The Hillsborough County School Board voted Dec. 9 to approve a proclamation expressing concern about recent changes to Florida's Schools of Hope law that would make it easier for private operators to co-locate inside public school facilities.

The move came after more than two hours of public comment in which parents, students and advocacy groups urged the board to oppose the legislation. Speakers repeatedly cited worries about district finances, student safety, access to student data and the loss of local oversight if for‑profit charter operators are allowed to occupy public school buildings rent‑free.

Why it matters: Board members and many members of the public said the co‑location provisions shift taxpayer-funded services — custodial work, transportation, food service and security — to districts while private operators retain academic control. That, speakers said, risks diverting funds away from neighborhood schools and complicates responsibility for safety and discipline.

Multiple speakers urged specific remedies or actions. Parent Laura Garcia said the change threatened the continuity of neighborhood schools and called on the district to protect public options. "Expanding Dobie to a K through 8 would bring students back," she said, arguing district expansion could retain families in public schools.

Board deliberations: Board members framed the proclamation as a request for clarity and accountability in Tallahassee. Member Combs told the board, "I'm here for Hillsborough County taxpayers," stressing concerns about what she called an unfunded mandate. Several members asked staff and the district's lobbying team to continue refining the board's message and to press for clear definitions (for example, what constitutes an "underused" facility) and compensation for district services used by colocated operators.

Opposition and dissent: Member Rendon said she would not support a document that she viewed as directed at students currently served by Schools of Hope and argued the board should pursue diplomatic engagement with state officials instead of a condemnatory proclamation.

Votes at a glance (actions recorded at the meeting):
- Agenda adoption: motion by Member Gray, second Member Vaughn — passed unanimously (SEG 084–090).
- Approval of Nov. 18 and Dec. 2 minutes: motion by Member Washington, second Member Gray — passed unanimously (SEG 093–100).
- Proclamation on Schools of Hope (AO3): presented by Mister Porter; motion by Member Combs, second by Member Vaughn; approved after debate; dissent recorded from Member Rendon in discussion (SEG 1715–2273).
- Other items approved at the meeting (see separate items): Project Read AI purchase (C101) — unanimous approval (SEG 2279–2490); charter applications for Terrace Academy (C203) and High Point Academy (C204) — approved (SEG 2550–2760); supplemental nursing staffing RFP (301) — approved with Member Gray dissenting (SEG 2990–3577); budget amendments (C601) — approved unanimously (SEG 3588–3760).

What happens next: The proclamation is a public statement of the board's concerns and does not alter state law. Board members asked staff to use the proclamation to educate the community and to continue diplomatic outreach to legislators and state education officials, while monitoring proposed implementation details and any rule‑making that would affect district operations.

Provenance: Reporting in this article is drawn from board discussion, staff presentations and public comment on the Schools of Hope proclamation and related debate (transcript span SEG 898–2273).

Ending: The board approved the proclamation and asked staff to refine recommended definitions and safeguards to present to state officials and the public.