Florida Law Expands Charter Schools into Public Facilities Amid Local Opposition

Governor Ron DeSantis has defended the Schools of Hope initiative, which allows charter operators to use underutilized public school facilities, emphasizing that essential public safety functions like hurricane evacuation centers will not be compromised. He highlighted that charter schools must earn student enrollment by convincing parents and noted Florida's extensive school-choice options, including many low-income students in charters. However, local officials and parents, particularly in Sarasota and Manatee counties, have expressed strong opposition, citing concerns over taxpayer-funded resources being stretched thin, including school buses, cafeterias, and classrooms, and criticizing the financial burden placed on public school districts. Sarasota School Board Member Tom Edwards described the arrangement as a misuse of taxpayer dollars and suggested strategies to resist the state's mandates, advocating for local control over school policy. The local school board in Indian River County also called on residents to oppose the legislation, warning of negative impacts on public schools and describing the law as an unwelcome space invasion by charter schools. Despite the backlash, DeSantis remains committed to expanding charter school access through this program, viewing it as a way to improve education by fostering competition and better utilizing existing infrastructure.