Controversial education bill faces opposition

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. - With bright signs and loud voices, dozens of Palm Beach County parents and teachers thought they had made their message clear last year.  They didn't want merit-based pay.

"What they're saying now, continuing to say it's going to be one of their top priorities, shows they haven’t listened to the teachers or parents," said Susan Petosa, a mother concerned with Senate Bill 6. 

Friday, Florida Chief Financial Officer candidate Loranne Ausley took time off the campaign trail to join outraged parents and teachers. She gave a new version of Senate Bill 6 an "F" grade. 

"There was so much going on around Senate Bill 6, we want to make sure their voices are heard again in November," said   Ausley. 

Governor Charlie Crist vetoed the bill, which called for more student tests, ended tenure and penalized teachers directly for failing students. 

"I don't want legislators in the classroom, I want parents, students and teachers making decision about the education of my child,' said Ausley. 

Ausley came up with a petition on her website. 

It challenges her opponent Jeff Atwater to agree to stop pushing the so called "Senate Bill 6.1. 

"It shouldn't be politicians shoving it down our throats and that’s what Senate Bill 6 was and that’s what Jeff Atwater wants to do," said Ausley. 

Atwater's representatives responded with this statement:

"It is unfortunate that Loranne Ausley can only throw mud at Jeff Atwater. While he is talking to the voters of Florida, explaining his plan to champion economic recovery, Ausley is running a feeble, smear campaign," said Brian Hughes, Communications Director with Atwater for CFO.