(Tallahassee, FL) - The Florida Chapter of the National Coalition for Public School Options (NCPSO), representing thousands of parents and students, today applauded members of the Florida Legislature for passing HB 7197, a measure expanding access to virtual education. The bill, sponsored by Representative Kelli Stargel (R-Lakeland) in the House and Senator Anitere Flores (R-Miami) in the Senate, will now be sent to Governor Rick Scott for his signature.
"Today's vote adopting HB 7197 is a tremendous victory for parents seeking more school choice options," said Wendy Howard, NCPSO Vice President and Florida Chapter Chair. "By authorizing additional avenues to access a quality state approved online school, Florida lawmakers recognized that when it comes to our children's education, one size doesn't fit all. We as parents are encouraged that Governor Scott will sign this virtual education legislation once he receives the measure from the Legislature."
Virtual Education Legislation:
The Florida Senate today voted 27-12 to pass House Bill 7197 expanding access to virtual education to more Florida families than ever before. This legislation:
- Allows for the creation of virtual charter schools in every school district in Florida.
- Requires school districts to offer multiple providers for parents and students.
- Removes the requirement that a Kindergarten or First Grade student must attend a public brick and mortar school before they can attend a virtual school.
The Florida Chapter of the National Coalition for Public School Options hosted a "School Choice Day" Rally in Tally on April 26, 2011. Over 600 parents and students gathered from every region in Florida to meet with elected officials to encourage support of HB 7197 and other school choice legislation.
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About The National Coalition for Public School Options
The National Coalition for Public School Options (NCPSO) is an alliance of parents that supports and defends parents' rights to access the best public school options for their children. The Coalition supports the creation of public school options, including charter schools, online schools, magnet schools, open enrollment policies and other innovative education programs. Additionally, NCPSO advocates for free and equal access without restrictions to these public schools for all children. For additional information, go to www.PublicSchoolOptions.org/Florida.
