The Foundation for Florida’s Future has announced its policy priorities for 2025, aiming to position Florida as a leader in educational outcomes. Executive Director Patricia Levesque shared these priorities in an op-ed published by Florida Politics.
In legislative developments, the Senate Pre-K 12 Education Committee has passed Senate Bill 166, introduced by Senator Corey Simon. This bill proposes significant changes to district operations and broader policies, which could impact student expectations and accountability systems. Key elements of SB 166 include transforming two diagnostic tests in grade 3 into high-stakes exams for promotion to grade 4, altering high school graduation standards by changing assessment requirements, increasing Title I funds that districts can withhold from charter schools by 5%, and reinstating multi-year contracts through collective bargaining.
Meanwhile, Representative Alex Andrade’s House Bill 123 has moved forward after receiving approval from the House Education Administration Committee with a vote of 13-5. The bill allows municipalities to convert public schools with consistently low grades into “job-engine charter schools.” It also emphasizes parental involvement in conversion processes and restricts property purchases by districts experiencing student population declines.
Additionally, the Senate Fiscal Policy Committee is preparing legislation focused on supporting students with autism for a floor vote. Sponsored by Senator Gayle Harrell and prioritized by Senate President Ben Albritton, Senate Bill 112 aims to enhance services for students with autism. The bill includes provisions such as expanding screenings and services, extending the Early Steps Program for young children, providing startup grants for charter schools serving autistic students, creating an autism micro-credential program for educators, enhancing services through the University of Florida Center for Autism and Neurodevelopment, and offering grants for specialized summer programs.
