Gov. DeSantis says he plans to sign sweeping education bill package

PENSACOLA, Fla. – Gov. Ron DeSantis on Monday morning said he plans to sign a host of new education-related laws that will limit book challenges and “simplify the process to convert failed ‘turnaround schools’ to charter schools.”

DeSantis highlighted parts of HB 1285 during a news conference at a charter school in the Florida Panhandle. The bill also institutes Purple Star School Districts, which recognizes districts with Purple Star Schools making up 75% of schools in their district.

The purpose of the Purple Star School of Distinction Designation is to recognize schools that support the unique needs of military families, help military-connected students navigate critical challenges and provide resources for military-connected students when transitioning to a new school environment.

In part, HB 1285 does the following:

• Provides a clear and concise process for a struggling school to convert to a charter school. If a school receives consecutive low performance evaluations, it is deemed a “turnaround school.” If the district’s plan to turn the school around does not succeed, the pathway for the school to find new direction and leadership should be simple and efficient.
  These changes will eliminate lengthy and drawn-out negotiations between the incoming charter school and the school district, to ensure no student is trapped at a failing school in Florida
  A charter school must give preference to kids in the previous school zone and must serve the same grade levels as the previous school.
  The charter school cannot be charged rent for the facility and the school district cannot charge an administrative fee.
• Ensures that book challenges are limited for individuals who do not have children with access to the school district’s material.
  Unlimited objections remain for parents with children in the school district, which includes homeschooled students accessing district materials.
  Individuals without children in the district will be limited to one objection per month.
  Protects schools from activists trying to politicize and disrupt a district’s book review process.
• Continues to support military families with the Purple Star Schools of Distinction Program.
  Institutes Purple Star School Districts, which recognizes districts with Purple Star Schools making up 75% of schools in their district.
  Helps to ensure a seamless transition for military families moving into Florida by requiring schools to provide them with support and resources.
  For more information on the Purple Star Schools of Distinction program, click here.

DeSantis said there will be more education announcements on Tuesday.

DeSantis said he has yet to receive the bill from the legislature but added he plans to sign it when he does.