Parent Empowerment Bill Clears House Committee

A Parent Empowerment in Education bill cleared the Florida House Choice and Innovation Subcommittee Thursday.

PCS for HB 867, by Rep. Carlos Trujillo, R-Miami, was recommended favorably by the members, by an 8-5 vote, after an energized and lengthy discussion. The bill enables parents to petition the school board to request school turnaround options if the school earns an F grade.

Much of the debate in opposition to the bill was centered on charter schools, including how they are funded and their performance, even though only 5 percent of charter schools in the state are failing, according to information presented at the committee.

Notwithstanding the fact the vote was down party lines, with Republicans voting in favor, Trujillo said, It's not a Republican or Democratic issue; its an American issue. We have to start being proactive. For us to find solutions. For us to move the state forward.