MIAMI – Formerly of The School Board of Broward County, Florida Senator Rosalind Osgood is throwing her support behind a trio of bipartisan bills aimed at deregulating public education. Bills SB 7000, SB 7002, and SB 7004 have received unanimous approval from the Florida Senate Fiscal Policy Committee, signaling a shift in favor of more flexible policies.
These Bills are not about dismantling the Education System but rather Empowering School Districts
Rosalind Osgood, a staunch advocate for educational reform, emphasizes that these bills are not about dismantling the education system but rather empowering school districts to address individual needs, particularly for students with special requirements. She believes that moving away from a rigid, “one-size-fits-all” approach will allow districts to tailor their strategies and better support students.
SB 7000, also known as the Deregulation of Public Schools/Instructional, Administrative, and Support Personnel Bill, focuses on streamlining regulations related to school personnel. By providing districts with more control over these aspects, Rosalind Osgood envisions a more efficient and responsive educational system.
An Opportunity for Districts to manage their Resources more effectively
Similarly, SB 7002, or the Deregulation of Public Schools/School District Finance and Budgets, Facilities, and Administration and Oversight, seeks to decentralize financial and administrative regulations. Rosalind Osgood sees this as an opportunity for districts to manage their resources more effectively, leading to improved financial stability and overall efficiency.
The third bill in the lineup, SB 7004, also named the Deregulation of Public Schools/Assessment and Accountability, Instruction, and Education Choice, has faced criticism from former Governor Jeb Bush. He expressed concern over the removal of a requirement for third-grade students to pass an English-language arts test to advance to fourth grade. Rosalind Osgood defends the move, asserting that a focus on progress monitoring throughout the year is a more effective strategy.
According to Rosalind Osgood, “You really want to measure students all throughout the year so that teachers can adequately put in place the supports that they need.” This emphasis on continuous progress assessment aligns with the bill’s broader goal of empowering educators and school districts to adapt their approaches based on individual student needs.
Florida State Legislature is gearing up for its 2023 Session
The Florida State Legislature is gearing up for its 2023 session, scheduled to convene on January 9 and adjourn on March 8. The current session is notable for its Republican majority, with legislators holding a 28-12 advantage in the Florida State Senate and an 85-35 majority in the Florida State House. This political landscape reflects the outcome of the 2022 elections, ushering in new legislators who will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of education in the state.
As the debate surrounding these deregulation bills continues, Florida educators, parents, and policymakers will be closely watching how these legislative changes unfold and their potential impact on the state’s education system. The emphasis on local control and adaptability remains at the forefront, with Rosalind Osgood and supporters optimistic that these measures will foster a more responsive and student-centric learning environment in Florida.
Also Read: Florida Takes the Lead in Education Freedom and Parental Rights
