Latest news with #SchoolsofHope
Wall Street Journal
6 days ago
- Business
- Wall Street Journal
Florida Welcomes NYC's Success Academy
Florida has been a leader on educational choice, and now it's luring an expansion by New York City's prominent charter-school network, Success Moskowitz, the CEO of Success, recently said she might launch three to five charters in the Sunshine State for the 2027-28 school year, with maybe dozens more to follow. Thank a new Florida law that broadens the state's Schools of Hope program, which was created in 2017 to entice quality charters to open near low-performing traditional schools. On top of regular state charter funds, Hope schools can get startup loans, as well as grants for expenses such as teacher pay and supplies. To qualify, charter operators must already run at least three schools with good track records. So far the program has 12 schools. Success Academy's application to be a Hope operator was approved last year, though that didn't commit the network to proceed. But the legislation passed last month, and signed by GOP Gov. Ron DeSantis, changes the calculus. Credit to former Gov. Jeb Bush and Citadel CEO Ken Griffin for championing the reforms. The new law loosens conditions for starting Hope charters, including by broadening the definition of 'low-performing schools' that they're supposed to draw from. It also will let the charters enter performance agreements with Florida's public colleges, expanding the potential sponsors beyond school districts, which are often leery of charters.
Miami Herald
08-07-2025
- Politics
- Miami Herald
Jeb Bush: Florida policymakers' bold moves pave way for more charter schools
When Florida began its education reform journey more than two decades ago, we led with a simple but powerful conviction: Every child, regardless of income, background or ZIP code, can learn and deserves access to an excellent education. As part of that journey, we created programs to reward high performers, directed targeted supports and interventions for struggling schools and made Florida a national beacon of choice for families. The result has been a remarkable boon for Florida. Families flocked to the Sunshine State, and our education system has served as a model for much of the 21st century. Today, Florida is one of a handful of states expected to increase its total K-12 student population by 2030 thanks to families increased interest in choice. Despite this success, far too many students remain stuck in 'persistently low-performing' schools that year after year fail to deliver on the promise of a high-quality education. In 2018, under then-Speaker Richard Corcoran, Florida addressed this challenge head-on with the creation of the Schools of Hope program — a first-in-the-nation initiative that incentivizes high-quality charter operators to open schools for students trapped in failing ones. In return, the state provided a revolving loan fund for facilities and generous grants for critical startup costs. This year, lawmakers took the next major step in our education journey — expanding Schools of Hope while also setting a national precedent for solving another growing problem: vacant and underutilized school buildings caused by declining public-school enrollment. Policymakers created a bold, innovative new model that gives high-performing operators guaranteed access to these public school facilities. They can either co-locate with a traditional school or use the full building. Co-location isn't new. Success Academy Charter Schools in New York City has perfected the model, delivering top-tier academic outcomes. Thanks to recent legislative changes, Success and other strong, proven operators now have a pathway to do the same in Florida. What is new for Florida is formal recognition that school buildings don't belong to districts, boards or superintendents — they belong to taxpayers. When buildings sit vacant, underused or are declared surplus, they should be prioritized for use by education entities and immediately put them to work for students. Lawmakers also approved a bold, ambitious new funding policy: supplemental dollars tied directly to a school's actual performance. The concept isn't new, but the scale and intent within the Schools of Hope program is. To qualify, schools must deliver exceptional results for students previously assigned to campuses ranked in the bottom 10% statewide. It's a fundamental reimagining of how to prioritize public education dollars. If a school achieves extraordinary outcomes, the state will reward it with additional funding so it can grow, replicate and serve more students. It's a strategy that smartly combines choice with accountability and keeps Florida laser-focused on measurable results. I often say that reform is never finished, and success is never final. That mindset has driven Florida's education progress for decades — through the consistent leadership of state lawmakers and governors determined to do better for students. From ending social promotion and grading schools to raising expectations and expanding choice, Florida has never hesitated to challenge the status quo in pursuit of excellence. This year's expansion of Schools of Hope opens the door to new charter operators and builds on the success stories already unfolding in other cities and states. As Florida continues to lead on education, we'll grow existing schools and recruit new ones, giving families more high-quality, effective options. Looking back on my time in public service and ahead to Florida's future, it's clear we're not resting on our laurels. We're improving, innovating and leading the next generation of bold reform — putting families first and showing the country what determined, student-centered leadership truly looks like. Few states are willing to take this kind of courageous approach, blending access, accountability and innovation. Florida is doing it again — and our students will be the ones who benefit most. Jeb Bush served as Florida's Republican governor from 1999 to 2007.
