The Brief
- Florida lawmakers return to Tallahassee as a new legislative session begins, with education policy expected to be a major focus.
- Democratic lawmakers are pushing bills to roll back expanded rights for Schools of Hope charter schools, including rules allowing co-location on public school campuses.
- School districts and parent groups say the law is creating confusion and financial strain, while state education leaders defend the policy as a way to expand options for students.
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Florida lawmakers are heading back to work as the legislative session begins, and education is shaping up to be one of the most closely watched issues.
One of the most controversial topics is the expansion of rights for Schools of Hope, a group of charter schools that can move into unused space on public school campuses at no cost. The law took effect last year as part of the state budget after a similar standalone bill failed.
Under the new rules, Schools of Hope operators, including for-profit charter chains, can claim space in underutilized public schools through a process known as co-location.…