East Volusia News

PENSACOLA, Fla.—Today, Governor Ron DeSantis highlighted parts of HB 1285, a bill that further enhances Florida’s top-ranked education system. The Governor emphasized the importance of continuous improvement in education, stating, "Florida is number one in the nation for education, but there’s always more to be done."

Commissioner of Education Manny Diaz, Jr., echoed Governor DeSantis' commitment to education, saying, "Governor DeSantis has made it clear: we are committed to ensuring our students receive a high-quality education and we will not tolerate those trying to score cheap political points at the expense of our educational system."

The bill, HB 1285, introduces several key enhancements to Florida's education system. One significant aspect is the simplification of the process for struggling schools to convert to charter schools. Governor DeSantis emphasized the need for a clear and efficient pathway for schools that are not meeting performance standards. The changes aim to prevent students from being stuck in failing schools by streamlining the transition to charter status.

Additionally, the bill addresses the issue of book objections by limiting challenges from individuals without children in the school district. This measure aims to protect schools from unnecessary disruptions and ensure that the book review process remains focused on educational standards. Parents with children in the district will still have the ability to raise objections, while those without children will be limited to one objection per month.

Furthermore, HB 1285 introduces the Purple Star School Districts initiative to support military families. This program recognizes districts with a high percentage of Purple Star Schools, which provide support and resources to military families transitioning to Florida. The goal is to create a seamless educational experience for children of military personnel moving into the state.

Governor DeSantis expressed his satisfaction with the progress, stating, "We won’t stop working for Florida’s students and parents. HB 1285 codifies several great enhancements for education that will keep Florida #1." The Governor's dedication to improving education in Florida remains unwavering, supported by the collaborative efforts of state officials and educators.