DeSantis Champions New Law Integrating Charter Schools into...

During a recent visit to Sarasota, Florida, Governor Ron DeSantis announced that Progressive auto insurance policyholders would soon receive rebates—a move likely to be welcomed by many residents. Following this announcement, the governor opened the floor to questions from the press, where the topic of the expanded Schools of Hope law quickly arose.

Originally enacted to assist charter operators in revitalizing underperforming schools, the Schools of Hope law saw its scope broadened over the summer. The expansion now permits charter operators to utilize unoccupied spaces on any public-school campus experiencing low enrollment, a change that has stirred debate among local communities.

Governor DeSantis addressed these concerns head-on, particularly those voiced by parents in Sarasota and Manatee counties. These families recently learned that Miami-based Mater Academy proposed sharing facilities with five public schools in their area.

“Providing these operators with access to existing, underused infrastructure is not only economically sensible but also serves as an incentive for others to get involved,” DeSantis explained. He emphasized the importance of choice, stating, “Charter schools must earn their students; they are not automatically entitled to them. It’s about convincing parents that this is the right path for their children’s education.”

This approach, according to DeSantis, is intended to foster a competitive environment that could lead to enhanced educational outcomes by giving parents more options and maximizing the use of available resources.

Sarasota School Board Member Tom Edwards is against allowing the charter operator to co-locate on schools in his district.

“I personally think it’s a grift of taxpayer dollars to offer free rent, free food, the electric bill, transportation, all those overhead costs,” Edwards said.

Sarasota parents who are against the move have been sharing a flyer on social media that outlines concerns about taxpayer funded resources like school buses, cafeterias, and classrooms being stretched too thin.

Mater Academy is managed by for-profit education group Academica.

“I am a proponent of charter schools, not the ones for profit,” Edwards said.

The school board member also has ideas on ways the district can push back against the charter operator’s request.

One way is to move district staff and administrators to schools with unused space. Another is to add programming involving dual languages or AI to fill those vacant areas. A third option could be to ask the state to greatly reduce the official number of available seats.

“I think it’s a home rule issue,” Edwards said. “I don’t think Tallahassee, which has been legislating a one size fits all, is the best way to handle an A rated school district like Sarasota.”

Gov. DeSantis maintains the six authorized charter operators under the Schools of Hope expansion will have a positive impact.

“I understand why they’re saying that. I don’t think ultimately the critique is valid and I think it’s going to make a real difference,” DeSantis said.

DeSantis Champions New Law Integrating Charter Schools into Public School Campuses: A Bold Step for Florida Education

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