Michael O′Farrell

Michael O′Farrell has served as a consultant on public education funding and instructional programs for the Florida TaxWatch Center for Educational Policy and Accountability since July of 2006. He has more than 40 years′ experience in positions related to public education in Florida. Beginning in 1962 as a classroom teacher in Brevard County, he has also served as a researcher for the National Food Service and Nutrition Education Finance Project, Director of Research for the Florida Education Association and, from 1978 until his retirement, staff member with the Florida Senate.

While with the Senate, Dr. O′Farrell was Chief Legislative Analyst with the Education Committee until 1982, when he became the Committee Staff Director, a position he held until his retirement in 2005. During his 27-year tenure with the Senate, he was directly involved in the development of every major change in state education policy.

Michael received Bachelor′s degrees in history and psychology from Florida State University in 1962, and a Doctor of Philosophy degree in Education Administration from that institution in 1971. He and his wife Nancy have three adult children.