Take a look at this editorial. It cites HB 7069 as ‘gross audaciousness’ by the legislature. Heading the list are the provisions to expand charter schools, ‘religious liberty provision’, text book review, and most of all: USURPING LOCAL CONTROL OF OUR SCHOOLS.
Memorize these talking points. Say them loudly and often. Take back our schools.
http://www.tampabay.com/opinion/editorials/editorial-floridas-micromanaging-of-public-schools/2330479
It is time for every county in the state to stand up and fight HB 7069 law, School Boards and Superintendents throughout the state need to hear from taxpayers, parents, teachers and grandparents, spear headed by LWVF that this new law must be rescinded, if it means suing the state. Most of HB 7069 were ALEC policies driven by Jeb Bush’s Foundation and assigned to legislators who did their best to avoid public debate
The best unpacking of this bill was done by Kathleen Oropeza, President of Fund Education Now a Florida parent advocacy group. Several weeks ago Diane Ravitch’s blog posted her report on 7069 law. The following are highlights:
* Redirects and dilutes Title I funds
* Creates “Schools of Hope” funded with $140 million for out of state charters to take over the education of the most vulnerable students in Florida with zero proof that there is any record of success in turn around schools.
* Allows “Schools of Hope” to hire non certified teachers and administrators.
* Exempts corporate charter chains from paying for districts services.
* Charters usurp Superintendent Authority/ School of Excellence.
* Charters usurp locally elected school boards. (grants CS systems governing board a designation as a local education agency.)
*School Districts must give C.S. a portion of local levied capital outlay funding. (Without proof of need, requires a local school district to share its locally derived capital outlay funds with charters.)
* School grade manipulation.
* Best and Brightest teacher bonus includes an expansion that adds principals, the qualification which have no proven correlation with teachers or principal performance. ( Not a much needed increase in pay)
*Mandates 100 minutes of recess for all K-5 students in District Public Schools. Exempts charter schools from this mandate.