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Parents, advocates at Indian River school board meeting decry vouchers and press for policy fixes
Summary
Public commenters urged the Indian River County School Board to defend public schools against vouchers and 'School of Hope' programs, asked why policy 5223 (release time for religious instruction) has not been implemented, and warned about potential privatization tied to Mater Academy/Academica.
At the Nov. 17 Indian River County School Board meeting, seven public commenters raised concerns about voucher programs, the state 'Phoenix' declaration, implementation of policy 5223 and the effect of proposed start‑time changes on single‑parent households.
Margaret Murray, vice chair of the Education Champions, opened the public‑comment period with a forceful warning about vouchers and so‑called 'schools of hope.' "Silence is not neutrality. Silence is surrender," she told the board, urging parents to organize to protect public schools.
Other speakers referenced the "Phoenix declaration" and asked whether state‑level guidance will narrow local curriculum or…
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