Late Friday afternoon, a massive education package was introduced through the budgeting process. While there are many valuable elements in this bill like sensible testing reform, parent friendly testing reports, daily recess, and important early learning initiatives, conforming bill 7069 will leave too many of our most vulnerable children behind.
The Title I provision takes away our school districts' ability to effectively support our at-risk students.
The required sharing of local tax dollars intended for school construction and repair diverts resources away from traditional public schools in all neighborhoods.
Other
provisions of this bill were never vetted in committee, thereby excluding essential input from parents and other community members.
As the largest child advocacy association in the state, the Florida PTA's mission has always been to serve and support EVERY child. Therefore, it is with a heavy heart that the Florida PTA must oppose conforming bill 7069.