Yahoo
11-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Public education funding agreed to; policy still outstanding
The Stone Education building on the Florida State University campus is the home of its College of Education. (Photo by Jay Waagmeester/Florida Phoenix) In a time when the Legislature is trying to pare back the size of the state budget, lawmakers agreed this week to pump more than $29 billion into K-12 education, a $945 million increase over current year spending Per student funding would increase by $142.74, to $9,130, under a plan House and Senate budget conferees agreed to this week, a 1.59% increase from the current fiscal year. 'It's adequate, it's historic, it's all of the things. It's really good,' House budget chief Rep. Lawrence McClure said of per student funding. Much of the K-12 education budget increase, 71%, would be funded by local property taxes, Politico first reported. Florida's growing school choice program, in which state dollars can be used for private school tuition or homeschooling, has decreased public schools' share of enrollment. 'I think we can all agree that the public school population is declining. The schools still are open and operating, so that expense is there, and if there's fewer students being there then money comes from somewhere [else],' Senate budget chief Sen. Ed Hooper told reporters this week. The spending agreement was made as legislators met in an extended session dedicated to crafting a budget for state fiscal year 2025-26, which begins July 1. The extension was necessary because legislative leadership couldn't agree during the 60-day regular session on how much money to spend and ways to reduce taxes. As part of the K-12 agreement, the chambers agreed to allocate an extra $101.6 million toward teacher salary increases statewide, targeting an area Florida has lagged in. Last year, salary increase allocations went up by about $200 million. Gov. Ron DeSantis proposed about $250 million for teacher and personnel salary increases this year. According to the National Education Association, Florida is 50th in the nation for average teacher salaries. Accelerated courses like Advanced Placement and International Baccalaureate were facing reduced funding under earlier proposals, but pushback from school officials and constituents made a difference. Ultimately, the programs are funded at a rate consistent with the current year, $596 million. The chambers have agreed to infuse an additional $6 million into the Schools of Hope program. Schools of Hope are charter schools opened near struggling schools. While lawmakers agreed to extend the session to address the budget, they have found creative ways to use the spending blueprint to readdress substantive legislation that died during the regular 60-day session. That policy-focused legislation will be included in what's called a 'conforming bill.' Unlike the budget, which expires in a year, conforming bills make permanent changes to statutes. As of publication, a K-12 education conforming bill had not been released. The chambers have publicly discussed reviving a bill that died during the regular 60-day session to allow Schools of Hope to open inside persistently low-performing public schools or on the property. Lawmakers are looking to adjust how school choice scholarships are reimbursed as more students use the option. Throughout the session, school administrators and legislators expressed concerns about how and when money is paid to scholarship recipients or schools, saying it was impossible to track where some students were enrolled. 'Obviously, the accounting for the scholarships has not gone well. We're trying to come up with a way that the money does follow the child, the student, and instead of reporting quarterly I think we are going to report monthly,' Hooper said. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE
Yahoo
11-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Florida lawmakers rely on property taxes in education budgeting
The big story: Florida lawmakers closed in on a K-12 education spending plan, agreeing on a bottom line of $29.5 billion, about 3% more than the current year. To get there, leaders limited increases in areas they've touted before, such as teacher pay raises and mental health services. They also relied heavily on property taxes to supply the bulk of the additional revenue, even while Gov. Ron DeSantis talks about the unfairness of property taxes, Politico Florida reports. Local taxes would be responsible for generating about 70% of the new funding. Negotiators also revived proposals to expand the funding and scope of the Schools of Hope charter school program, intended to provide options to families in communities with persistently struggling public schools, Florida Politics reports. The concept died during the regular portion of session, but the House brought it back in budget proviso language, showing again how no ideas are completely buried until lawmakers go home, Florida Phoenix reports.. Local school district officials continue to watch and wait as their budget planning ensues. Pinellas County superintendent Kevin Hendrick was less than enthusiastic. Hendrick noted that the base student allocation increase in the state proposal is less than 1%, and doesn't cover inflationary costs. At the same time, the district, like many others, is projected to lose students, which will decrease funding. Beyond that, Pinellas unexpectedly had to spend more than $50 million this school year because of hurricanes Helene and Milton, and the Legislature did not provide relief, placing extra financial pressure on the district. 'If it wasn't for the referendum, it would be a really difficult year,' Hendrick said, referring to the district's voter-approved property tax increase in support of added teacher pay and arts initiatives. The Pinellas County school board is scheduled to unveil its preliminary budget at a June 24 workshop, with public hearings set for July 29 and Sept. 9. Marion County school district leaders have already begun talking about millions of dollars in spending cuts, WCJB reports. Advanced classes: Students at an Orange County high school urged the school board to protect their International Baccalaureate program, which is facing reductions amid decreasing interest, the Orlando Sentinel reports. Affordable housing: The Orange County school district is looking to expand its access to affordable housing for employees, Spectrum 13 reports. Auditor issues: The Broward County school district's internal auditor offered to take a deal to leave his post amid ongoing criticism from board members, the Sun-Sentinel reports. Charter schools: City of Newberry and Alachua County school district officials continue to spar over the conversion of Newberry Elementary to a charter school, the Gainesville Sun reports. Contract talks: The Lee County school board approved an incentive plan of bonuses up to $9,000, to attract and retain teachers, the Naples Daily News reports. Teacher union leaders criticized the move, saying it was done without negotiations. Florida A&M administration: The university's recently appointed athletic director has been placed on administrative leave after her arrest on fraud charges related to her previous job, WFSU reports. More from the Tallahassee Democrat. Graduation day: A Hillsborough County high school graduate walked the stage carrying the posthumous diploma of his brother, who died in 2020 of a fentanyl overdose. Read about why that happened. School leaders: Pinellas County schools continued to shift principals for the coming academic year. Superintendent searches: The Manatee County school board laid the groundwork to find a new superintendent after pushing out the recent one, Bay News 9 reports. Teacher unions: The Orange County Classroom Teachers Association became the 100th local union to recertify under new stricter state laws, the West Orange Times reports. Don't miss a story. Yesterday's roundup is just a click away. Before you go ... Is anyone else excited about a new season of Phineas and Ferb? Where is Perry, anyway?
