Former Florida governor speaks to MO lawmakers about school choice

Former Florida governor Jeb Bush spoke with Missouri lawmakers about school choice and charter schools Thursday.

When Bush began his time as Florida’s governor in 1999, Florida was ranked 46th in Kindergarten through 12th grade education; the state is now in the top 10.

Under Bush’s time in office, Florida created a grade system for schools grading them A through F based on test scores, and parents with children in failing schools had the choice to send their child elsewhere. Bush said that public schools get better when parents have school choice.

“Florida was at the bottom in learning gains, which is the only thing that matters, and now Florida is leading nation in some areas, while others areas have room for improvement,” Bush said.

Missouri Representative Rebecca Roeber is sponsoring a bill that would eliminate restrictions on charter schools. The former school teacher said she believes that the best way for students to achieve their life potential is by getting an education.

“Increasing school choice by expanding charters, virtual learning and tax savings accounts will allow these students to live up to their full potential and learn the necessary skills to become happy productive citizens,” Roeber said.

She also said that charter schools would encourage innovation and excellence in traditional public schools, and she believes she has already seen these things in the schools in Kansas City and St. Louis, the two cities in Missouri that currently allow charter schools.

Bush also addressed some of the criticism presented against charter schools. He said that charter schools are “independent public” schools and should be held accountable accordingly. However, he also said that charter schools should be allowed certain freedoms.

“We can’t regulate everything to a point where you have no innovation at all,” Bush said. “So there is a balance between giving charter schools the freedom to innovate and making sure tax payer dollars are protected.”

Bush also spoke about the need to not have student focus be solely on attending college after high school. He said there are many jobs that need to be filled that don’t require a traditional four-year education.

State Representative Chuck Basye agreed, giving the example of welding jobs that are currently in high demand. Students can go to a tech school or community college to learn a trade and make a good living without a four-year degree.