LEGISLATIVE ACTION ALERT

SB 2882 dealing with Voucher Accountability has passed the Senate and is now before House Members. The bill contains several provisions that established nonpublic school associations have supported throughout the session.

First, the Senate version requires participating schools to indicate whether they are accredited by an in-state or regional association that is validated by a third party accreditor at the state or national level which has been in existence at least three years. Note - this language serves as a consumer index for parents to know whether school are accredited and thereby is an impetus for unaccredited schools to seek accreditation, which serves as a safety net and baseline of quality to ensure that voucher children are safe, secure and receiving a quality education.

Second, the Senate version requires teachers whose schools participate in scholarship programs to hold at least a bachelor’s degree or have three years experience in public or private schools and have special skills. As a result, a school can no longer hire a teacher by indicating he or she has “special skills” alone.

Third, the Senate version limits student eligibility to those whose families that qualify under the National School Lunch Act, which is a means tested program.

Fourth, the Senate version concerning the fingerprinting language requires criminal background checks of not only employees who have direct contact with students, but also those who provide services requiring direct contact with students.

Speaker Byrd (H-62)                    (850) 488-1450, speakerbyrd@myfloridahouse.com
Representative Kilmer (H-7)       (850) 488-2873, kilmer.bev@myfloridahouse.com
Representative Cantens (H-114) (850) 488-2831, cantens.gaston@myfloridahouse.com
Representative Arza (H-102)       (850) 488-1683, arza.ralph@myfloridahouse.com
Representative Baxley (H-24)     (850) 488-0335, baxley.dennis@myfloridahouse.com
Representative Attkisson (H-79) (850) 488-8992, attkisson.frank@myfloridahouse.com
Representative Stargel (H-64)     (850) 488-2270, stargel.john@myfloridahouse.com
Representative Brummer (H-38) (850) 488-2023, brummer.fred@myfloridahouse.com