many factors. But certainly more attention to higher education issues would be a critical giant first step to solving the problem.

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