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(Tallahassee, FL) - State Democratic House members are very concerned about charter "Schools of Hope" setting up shop inside public schools in five Florida counties, Brevard, Broward, Palm Beach, Duval and Sarasota.
House Democratic Leader Fentrice Driskell says the money is supposed to follow the student, so the state needs to stop monetizing our schools.
She says most of Florida students attend public schools and alleges that by allowing Schools of Hope free rent, transportation, and other expenses is basically defunding traditional public schools.
Broward State Rep. Robin Bartleman says under this model public school students are subsidizing charter school students.
Republicans who passed the Schools of Hope measure argue that the base student allocation has increased which covers the costs of the Schools of Hope occupation.
Also, a topic of discussion for state house democrats, Florida is the first state in the nation to adopt the education declaration crafted by the Heritage Foundation. Members of the state house democratic caucus voicing concern about the "Phoenix Declaration, American Vision for Education" recently adopted by the state. Democratic Broward State Rep. Robin Bartleman expresses fear about adopting the conservative think tank's declaration.
The education commissioner says the Phoenix Declaration mandates parental choice, academic excellence and that students learn about America's founding principles.
According the Heritage Foundation: "Schools should equip students with the knowledge, character, and skills necessary to succeed in life as individuals and to fulfill their obligations as members of their families, local communities, and country."