CALL TO ACTION: SB1498, Turnaround, School Grades and Privatization

The Senate Education Committee is scheduled to meet on Monday, February 17th (yes, that is Presidents Day). They are scheduled to hear Senator Baxley’s SB1498: School Turnaround. Baxley has filed a Delete-All amendment to his bill, aligning its language with HB7079. These are dangerous bills which will disrupt the school grade system at the same time they shorten the time allowed for school districts to react to low performing schools before having to close or privatize them. The bills also strip local districts of local control, requiring them to gain special permission from the Commissioner of Education before closing low performing schools.

Please read the details here:

The House version has sailed through committees with barely a question. Hopefully someone in the Senate will be willing to stand up against this dismantling of our public schools. Please spend a few minutes and call the Senate Education Committee members. Ask them to oppose the tightening of the turnaround timeframe during the disruption of the school grade system. Ask them to support local control of any necessary school closures. Ask them to oppose SB1498.

• Senator Manny Diaz, Jr. (R), Chair (850) 487-5036
• Senator Bill Montford (D), Vice Chair (850) 487-5003
• Senator Dennis Baxley (R) (352) 789-6720
• Senator Lori Berman (D) (850) 487-5031
• Senator Janet Cruz (D) (850) 487-5018
• Senator Keith Perry (R) (850) 487-5008
• Senator David Simmons (R) (850) 487-5009
• Senator Kelli Stargel (R) (850) 487-5022

Or, better yet, since Monday is a school holiday, get to Tallahassee and testify. Someone needs to stand up against privatization and it might as well be you!

Senate Education Committee

Monday, February 17, 2020
1:30—3:30 p.m.
Pat Thomas Committee Room, 412 Knott Building