The so called “Parent Trigger” bill that riled Democrats, teacher’s union and parent groups last year—is back. The bill would give parents in failing public schools a say in the fate of that school. Those opposed to the bill have pretty much conceded it will pass the legislature this year—but they’re not willing to go down without a fight.
The parent-trigger bill was voted out of its first House Committee stop on a partisan vote, Democrats opposed, Republicans in favor. Last year a similar bill cleared the House only to fail in the Senate due to infighting. Opposition to the bill remains just as strong this year. And during the House hearing Thursday—opponents, like Laura Johnson, a parent with three kids in public school, lined up to speak against the bill:
"There are ways to do this, perhaps if energy was given into organizing parents and teaching them how to work the system as it is now, this wouldn’t even be a conversation today," she said.
Republican Representative Carlos Trujillo of Miami is sponsoring the House version of the parent trigger bill. Under the proposal, parents with kids in a failing public school can sign a petition recommending one of several school “turnaround” options outlined in state and federal law.
“If it's an "F" school, the parents decide... with 50percent plus one vote, that they would like to take one of the alternatives from the federally mandated options, they have the right to present that to the school board," he said.
Those turnaround options include overhauling the administration, closing the school, or converting it into a charter school. The bill doesn’t specify which option parents can choose but the school board has to take the parents’ recommendation into account. If they don’t go with the parents’ plans, they must present both sides to the state.
Democrats fear charter school operators, especially for-profit groups, will use the trigger to take over a school. And Rep. Michelle Vasilinda, the ranking member on the House Choice and Innovation Committee, says she’s concerned the bill is a vehicle for the privatization of public schools.
“Once a school goes to a charter school, I’m concerned about the opportunity to bring it back. You can elect and un-elect public officials and constitutional officers. You can’t do that with corporate management," Vasilinda said.
Governor Rick Scott was asked about where he stands on the issue and whether he’d sign the bill into law if it reaches his desk. Scott dodged that question:
“My belief is what is good for students? My focus is what’s good for students, what’s good for student achievement. That’s why I believe in the $2,500 pay raise.”
Scott has been trying to court favor with teachers with things like a $2,500 pay raises. But teachers largely oppose the parent trigger bill. The proposal still has two more committee stops in the House and three in the Senate. That chamber’s version of the bill is being sponsored by Republican Kelli Stargel of Lakeland.
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