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<\/p>\nThe legislature finally passed a state budget that continues to fund three separate and unequal school systems. Politicians also ignored the devastating audit of the voucher program that uncovered massive waste and abuse. Millions of dollars went missing, as well as vouchers going to phantom students who cannot be found.<\/p>\n
The Florida Education Association (FEA) has filed a lawsuit maintaining that Florida\u2019s school choice system violates Florida\u2019s Constitution. The school choice proponents are crying foul.<\/p>\n
Article IX of the Florida Constitution requires a uniform and efficient school system that is safe, secure, and high quality. The choice system being challenged in court is none of these.<\/p>\n
Legislation returns to finalize budget<\/p>\n
1 of 16<\/p>\n
Rep. Patt Manet talks with another representative during a special session to finalize the budget Tuesday, May 12, 2026.<\/p>\n
(Alicia Devine\/Tallahassee Democrat)<\/p>\n
Let\u2019s look at the three disparate systems:<\/p>\n
Traditional neighborhood public schools are run by district administrators and elected school boards. These schools are highly regulated by the state with certification required for professional teachers and administrators, a research-based curriculum, academic monitoring with testing, safety standards, etc. All students are accepted regardless of special needs.<\/p>\n
Charter schools are public schools (no tuition) run by non-elected school boards and increasingly by for-profit management companies. These schools are somewhat regulated and teach the state-approved curriculum with required state testing. Most teachers are required to be certified, but increasingly those requirements are more lenient. Students with special needs may be denied acceptance if the charter school cannot accommodate their disabilities.<\/p>\n
Private schools and home schools may accept state-funded vouchers (also euphemistically called scholarships) valued at $8,000-$10,000 per child. These entities are not regulated and teach their own curriculum as well as religious teachings. They are not required to administer any state tests. Oversight is provided by private organizations called Scholarship Funding Organizations. Progress monitoring is left to parents. Students may be denied admission based on special needs and\/or sexual identity.<\/p>\n
Florida\u2019s traditional public schools, like those nationwide, have always faced challenges. Many weren\u2019t realizing their potential when the school choice movement began under Florida Gov. Jeb Bush\u2019s administration 25 years ago. But rather than investing in improving our public schools, the legislature created and funded an unconstitutional three-tiered system that has further diminished Florida\u2019s public schools.<\/p>\n
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Andrew Spar, President of the Florida Education Association, speaks at a press conference held on the steps of Florida\u2019s historic capitol calling on the state to provide more support for public schools Tuesday, May 5, 2026.<\/p>\n
Perhaps the unequal and unaccountable school choice system could be defended if it were working. But Florida\u2019s students remain at the bottom of achievement measures, while Florida continues to have a severe shortage of qualified teachers.\u00a0 A recent report in USA Today (May 21, 2026) cited a study from Harvard and Stanford involving 35 million students in grades 3-8 from 2022-2025. Out of 35 states, Florida ranked last for academic growth in reading, noting that scores have been falling since 2022.<\/p>\n
The school choice debate revolves around one\u2019s understanding of the purpose of public education. Public school proponents view education as a public good, with public funds used to create informed citizens, giving every child the opportunity to reach their full potential. The school choice proponents\u2019 view education as a personal privilege, where parents may use public money to choose what they believe is best for their child.<\/p>\n
We\u2019ll see if the courts find Florida\u2019s separate and unequal three-tiered system unconstitutional. Then billions of dollars diverted from public schools can be re-invested to create first-rate public schools that serve all students, while insuring the future of our democracy.<\/p>\n
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Sally Butzin<\/p>\n
Sally Butzin, PhD, of Tallahassee, is a retired educator and advocate for strong public schools.<\/p>\n
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