Stewart resigns: Pam Stewart, Florida’s education commissioner, submits her resignation effective Jan. 8 as rumors swirl around Tallahassee that former House Speaker Richard Corcoran is Gov.-elect Ron DeSantis’ choice to replace her. Stewart has been education commissioner since 2013. She announced last year that she would retire when Gov. Rick[Read More…]
Tag: Richard Corcoran
Florida schools roundup: Schools of Hope, Corcoran reaction, security and more
Schools of Hope: The Florida Department of Education is looking for a financial partner to provide loans to build charter schools near persistently struggling, traditional public schools. The partner would oversee the $100 million “Schools of Hope” loan program that was passed by the Legislature in 2017. The DOE expects[Read More…]
Florida schools roundup: Corcoran and DOE, arming teachers, lawsuit and more
Corcoran as commissioner? Republican Gov.-elect Ron DeSantis is reportedly considering appointing former House Speaker Richard Corcoran, R-Land O’Lakes, to be the next commissioner of education. The staunch school choice advocate would replace Pam Stewart, who had planned on retiring when Gov. Rick Scott left office in January but in October accepted[Read More…]
Battle continues to play out over education law
Jim Saunders / News Service of Florida TALLAHASSEE — More than 18 months after legislators passed a controversial education law pushed by then-House Speaker Richard Corcoran, attorneys for the state and 11 county school boards are continuing to battle in court about whether the measure violates the Florida Constitution. Attorneys[Read More…]
More context for PolitiFact on school choice funding, accountability
PolitiFact concludes a teachers union attack on school choice funding and accountability is Half True. But the evidence shows it’s not remotely true.
Florida House unveils major school improvement overhaul
Legislation unveiled this week in the Florida House — and tied to a new $200 million funding proposal — aims to move students from “persistently low-performing schools” to “schools of success” run by charter school operators with proven track records. At the start of the legislative session, House Speaker Richard[Read More…]
Florida’s low facilities funding may deter top charter school operators
KIPP Jacksonville became Florida’s first successful attempt to lure a nationally recognized charter school organization thanks, in large part, to local benefactors. Jacksonville Greyhound Racing donated a dog track, and the charter organization gradually converted the clubhouse into classrooms. Wealthy board members helped fund the renovation, and today they’re financing[Read More…]
House Speaker: Florida needs more top charter schools for low-income students
Florida’s High-poverty urban areas shouldn’t have to rely on wealthy backers to attract top charter schools, the state’s House speaker told reporters this morning. If the state wants more charters with national reputations for serving low-income students, he said, policies will need to change. Speaking at an annual media briefing[Read More…]