Advocating for Education: 2025 FSBA Day in the Legislature

This week, I had the privilege of traveling to Tallahassee to participate in the 38th Annual Florida School Board Association (FSBA) Day in the Legislature. This event serves as a crucial opportunity for school board members across Florida to engage directly with state legislators, gain insights into education policies under consideration, and advocate for the needs of our students, families, educators, and communities.

Advocating for Citrus County Schools

As part of the Citrus County School Board delegation, I joined fellow board members in meeting with key legislators and state leaders. Our discussions focused on the pressing needs of our students, families, schools, and the broader community. We had meaningful conversations with Florida Senator Blaise Ingoglia and Florida House Representative J.J. Grow, sharing our perspectives on how legislative decisions impact education in Citrus County.

I am especially grateful to Senator Ingoglia and Representative Grow for their passion and commitment to our students and educators, particularly for their invaluable support in expanding career and technical education opportunities in our high schools. Programs such as our Academy of Health Careers—highlighted in this year’s legislative funding request—are essential. They provide industry certifications and real-world experiences that not only prepare students for immediate entry into the workforce but also create pathways that strengthen and benefit our communities.

These discussions provided a vital platform for advocating policy changes and securing resources to help our schools thrive. We emphasized the importance of continued investment in public education, ensuring students have access to high-quality learning experiences, and supporting educators in their mission to guide the next generation.

Commissioner Manny Díaz Jr.’s Address

Florida Commissioner of Education Manny Díaz Jr. addressed FSBA members, sharing his insights and encouragement for the future of education in Florida. He urged us to continue reassuring families, educators, and communities that, despite potential changes at the federal level, Florida remains committed to educational excellence. Commissioner Díaz encouraged school districts to embrace innovation, explore new ways to enhance student learning, and expand educational offerings. He also emphasized the importance of collaboration with the Florida Department of Education, reaffirming the department’s commitment to supporting local initiatives and ensuring the best possible outcomes for students, families, and communities.

The Classroom of the Future

A highlight of this trip was my participating in the ‘Classroom of the Future’ event, hosted by the Florida K12 AI Task Force at the Tallahassee State College Center for Innovation. This event explored the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into education and how AI tools can enhance teaching and learning experiences.

As the Chairman of the FSBA AI/IT in Education Committee, I had the opportunity to co-present a Fireside Chat alongside Dr. Demetrius Rice, Director of Strategic Operations for FSBA. Our discussion focused on “Five Best Practices for Implementing AI Tools into Your Workflow,” a topic of growing importance as AI continues to shape the educational landscape.

We highlighted the benefits of AI in streamlining administrative tasks, enhancing personalized learning experiences, and supporting educators in delivering high-quality instruction. The session provided valuable insights into how schools can responsibly and effectively integrate AI technologies while addressing ethical considerations and data privacy concerns—all while ensuring that we prepare students to succeed in an increasingly AI-driven world.

The Florida K-12 AI Task Force is composed of over 80 dedicated members, including University of Florida faculty and staff, Florida district and school administrators, district information and instructional technology leaders, parent groups, school board members, community college administrators, industry professionals, and nonprofit leaders, and teachers. I am honored to work alongside these educators and innovators as we shape the future of AI in education, ensuring that technology enhances learning experiences while maintaining ethical and practical considerations.

Key Legislative Developments

In addition to meetings and presentations, we closely reviewed numerous filed bills and their potential impact on Florida’s students and school districts. Among the many legislative proposals, two bills stand out as particularly promising:

SB 166 – Administrative Efficiency in Public Schools

Sponsored by Senator Simon, this bill continues efforts to deregulate public education initiated last year in the Florida Senate. A key provision modifies high school graduation requirements. Instead of the 10th Grade English Language Arts (ELA) assessment and Algebra I End-of-Course (EOC) exam serving as standalone barriers to graduation, the bill proposes incorporating these scores into students’ final grades.

This shift could create new opportunities for students by reducing high-stakes testing pressure while maintaining rigorous academic standards. It acknowledges that a single test should not define a student’s educational journey and allows for a more holistic assessment of academic achievement.

HB 261 / CS/SB 296 – Middle and High School Start Times

Another significant legislative proposal is HB 261 in the Florida House, co-sponsored by Representatives Booth, Mooney, Tendrich, and Weinberger, and CS/SB 296 in the Florida Senate, sponsored by Senator Bradley. These bills seek to repeal or provide local autonomy over the state-mandated school start times set to take effect by July 1, 2026. Currently, middle schools must begin no earlier than 8:00 AM and high schools no earlier than 8:30 AM.

The mandated statewide implementation presents logistical challenges for districts, including transportation constraints and budgetary concerns. This bill would return decision-making authority to local school districts, allowing them to determine start times based on their unique needs and circumstances.

Moving Forward

The 2025 FSBA Day in the Legislature reaffirmed the importance of collaboration between educators, policymakers, and community stakeholders in shaping the future of education in Florida. As we move forward, the school district remains committed to advocating for policies that enhance student success, respect our families, support educators, and strengthen our school system.

I look forward to continuing these discussions with our legislators, colleagues on the Citrus County School Board, FSBA members, and stakeholders in our community. Together, we will work to ensure that every student in our district has the resources and opportunities they need to succeed.

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