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Reform proposals
By Times staff reports
© St. Petersburg Times, published January 9, 2001
A state task force is expected to vote today on its recommendations for restructuring Florida's higher education system. Here are some of the major elements:
The elimination of the state Board of Regents. Some of its powers would be assumed by a new seven-member state Board of Education. Others, including the hiring and firing of presidents, would fall to a new local board of trustees at each university. Giving universities the ability to set their own levels of tuition. That freedom, however, is likely to be limited, if only to minimize the impact on Florida's prepaid tuition program and Bright Futures, both of which pay the tuition of thousands of Florida students every year.
Authorizing local boards to create new degree programs without state oversight. This is supposed to help universities respond to the economic needs of their communities. Some worry it could lead to expensive duplication.
Reducing public scrutiny in the hiring of new presidents. The universities would not be required to release any information about a search until up to three finalists have been selected.
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