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Hillsborough board hears sharp public opposition to state "Schools of Hope" rule as members debate response
Summary
Public commenters and several board members urged the board to oppose 2025 changes to Florida’s Schools of Hope rule, citing rent‑free use of district facilities, transfer of services to private operators and access to student records; the board debated a proclamation and split over tactics.
Public commenters and a majority of school‑board members pressed Hillsborough County Public Schools on Nov. 18 to oppose changes to Florida’s Schools of Hope rule, saying the 2025 amendments allow for‑profit charter operators to occupy public school space rent‑free and to gain access to district services and student records.
At the public‑comment portion of the board’s reorganization meeting, Gianni Hunt, a parent and community advocate, told the board that the change “hands [public] school space to private operators with no local oversight or local voice” and asked members to “protect our public schools.” Ellen Lyons, who described proposed changes to the statute in detail, said the amendment lets “private for‑profit operators occupy classrooms, cafeteria space, athletics facilities, and other spaces for free” and warned that operators could receive “free student nutrition…
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