By Trimmel Gomes, Florida News Connection
The Context:
As the Florida legislative session nears its end, two controversial education bills are sparking concern among parents, educators, and community leaders, particularly in Orange County and Apopka.
The proposed Florida House Bill 123 and Senate Bill 140 could significantly impact Orange County and Apopka's public education. Here's how:
Easier conversion of public schools to charter schools
Senate Bill 140 proposes removing the requirement that 50% of teachers approve the conversion of a public school to a charter school. Instead, only most parents with currently enrolled children would need to support the change. This shift could lead to more schools in Orange County and Apopka converting to charter status without input from educators. flsenate.gov+7floridapolitics.com+7floridapolitics.com+7
Charter schools bypassing district oversight
House Bill 123 would allow municipalities to establish charter schools that operate independently of local school district oversight. This could result in creating new charter schools in Apopka and other parts of Orange County that are not accountable to the Orange County Public Schools (OCPS) board, potentially leading to inconsistencies in educational standards and resource allocation.
Potential funding cuts to advanced academic programs
House Bill 5101 proposes a 50% reduction in funding for advanced academic programs such as Advanced Placement (AP), International Baccalaureate (IB), and Dual Enrollment courses. OCPS officials warn that this could lead to the loss of approximately $17 million, affecting around 214 staff positions and limiting advanced course offerings for students in the district, including those in Apopka. orlandoweekly.com+2mynews13.com+2NextSteps: Step Up For Students+2
Reduced mental health services in schools
The Florida PTA has expressed concerns about proposed budget reductions that could affect school mental health services. Given the increased need for student support services post-pandemic, cuts to mental health funding could impact the well-being of students in Orange County and Apopka schools. publicnewsservice.org
Enrollment declines and financial implications
OCPS is facing a projected loss of over 3,100 students for the 2025-2026 school year, leading to a potential $27.8 million decrease in state funding. The district attributes this decline partly to expanding school choice programs, including charter schools. OCPS has partnered with a third-party firm to recruit students back to the district to mitigate the impact. mynews13.com
These legislative changes and funding challenges could significantly alter the educational landscape in Orange County and Apopka, affecting school governance, program availability, and student support services.
Trimmel Gomes of the Florida News Connection writes (below) about these two potentially troubling bills.
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Jude Bruno, president-elect of the Florida Parent Teacher Association, is leading a charge against two controversial education bills that would reshape the state's school system, even as Republican lawmakers tout the measures as expanding parental choice.
The legislative battle comes in what is supposed to be the session's final week, with high stakes for public school funding and governance. His organization opposes House Bill 123, which would permit municipal charter schools to bypass local district oversight, arguing it creates unequal standards for taxpayer-funded institutions.
"We are not against charter schools but we are against mechanisms and rules that would circumvent the governance of our local public schools and our communities," Bruno explained.
The bill's companion, Senate Bill 140, which passed the Senate 30-7 last week, would allow traditional public schools to convert to charter schools with approval from 50% of parents, while explicitly excluding teachers and staff from the voting process. Supporters argued the measures empower families, particularly in underserved communities.
The PTA is raising concerns about proposed budget reductions, which could affect student mental health services and funding for advanced academic programs. Bruno stressed the growing need for student support services.
"Even coming off the pandemic, we realize how important it is that we address the social and emotional needs of our students," Bruno emphasized. "That can only be effectively done by having licensed practitioners in that field be in our schools."
The PTA's legislative priorities come amid a broader debate over education funding that has pitted parent groups against lawmakers supporting school choice initiatives.
