So much for smaller classes.

A few years ago, Florida residents institute, by popular ballot, a measure to require small class sizes.

As it turns out, implementing the mandate has been a problem. According to the Orlando Sentinel ...

the toughest work comes in the next three years, and many school officials say that will require money the cash-strapped state does not have, leave them no flexibility to handle enrollment changes and lead to more portable classrooms.

Key Republican state lawmakers -- among a group that was never a fan of the class-size amendment -- say they want to give schools more wiggle room. In short, they are looking to delete the strictest parts of the law.

Previous efforts to alter the law have failed, but the idea is gaining traction this time. Even the state's teachers union, a strong supporter of the measure, said current requirements might be sufficient and more flexibility might be welcome.

Oh, and those costs? They're $5.7 billion so far, and they could reach $25 billion.

Amending a state constitution is something that should not be entered into lightly. I'm hoping that Floridians will come to realize that mandating class size--an operational concern, not one of general principles--was a foolish move.

Meanwhile, reducing the number of students in a class is a red herring that prevents more significant school reform.