DeSantis Gets Stuart Rep's Bill Revamping Treasure Coast Schools

A bill co-written by a Stuart Republican now sits on Gov. Ron DeSantis' desk, carrying provisions that could reshape how Treasure Coast charter schools handle struggling students, where private schools can operate, and what elementary schoolers learn to write.

DeSantis received SB 182 on Thursday and has 15 days to sign it, veto it, or allow it to become law without his signature. The bill's reach extends into nearly every corner of Florida education policy — an unusual blend of Democratic and Republican priorities that critics and supporters alike have called a legislative chimera.

The measure began as a four-page proposal from Miami Gardens Democratic Sen. Shevrin Jones to let experienced or highly rated retired teachers mentor newer or struggling educators, particularly in low-performing schools. That core survived intact. But before the bill crossed the finish line, Rep. John Snyder — a Republican representing Stuart — joined Jones in attaching nine pages of amendments that transformed the legislation.

Among the additions most likely to affect Treasure Coast families: charter schools would face new restrictions on dismissing students for academic reasons. Under the amended bill, a school would first have to create a progress-monitoring plan and could not push out students during school-improvement or corrective-action periods. That provision originated from legislation co-sponsored by Fort Pierce Republican Rep. Dana Trabulsy, whose district includes students enrolled in St. Lucie County charter schools.

Private schools would gain significant new flexibility under the bill, allowing them to operate in church buildings, museums, theaters, former schools or day care centers without triggering rezoning or special land-use approval. Schools enrolling 150 students or fewer could set up in commercial or mixed-use zones as long as they meet fire safety standards — a change that could ease expansion pressures for smaller faith-based and independent schools throughout the Treasure Coast.

The bill also requires public school students in grades three through five to learn cursive writing and mandates that public schools display portraits of Presidents George Washington and Abraham Lincoln, with images provided by the Florida Department of Education. Snyder co-sponsored that provision as well.

Unused tax credit scholarship funds would be returned to the issuing scholarship organization rather than reverting to the state and would have to be redeployed as scholarships — a change advocates say protects funding for low-income students.

The Florida House passed the amended bill 91-11 on March 12, with all opposing votes coming from Democrats. The Senate approved it unanimously the same day.

If DeSantis signs the bill, Treasure Coast parents, school administrators and charter operators should watch for implementation guidance from the Florida Department of Education, which would establish timelines and standards for the bill's major provisions.

This article was generated with AI assistance using publicly available information. It was reviewed and approved by a human editor before publication. TC Sentinel uses AI writing tools in accordance with FTC guidelines.