Home / Education / Florida's 'Schools of Hope' Clash With Brevard Public Schools
Florida's 'Schools of Hope' Clash With Brevard Public Schools
2 Dec
Summary
- Brevard Public Schools will form a task force for Florida's 'Schools of Hope' law.
- A charter school operator, Mater Academy, wants to co-locate at four BPS sites.
- District officials cite safety and facility availability concerns for pushback.
Brevard Public Schools is preparing to form a task force to navigate Florida's "Schools of Hope" initiative. This state law encourages high-performing private charter schools to operate within underperforming public school facilities, including through co-location at underutilized sites.
Mater Academy, a state-approved operator, has expressed interest in establishing programs at four Brevard schools. However, the district has raised objections, pointing out that some of the targeted schools are highly rated and not in designated "Opportunity Zones." Specific concerns also involve the feasibility of Mater's proposed programs and the availability of requested space.
School Board Chair Matt Susin highlighted that the district needs to address operational questions, such as providing school resource officers and specialists, while ensuring taxpayer-funded buildings are utilized for community benefit and parental choice. The safety of students remains a paramount concern throughout this process.
