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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.
Newsweek
14-05-2025
- Politics
- Newsweek
Rep. Stefanik: Educational Freedom Is the Key to Our Children's Future
Advocates for ideas and draws conclusions based on the interpretation of facts and data. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Among the many titles I am honored to hold, the most important title by far is mom. Like nearly all parents across New York state, I am deeply concerned about our failing education system and schools. In too many classrooms across New York and America, zip codes determine opportunity. That is not only unacceptable—it's un-American—limiting access to the American Dream for our next generations of kids. For decades, families in underserved communities have watched their children fall behind in underperforming schools, with few alternatives and no voice in the system. It's long past time for that to change. That's why I'm proud to help lead the Educational Choice for Children Act, legislation that would expand school choice and provide high quality educational opportunities for students trapped in failing school systems. This bill works hand-in-hand with the High-Quality Charter Schools Act, which I've proudly co-sponsored since its inception in 2022. Together, these efforts put students and parents—not failing bureaucracies and bureaucrats—at the center of our education policy. Representative Elise Stefanik (R-N.Y.) speaks during a press conference following a Republican caucus meeting at the U.S. Capitol Building on September 13, 2023, in Washington, D.C. Representative Elise Stefanik (R-N.Y.) speaks during a press conference following a Republican caucus meeting at the U.S. Capitol Building on September 13, 2023, in Washington, the heart of this initiative is the belief that every child, regardless of income or background, deserves access to a high-quality education. The Educational Choice for Children Act incentivizes charitable donations to fund scholarships for K-12 students, empowering families to choose the school—public or private—that best fits their child's needs. Whether that means enrolling in a charter school, moving to a different public school, or finding a specialized private option, this is about putting power in the hands of parents. Governor Kathy Hochul's failure to address the glaring issue of school choice has left our students in New York trapped in a failing system. Despite spending more than any other state in the nation per student, New York schools continue to underperform. We know educational choice works. Just look at the incredible achievements of Success Academy Charter Schools in New York City. Founded by Eva Moskowitz in 2006, Success Academy now serves more than 22,000 students across 57 schools—most of whom come from low-income and minority backgrounds. Despite these challenges, Success students consistently outperform peers from wealthier districts. In 2018, 98 percent of students passed the math portion of the New York state exams and 91 percent passed in English language arts—more than double the state average. These outcomes aren't a fluke—they are the result of high expectations, dedicated educators, and a school culture that celebrates what Eva calls "joyful rigor." When we give parents real choices and allow educators to innovate, students win. Unfortunately, entrenched special interests continue to block progress. Teachers unions and big-city bureaucracies fight tooth and nail to maintain the failing status quo, even as generations of students are left behind. But we will not let special interests stand in the way of student educational access and academic success. Expanding access to high-quality charter schools is not a partisan issue—it's a moral one. And it should unite anyone who believes that education is the great equalizer in America. By giving families more options and making it easier for individuals and businesses to support student scholarships, these two bills represent a significant step forward. This is not about attacking public schools. It's about acknowledging that one size does not fit all, and that parents—not politicians—should decide what's best for their kids. We are at a pivotal moment. The High-Quality Charter Schools Act and the Educational Choice for Children Act can help us reimagine education in America. Let's seize this opportunity to give every child—not just the lucky few—a real shot at success. It's time to stop defending broken systems and start defending the futures of our children. Representative Elise Stefanik is a Republican congresswoman representing New York. The views expressed in this article are the writer's own.
Yahoo
11-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
House GOP proposes $5 billion tax credit program to open more charter schools
House Republicans proposed legislation to open more charter schools under a $5 billion tax credit program in a move that would help President Trump fulfill his campaign pledge to provide 'universal school choice' for all parents and students. The tax credit would be applied against 75% of the donation provided by charitable givers to top-performing charter school networks or operators, under the 'High-Quality Charter Schools Act' introduced by upstate Rep. Claudia Tenney and co-sponsored by Staten Island-Brooklyn Rep. Nicole Malliotakis, among others. The tax credit would be capped at 10% of a donor's gross adjusted income. For example, a donor with $1 million in annual income who donates $133,000 for charter school expansion gets a tax credit of $100,000. The measure could be folded into a Republican-crafted budget bill. Both Tenney and Malliotakis sit on the budget-writing House Ways and Means Committee. 'Charter schools have a proven track record of success, working to ensure every student, regardless of zip code, is given the opportunity to succeed,' Tenney said. This legislation could triple the number of kids enrolled in charter schools nationwide by 6 million, from 6% to 18% of the public school population, added Tenney. 'Parents know what is best for their children, and by providing parents with options, we can improve educational outcomes across our country,' she said. There are 149,000 students attending 281 charter schools in New York City, accounting for 15% of public school students. The state imposes a cap on the number of charter schools that can open in the city, and that limit has already been reached. 'Charter schools across the country, especially here in New York, are facing demand that far exceeds their capacity,' Malliotakis said. 'I'm proud to join Rep. Tenney in introducing this legislation to ensure students and families have greater access to the school of their choice — while also ensuring taxpayers see a strong return on investment in public education.' The bill is also backed by Reps. Burgess Owens of Utah and Kevin Kiley of California, both of whom sit on the House education panel and have sway on school-related policy matters. Eva Moskowitz, founder of the Success Academy Charter Schools network praised the bill — noting it complements the Education Choice for Children Act. That bill proposes a 100 percent tax credit — a full reimbursement — for 'donations' to nonprofits known as Scholarship Granting Organizations (SGOs), which are then used as vouchers to provide free or reduced tuition at private K-12 schools. 'Together, these policies will demonstrate universal school choice as a national priority,' said Moskowitz, whose Success Academy network oversees 57 schools that enroll 22,000 students, mostly low-income students of color. Republicans are typically stronger backers of school choice programs than Democrats, who by and large are more wedded to financing traditional public schools than publicly-funded, but privately managed charter schools or subsidizing private or parochial schools. Trump reportedly supports the bill, which could be the muscle to make the school choice tax credit programs the law of the land, according to sources. 'I want every parent in America to be empowered to send their child to public, private, charter, or faith-based school of their choice. The time for universal school choice has come. As we return education to the states, I will use every power I have to give parents this right,' Trump said, when discussing his education platform last month.
