Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

Danny McAuliffeDecember 14, 2018

Marva Johnson, the head of a panel that will determine next week whether former House Speaker Richard Corcoran will be the next state Education Commissioner, isn’t taking Gov.-elect Ron DeSantis’ recommendation lightly. DeSantis is suggesting the Board of Education appoint Corcoran, a Land O’ Lakes Republican and school-choice advocate, to replace outgoing Education Commissioner Pam […]

Associated PressFebruary 17, 2017

A small rural county in Florida’s Panhandle is going to become the first district in the state to have all of its students attend a charter school. The State Board of Education on Thursday voted to approve a turnaround plan for Jefferson County schools that calls for turning over day-to-day operations to a charter school […]

Peter SchorschJanuary 13, 2017

In a recent POLITICO article, Florida Teachers’ Union President Joanne McCall said the following: “We believe that those closest to the students should be making the decisions about what is best for the students they serve.” At issue was the controversy surrounding the state Board of Education’s efforts to turn around Florida’s worst performing public […]

Phil AmmannJune 15, 2016

Florida’s Board of Education will examine new rules governing charter schools set by state lawmakers last Session. LobbyTools reports the board is scheduled to meet June 21-22 at Palm Beach State College, to go over the details of HB 7029, the 160-page omnibus education bill. One potential issue is a modified rule on how charter schools can qualify for […]

Jac VerSteegJanuary 4, 2015

Candidates mouthed the words “education” a lot in 2014, but it was not a decisive election issue. Still, against the odds, 2015 might be the year the Florida Department of Education makes a sincere effort to make its testing policies reasonable. There has been legitimate concern that Rick Scott, safe in his second term and […]

Jac VerSteegJanuary 4, 2015

Candidates mouthed the words “education” a lot in 2014, but it was not a decisive election issue. Still, against the odds, 2015 might be the year the Florida Department of Education makes a sincere effort to make its testing policies reasonable. There has been legitimate concern that Rick Scott, safe in his second term and […]

Julie DelegalSeptember 3, 2014

Synecdoche means using one part of something to speak for the whole. When it comes to school-privatization rhetoric, voucher proponents have mastered the art of synecdoche. They find an individual — a successful, accomplished voucher student — and tell a glowing story that is meant to represent all private school voucher students, indeed, the entire […]

Tag: Board of Education
TALLAHASSEE, FLA. 4/18/25-Candles and remembrances are left near the Unconquered statue a few hours after the Florida State University Gathering of Unity Vigil held Friday to honor victims of the recent mass shooting. COLIN HACKLEY PHOTO

Marva Johnson’s comments point to successful Richard Corcoran appointment

Troubled Florida school district to use charter schools

Who knows best, parents or teachers’ union?

Board of Education to weigh in on new rules governing Florida charter schools

2015 might bring high-stakes testing reform to Florida

Jac Wilder VerSteeg: 2015 might bring high-stakes testing reform to Florida

Julie Delegal: The simple cure for voucher-school lawsuits