Yahoo
11-06-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Dead bills resurface in budget talks
Legislators are meeting in Tallahassee to hammer out the fiscal year 2025-26 budget and avoid a government shutdown before July 1 Florida legislators are using budget negotiations to revisit substantive legislation related to education and health care that didn't pass during the 2025 regular session. DeSantis' push to shakeup cancer funding could be in trouble in the House One House bill would have revised how low-performing schools are classified and how Schools of Hope can be started. HB 1267 passed the House on party lines; however; the Senate never took it up. The issue resurfaced in the budget conference on Tuesday when the House proposed to allow charter schools to open inside low-performing public schools. The budget document shared with the public outlining the House's offer didn't contain any additional details. The School of Hope program started in 2017 and allows charter schools to open near persistently low-performing schools. In 2023-2024, there were 51 persistently low-performing schools. The bill would've classified more schools as persistently low-performing by changing the definition. 'The House has been pretty consistent that we want students to have access to the best educational opportunities,' House budget chief Rep. Lawrence McClure told reporters Tuesday. The two chambers have already agreed to $6 million in nonrecurring funding for Schools of Hope for the state fiscal year 2025-26 budget. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX The House agreed to adopt a number of Senate-coveted issues related to nursing homes that were contained in SB 170, including requiring long-term care facilities to conduct patient safety and culture surveys at least once every two years. The Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA) would be required to include the results in its nursing home guide. Additionally, the House agreed with the Senate's proposal to require nursing home medical directors to obtain designation from the American Medical Director Association or to hold a comparable credential or be in the process of seeking those credentials by Jan. 1, 2026. The House agreed to the Senate's proposal to fine nursing homes or headquarters of nursing homes that don't submit their financial data to AHCA's financial reporting system. The Senate wants to amend the Medicaid law to include a $10,000 fine per violation. SB 170 was sponsored by Sen. Colleen Burton and was a priority for Senate President Ben Albritton. who fast-tracked it through the chamber, with the Senate passing the bill unanimously on April 9. But the House never considered the proposal. While the House has agreed to those nursing home-related issues in its conforming bill offer, technically they still aren't finalized because the Senate hasn't agreed with the House's offer. Conforming bills are budget-related bills that change substantive law to reflect spending decisions. Unlike the budget, which remains in effect for the state fiscal year, conforming bills change substantive law and remain in effect until the laws are changed. With no Medicaid expansion on horizon Florida lawmakers take on scope battles (again) The House also included in its Tuesday healthcare offer a proposal to expand the duties dental hygienists are allowed to perform. The House wants to amend the dental hygienist licensure laws to allow hygienists who practice under general supervision to use a dental diode laser to reduce or eliminate plaque in spaces between a tooth and the gums. Only hygienists who complete a 12-hour in-person course recognized by the Board of Dentistry or the American Dental Association would qualify. House Speaker Daniel Perez has championed giving dental hygienists a larger role in the health care system since he was a freshman. After seemingly rejecting the idea during the 2025 session, the House appears to have changed direction and is proposing to open up to other hospitals $127.5 million that has been, until now, dedicated solely to four National Cancer Institute-designated facilities: Moffitt Cancer Center; University of Florida Health Cancer Center; Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine; and Mayo Clinic Comprehensive Cancer Center. The House's proposal amends the statutory definition of cancer center to include community cancer centers accredited by the American College of Surgeons as a Comprehensive Community Cancer Program or Integrated Network Cancer Program, to qualify for the funds. It's not clear which hospitals would benefit from the change. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE
