New Florida Law: Charter & Public Schools Under One Roof in OC
A recently enacted Florida law, known as “Schools of Hope,” is set to significantly change how public and charter schools operate, particularly in Orange County. This legislation permits charter schools to utilize underused school district facilities, sparking notable concern and confusion among Orange County school board members.
Understanding Florida’s ‘Schools of Hope’ Law
The “Schools of Hope” law mandates that school districts allow certain charter schools to use vacant or underused district facilities. This provision aims to serve students from persistently low-performing schools.
What the Law Allows
Florida Statute 1002.333 states that school districts “must permit any school of hope to use all or part of underused, vacant, or surplus school district facilities, and receive facility-related services.” This means charter schools meeting specific criteria can move into existing public school buildings without paying rent.
Defining a ‘Hope Operator’
The Florida Department of Education defines a “School of Hope” as a charter school operated by a “hope operator.” A “hope operator” is a non-profit organization that manages three or more charter schools and has a proven track record of serving students from low-income families.
Orange County School Board Expresses Concerns
During a recent work session, Orange County school board members voiced strong reservations about the implications of this new law. Board member Stephanie Vanos, representing District 6, described the rule and law as “hastily and poorly written.”
Financial Strain on District Resources
One of the most pressing concerns for the board is the financial burden. District 3 representative Alicia Farrant questioned, “How do we fund this?” The law requires the district to permit these charter schools to use facilities without rent, while also being responsible for covering services such as food and transportation for the co-located charter students.
Impact on School Identity and Community
Superintendent Maria Vazquez highlighted non-financial concerns, particularly regarding the impact on existing school communities. She noted that “neighborhood schools are community anchors” and that “co-location can fracture a school’s identity, divide parent organizations, and create confusion about who’s accountable for the overall campus experience.”
Why the Law Was Passed: Addressing Underperformance
While sharing concerns about the law’s ambiguity, board member Alicia Farrant, who advocates for school choice, urged reflection on the circumstances leading to its passage. She pointed out that the district is “in this predicament because we have schools that are not servicing our kids in the ways that they should,” suggesting the law is a response to perceived underperformance in some public schools.
What’s Next for Orange County Schools?
The district has already received letters from charter schools requesting to move into underused facilities. Superintendent Vazquez and the board’s general counsel indicated that many of these requests have been rejected, partly because some operators were not yet authorized as “Schools of Hope” operators in Florida. This situation suggests ongoing negotiation and clarification will be necessary as the law is implemented.
Comparing Facility Use in Orange County
| Feature | Traditional Public Schools | Schools of Hope (Co-located) |
|---|---|---|
| Facility Ownership/Use | District-owned and operated | Uses underused district facilities |
| Rent/Lease | N/A (district property) | No rent required from charter school |
| Operating Services (Food, Transport) | Provided by district | District potentially covers these services for co-located charter schools |
| Accountability | Directly to Orange County Public Schools | Separate accountability, potential for campus confusion |
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is a “School of Hope”?
It’s a charter school operated by a “hope operator” (a non-profit with 3+ charter schools serving low-income families) that aims to serve students from persistently low-performing schools. - Why are Orange County board members concerned about funding?
The law requires the district to allow these charter schools to use facilities rent-free and potentially cover related services like food and transportation, straining district budgets. - What non-financial impacts are foreseen?
Concerns include fractured school identity, divided parent organizations, and confusion over accountability on shared campuses, impacting the community anchor role of neighborhood schools. - Has Orange County received requests from charter schools?
Yes, the district has received letters from charter schools seeking to move into underused facilities, though many have been rejected for various reasons, including operator authorization.
As this new law unfolds, Orange County families and educators will need to stay informed about how facility sharing between public and charter schools may reshape their local educational landscape and community resources.
Florida Charters Use Public School Facilities
