Schiller suggests idea of district-run charter schools in face of voucher legislation
Should Brevard Public Schools create its own charter schools to stave off the loss of funding and students the district could face if a bill expanding eligibility for vouchers becomes law in Florida?
That was the suggestion of Interim Superintendent Robert Schiller at a Monday board work session, where he told board members it might be in their best interest to establish the “Brevard Public Schools Charter School District,” allowing the board or the to-be-hired superintendent to be the chartering official.
While board member Katye Campbell expressed apprehension at rushing into the idea, saying it could upset the community, Schiller said it's a model the Miami Dade School District uses that has been successful.
“Folks want change. Parents want more options and choices,” Schiller said. “I would propose one of the things is to start thinking really big.”
The suggestion came on the heels of Florida HB1 being referred to appropriations in the Senate Monday, and its companion bill SB 202 being moved to the Senate floor March 16. Both bills would create a universal voucher program for private education, broadening eligibility for students of all grade levels throughout the state.
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House Bill 1, introduced by House Speaker Paul Renner in mid-January, aims to allow all students access to “school choice” — in other words, the ability to attend private schools of their choosing using public funds. The expansion also allows for the use of public funding for homeschooling, college courses, private tutoring and other expenses.
The bill, which will have an "indeterminate fiscal impact" on state government and no impact on local government, according to a House of Representatives staff analysis, would have an effective date of July 1 if signed into law.
Currently there are 14 public charter schools in Brevard County, though they are not governed by Brevard Public Schools. According to BPS’ website, these schools operate independently of the district for the most part. Though they are accountable to the district for student academic performance and fiscal management, the district does not manage them.
Schiller suggested potentially changing some existing schools in areas that “have flexibility” into charter schools, though board member Campbell opposed the idea, saying it could upset community members who are already attending these schools and do not wish to attend a charter school.
“(If) we turn that into a charter school, then you’re not really going to be zoned for that school,” she said. “We are going to turn communities upside down by doing that … are we putting lipstick on a pig? It’s the same building, we can call it something else. That’s why I don’t want to rush.”
Board Chair Matt Susin said they should stay open to opportunities.
“If there’s an opportunity somewhere, we strike,” he said. “I think having an overall scope of ‘Let’s get going, let’s get moving and let’s have some conversations’ is part of the process.”
Beginning the process of creating charter schools managed by the district would help BPS become more competitive as parents and students consider various options for education, Schiller said.
“Is it a cure all? No. But it puts you in the same posture to be able to compete for the same students (who would choose charter schools),” he said.
Finch Walker is the education reporter at FLORIDA TODAY. Contact Walker at 321-290-4744 or fwalker@floridatoday.com. Twitter: @_finchwalker.
This article originally appeared on Florida Today: School choice bill prompts BPS talk on district-run charter schools
