(Tallahassee, FL) - The Florida Coalition for Public School Options (FCPSO) today hosted a successful School Choice Day with the second annual Rally in Tally. Over 600 parents and students gathered from every region in Florida to learn first-hand about the legislative process, listen to remarks from high-level policymakers, and interact with their elected representatives.
The event kicked off at the Leon County Civic Center with presentations from Rose Fernandez, Executive Director of the National Parent Network for Online Learning; Adam Peshek, Foundation for Florida's Future; and Brian Kennedy, Executive Director of the National Coalition for Public School Options. Participants then marched to the Capitol to show their support for public school choice legislation.
Florida has long been recognized as a leader in providing families with school choice and public school options. Charter schools, virtual education, corporate tax credit tuition scholarships and McKay scholarships have all served to increase parental choice and ensure thousands of children have access to the education model that best serves their learning needs. But there are many Florida families who have not yet been able to realize the benefits of school choice. For these families to have access to these same options Florida lawmakers must take the next steps towards expanding School Choice.
At the steps of the Capitol, Florida Coalition for Public School Options President Wendy Howard emceed an awards ceremony where policymakers were recognized for their support. The Future of Educations' Golden Apple Award was presented to Governor Rick Scott, Senate President Mike Haridopolos (R-Melbourne), Senator Anitere Flores (R-Miami), State Representative Kelli Stargel (R-Lakeland), and Representative Will Weatherford (R-Wesley Chapel).
In addressing the large crowd of attendees, Governor Rick Scott said, "We're also working to expand school choice, allow[ing] more children to go to good charter schools. We think more children should have the opportunity that you have had to choose a school where you think you will be most likely to succeed."
Senate President Mike Haridopolos who also spoke to the participants added, "Thank you for coming up, standing up, [and] in making sure that everyone in Florida has the choice to go to the school of their choice so they can earn the ultimate civil right - a first class education in the state of Florida."
The day concluded with one-on-one meetings between parents, students and their elected officials.
"It is vital for legislators to hear from those who have the most at stake when it comes to the quality of our education system and the issue of school choice," said FCPSO President, Wendy Howard. "This day is a wonderful opportunity for parents to show their children that democracy is real, and it can work. What better lesson to give our future leaders?"
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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.
