Right now, public schools follow strict rules set by the state. Those laws decide how much funding they get, how many students are in a classroom, how many teachers can be hired, and what curriculum is taught. Most importantly, public schools must accept every student who walks through their doors.
Private, charter, and parochial schools do not have those same rules. They can limit who they admit, change programs as they wish, and adjust conditions to fit their needs. Even so, they still receive taxpayer money through Florida’s voucher program.
That is not fair, and it is not sustainable. The voucher program is draining a projected $4 billion from public education this year. Adding to this dilemma is the notion that student who have never enrolled in public schools are now eligible for these vouchers.
If a school receives public money, it should meet the same standards as a public school. If it does not, it should not be eligible for vouchers funded by Florida taxpayers.
This simple change would level the playing field, raise the quality of education, and help us pay teachers what they deserve. When public schools are strong, every student in Florida wins.
Data below provided by Florida Policy Institute and Education Law Center .
