State isn’t supporting pre-K learning enough
As a retiree with a 35-year career in Orange County Public Schools, I read the Sentinel’s front-page article, “Many kids aren’t ‘ready’ for kindergarten” (Aug. 29), with great interest. A number of years ago Florida voters wholeheartedly approved of state-supported Pre-K classes for all children. Educators thought this meant Pre-K classrooms in every public elementary school, but that turned out not to be the reality. Many Pre-K children receive state-funded classes in settings taught by teachers with a variety of skills and experiences, but who typically lack Florida state teacher certification. Furthermore, Pre-K instruction is not mandatory anywhere. Interested parents voluntarily enroll their children in these “VPK” programs.
The article cites the high percentage of kindergarten students in Orange and other Florida counties who are not testing “ready” because they “lack the skills the state says are needed to do well when formal lessons begin in kindergarten.” Reliable teacher sources say the skills many students “lack” were once taught throughout the entire kindergarten year. Now after a few weeks in school, all kindergartners are expected to be ready to learn skills once taught in first grade.
All Florida children deserve quality preschools. Five-year-old children in kindergarten also deserve a year filled with creative and fun pre-academic/early academic learning, language development and social experiences rather than trying to master the academic skills once reserved for 6 and 7-year-old students.
— Rebecca Sickles, Orlando
Fine deserves credit for this mess
Randy Fine is such a miracle worker, protecting Social Security and benefits from people who have never been eligible to receive them.
I am one of those seniors whose tax cut on Social Security payments means pennies, if anything. But he’s right. This isn’t just about one tax cut. Far from it. The trillions he has helped to save for the billionaire class who need them least have trashed services for millions of Americans who need them most. Another amazing sleight of hand that I’m sure many of us have never noticed. Fine really should get full credit.
If he keeps up this incredible work, I’m sure that our current Golden Age will far surpass the mere “Gilded Age” of the powerful robber barons whose every whim was the ironclad law of the land. Never had so few held so much power over the lives of so many. Until now. So, congratulations to Randy Fine. I hope he receives the recognition he so justly deserves.
— John Heimburg, Umatilla
We must defend democracy
Are we still a democracy?
Democracy gets its power from the people through votes. Democracy means “Rule by the People,” so citizens vote in free and fair elections to choose their leaders. Power is split among different branches of government to keep one person from taking control.
Fascism takes power by force and holds it through fear. A single person or ruling party holds unchecked power. Leaders use police and military force and fear to control the public.
Democracy protects personal freedom. People have basic rights like freedom of speech, religion and assembly. The law treats all people as equals.
Fascism strips away personal freedom to serve the government. The government silences critics, shuts down free press and condemns other political parties.
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Democracy relies on free and fair elections. Our Constitution does not give the president control over elections, but Donald Trump has issued sweeping executive orders attempting to impose new federal requirements on voting, including restrictions involving mail ballots and federal verification of voters.
Congress has already seemingly abdicated its power regarding the war with Iran, Trump’s tariffs, reckless executive orders and self-enriching deals with adversaries. It must reclaim its constitutional responsibility. Republicans and Democrats alike should defend the separation of powers, independent institutions and the integrity of elections.
If we allow this president to decide who votes, how votes are counted, or which constitutional limits apply to him, we aren’t simply changing policy. We may lose the battle to remain a democracy.
— Joy DeBusk, West Melbourne
Lavish spending has to end
I understand municipalities around the state being concerned about Amendment 3, but this is a needed wakeup call for many of them. With their constant overspending, they have continuously taken advantage of this cash cow.
One city considered spending three quarters of a billion dollars on a new city hall better suited to downtown Dubai than downtown Fort Lauderdale. Another city has commissioners who are often scrutinized for acting like their city’s revenue belongs to them personally.
In my 46 years in Florida, I have been in my share of city halls, and on more than one occasion, I recall thinking that one mayor’s finely crafted desk and chair easily cost more than all five of my Rooms To Go-furnished rooms.
I’ve seen art and sculptures at some of these city halls that could very well have cost more than my meek $160,000 condo. Perhaps like many of us are doing, these municipalities need to tighten their purse strings. Although I’m yet undecided as to how to vote on the amendment, matters like these have me leaning toward voting “Yes.”
— Peter Lauro, Coconut Creek
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