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This month I have created a legislative informational newsletter to help you stay current on what is happening in Tallahassee on items that may affect education in the State of Florida.
 
Orange County School Board's Legislative Priorities:
As the Florida Legislature embarks on the 2016 Legislative Session the School Board of Orange County will be working hard to advocate for issues that positively impact the students, parents, teachers and employees of the district.

The Board's top priorities are to:
  • Support increase in the Digital Classroom Allocation that will allow school districts to improve their infrastructure and provide devices to support instruction and the delivery of state assessments so that every student can take assessments at the same time;
  • Support a continued approach to state accountability that minimizes the number of required assessments for all students;
  • Support an increase in per student funding of at least 3 percent for the 2016-17 school year; and
  • Support local control initiatives that will allow school districts and their stakeholders to make decisions in the best interest of their students.
Legislative Bills Pertaining to Education:
The bills that are moving through the process as session began are the following legislative bill list: (click on the bill number to learn specifics about each bill)
  • HB 669 relating to Educational Choice (Open Enrollment) by Rep. Sprowls
  • HB 7021 relating to Reading Instruction by Rep. Atkins
  • HB 7029 relating to School Choice Options (Charter Schools) by Rep. Cortes
  • HB 287 relating to Principal Pilot Autonomy Program by Rep. Diaz
  • HB 7039 relating to Interscholastic Activities (FHSAA) by Rep. Diaz
  • HB 149 relating to Class Size by Rep. Moriatis
  • HB 899 relating to Instructional Materials by Rep. Pilon
  • HJR 759 relating to Charter Schools by Rep. Diaz
  • HJR 539 relating to School District Governance by Rep. Caldwell
  • HB 833 relating to Public School Recess by Rep. Plasencia
  • HB 443 relating to Advanced International Certificate of Education (AICE) by Rep. Plasencia
Legislative Process Notes:  
Nearly all legislative committee and chamber meetings may be viewed via live webcast or archived videos on the Florida Channel at http://thefloridachannel.org/ .  Please remember that House bills are designated "HB" and are odd numbered - i.e. "HB 101" - while Senate Bills are designated "SB" and are even numbered - i.e. "SB 102".  Most bills filed in one chamber will have a "companion bill" filed in the other chamber. 
Staying Up on Legislation:
The following organizations provide up-to-date information on education legislation:
 
Florida PTA - http://floridapta.org/advocacy/advocacy/capwiz-legislative-alerts Sign up for Florida PTA's Take Action Network to learn more about legislative issues affecting families, schools and communities.
 
Florida School Boards Association - http://fsba.org/advocacy/advocacy-for-public-education/ FSBA's advocacy efforts are directed to the general public and policy makers on the local, state, and national level and focus on imparting a better understanding and appreciation of the successes and challenges of our public education system.
 
Scott Howat, Senior Executive Director, OCPS Planning, Governmental and Labor Relations - https://www.ocps.net/es/legislative/Pages/default.aspx During the legislative session Mr. Howat provides in-depth updates on legislation that impacts public education.  His updates and other legislative information such as the OCPS School Board Platforms are posted at this link.
A great way to get involved and keep up-to-date on what's happening at the school district level is to attend School Board Meetings and Work Sessions. Click here for a complete listing of board meeting/work session dates and topics. Hover over the date and the information will be displayed or you can scroll down below the calendar for an event listing with more details.
 
Thank you for allowing me to serve our community and please contact me anytime with questions, comments or concerns regarding the school district.

Nancy 

Nancy Robbinson
School Board Member, District 6
www.facebook.com/nancyrobbinsonocps
407-310-9194