© 2024 All Rights reserved WUSF
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

Pinellas Schools To Vote Tuesday On Proposed HB 7069 Lawsuit

Wikimedia Commons
Gov. Rick Scott signed the bill into law in mid-June.

The Pinellas County School Board is expected to vote Tuesday on whether or not to join a legal challenge to a controversial new education law.

If approved, Pinellas County would join several other school districts proposing to sue the state.

In a letter to the Pinellas County School Board, Superintendent Michael Grego wrote that at least 11 other school districts in Florida have voted to join as plaintiffs.

Critics allege that HB 7069, a 274-page law that went into effect on July 1, limits school boards of authority, especially regarding the creation and funding of charter schools in Florida.

Much of the controversy centers on what's become known as "schools of hope," which make it easier for charter schools to open near academically struggling traditional public schools. It also requires school districts to share taxpayer money with charter schools for construction.

In the recommendation, Grego says that the cost of the lawsuit will be shared among the school boards who have already voted to join.

In late August, the Polk School Board voted 5-0to spend up to $25,000 to start work on the lawsuit, joining school boards in Miami-Dade, Broward, Palm Beach, Orange, Volusia and other counties.

As a reporter, my goal is to tell a story that moves you in some way. To me, the best way to do that begins with listening. Talking to people about their lives and the issues they care about is my favorite part of the job.
WUSF 89.7 depends on donors for the funding it takes to provide you the most trusted source of news and information here in town, across our state, and around the world. Support WUSF now by giving monthly, or make a one-time donation online.