Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Hillsborough school board adopts proclamation opposing 'Schools of Hope' co-location after hours of public comment
Summary
Following hours of public comment, the Hillsborough County School Board on Dec. 9 approved a proclamation expressing concern about the 2025 Schools of Hope co-location law, citing student safety, funding and local control. The vote followed repeated testimony from parents, students and community groups asking the board to resist the statutory changes.
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…
Already have an account? Log in
Subscribe to keep reading
Unlock the rest of this article — and every article on Citizen Portal.
- Unlimited articles
- AI-powered breakdowns of topics, speakers, decisions, and budgets
- Instant alerts when your location has a new meeting
- Follow topics and more locations
- 1,000 AI Insights / month, plus AI Chat
