- May 2, 2024
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The Florida House of Representatives approved what has become known as the Parent Trigger bill, 68 to 51, on Thursday, April 4. The bill would give parents a role in deciding what happens to failing schools, including the option of closing the school or converting it to a charter school. According to stateimpact.npr.org, "Now it’s up to the Senate. That’s where the bill died last year on the last day of session in a tie vote."
The following is a statement from Flagler County's state representative, Travis Hutson:
"Last week, I voted no on House Bill 867, commonly known as the Parent Trigger bill. Although it was a popular idea with many in my party, I had to vote my conscience and cast my vote for what I feel is best for Florida's schools, parents, and students.
"The track record of similar legislation enacted in other states has been murky at best. I see no need to put Florida through a similar situation when our current laws already offer parents and students more choices and more empowerment than almost any other state. I firmly believe in the electoral process and feel such concerns for failing schools should be addressed through the framework of school board elections rather than the vagaries of a petition drive.
"I understand and empathize with the intent to offer parents an outlet for their children in failing or struggling schools; however, I do not believe this bill will do much to help students in the few cases it may be used while likely creating confusion and fostering mistrust statewide.
"Thank you to all my constituents who took the time to voice their opinions on this legislation. I truly appreciate the opportunity to represent this district and will always listen to the people of this district with an open heart and mind."
