Gov. Ron DeSantis is calling for an end to the waitlist for the Florida Tax Credit Scholarship, which offers private school scholarships to low-income K-12 students throughout the state. The scholarship has a waitlist in 2019 of nearly 13,000 students. “I would like to eliminate the waitlist so every parent has the ability to make…
The State Board of Education had its first and only meeting before the Legislative session begins in March and the board members indicated that they hope lawmakers revisit some of the most heated issues in education. School safety was constantly mentioned as a top priority for this year, by all members but especially by Andrew…
State Senate President Bill Galvano told a Sarasota business audience Tuesday that the more conservative Florida Supreme Court being fashioned by Gov. Ron DeSantis could pave the way for education reforms that had been struck down in the past. “We have a new court,” Galvano, R-Bradenton, told a sold-out crowd of 270 at the Argus…
Florida lawmakers and school leaders make a big deal about the state’s rising graduation rates, citing the importance of earning a diploma to finding success in college and career. Yet despite the climbing percentages, many students cannot pass the state’s required tests in reading or math. Some turn to alternate exams, some to adult education.…
Governor-elect Ron DeSantis‘ Education and Workforce Development Committee continued deliberations Friday, its last telephonic meeting ahead of final recommendations to come. A previous meeting of the group emphasized school choice and accountability, concepts that jibe with the reform agenda of incoming Education Commissioner Richard Corcoran. Read More
As we approach the start of the 2019 Legislative Session on March 5, 2019, FSBA will be working to keep our members well informed of the activities of the Florida Legislature and related events in Tallahassee. Our main tools for accomplishing this are this Session Spotlight blog and our Legislative Session page. In addition, we…
Richard Corcoran is Florida’s next Education Commissioner. The State Board of Education on Monday unanimously voted to appoint Corcoran Education Commissioner, meaning the former state House Speaker will lead the Department of Education after Gov.-elect Ron DeSantis takes office. DeSantis earlier this month recommended Corcoran as the state’s next chief educational officer, making him all…
The Florida Constitution provides: “The education of children is a fundamental value of the people of the state of Florida. It is, therefore, a paramount duty of the state to make adequate provision for the education of all children residing within its borders.” Read More
After two hours of discussion Thursday, Kim McDougal was enthusiastic. “It’s a great day,” the former chief of staff and top education adviser to Gov. Rick Scott told colleagues attending Gov.-elect Ron DeSantis’ education transition team meeting. “We’re moving from school choice to informed, high quality school choice,” she said. Read More
While speculation swirls over who he wants to be Florida’s next education commissioner, Gov.-elect Ron DeSantis on Thursday announced his 41-person team to develop a plan aimed at implementing his education goals. The list includes a broad cross-section of the state’s education advocacy groups, representing everything from district public schools to home schools. Some of…