Our traditional public schools are facing a growing crisis in this rapidly evolving landscape of schools and “school choice.” Public schools are competing with private schools (Florida now offers private school vouchers, regardless of income) and a dizzying number of charter schools that continue to pop up.
The options are overwhelming, and many families aren’t aware of the differences between these types of schools. There is a pervasive (albeit inaccurate) belief that private schools and charters offer a superior education. The reality is this: While there are many wonderful options for families and their students, private or charter does not automatically equal “better,” and public schools are not the “second-rate” option.
READ: Rising Up for Our Neighborhood Public Middle School
What the Teachers Have to Say
I recently spoke with a few educators and posed the questions, “What makes public schools special? What value do public schools bring to our community?” Here is what some of them had to say:
“Public schools are unique in their inclusivity and accountability. Unlike many private or charter schools that have the flexibility to select their students or release those who may present challenges, public schools are committed to serving ALL students. This includes those with disabilities, ensuring that every child has access to the resources they need to succeed. Public schools have built-in systems of support that prevent them from giving up on students, no matter the difficulty. This creates a more equitable and inclusive environment, where all children are given a chance to thrive. They also provide essential services that extend beyond education, such as meals, counseling, and extracurricular activities, which are vital to the well-being of many students and their families.”
“What I love most is how public schools serve every child. They have qualified, certified educators who meet the needs of each child, right where they are. Public schools are special because they contribute to the history of the city; many schools have traditions that run deep and involve alumni. Families have generational ties to these schools.”
“I love the diversity and different backgrounds that students in public schools bring with them; I think it’s good for kids to be exposed to all different ‘walks of life.’ It better prepares them for the real world, fosters empathy, and supports their collaboration and teamwork skills. I also believe in the importance of students being surrounded by a true reflection of their community and world.”
How You Can Help
Our neighborhood schools are facing a heartbreaking number of setbacks due to decreasing enrollment numbers. There are frankly too many school options (many of which ultimately are not meeting the needs of students), and this causes school funding to be spread entirely too thin.
READ: DCPS Considering Closing Several Beloved Public Schools
What many don’t realize is that the initial funding and resource allocation process is based on enrollment numbers on the 7th day of school. If enrollment numbers are too low, schools are forced to begin cutting teachers and other resources. Every year like clockwork, we see large numbers of families leave charter schools weeks into the school year, returning to traditional neighborhood schools when they realize the charter school isn’t meeting their child’s individual needs. Unfortunately, the enrollment numbers have already been counted by the 7th day of school, resources have been allocated based on this attendance count, and valuable educators and other resources have been cut from beloved public schools. Our public schools do not receive this critical resource allocation if you transfer your child after the 7th day of school; the funding allocation stays with the charter school whether or not your child is still there. This chaos disrupts funding and harms our educators and other valuable staff, not to mention our students.
Public schools must legally serve ALL students, regardless of race, sex, disability, and socioeconomic status. They often have low staff turnover, a time-tested track record of excellence, and are truly invested in helping every child receive the education they deserve. There are several ways our community can come together to support and save our traditional public schools:
- Enroll your child in your neighborhood school. You will become an important member of a valuable community of educators, neighbors, and other families. When you invest in public schools, you are investing in the entire community.
- Vote! There are currently four school board seats in Duval County up for election. Early voting ends on August 18, 2024, and election day is August 20, 2024. We also have the Florida General Election on November 5, 2024. Research the candidates, speak to your neighbors, and exercise your civic duty by showing up to the polls. We need candidates from the local level all the way to the national level who will help us advocate for our teachers and public schools. For more voter information, please visit duvalelections.com.
- Get involved. There are countless opportunities to become involved with your neighborhood school. Join the PTA, volunteer in your child’s class, or help out with the book fair or any special school traditions. There are countless ways to support your school and your child’s teachers.
- Be a public school advocate. Share your positive public school experiences with friends, neighbors, and on social media. There is a sea of misinformation about public schools and the public school experience; speak up and let others know how important our public schools are. There are also many opportunities to get involved with the Public School Defenders of Duval County — follow them on Facebook and Instagram.
About the Author
Gamble Scott is a proud mom of two spirited daughters and is a passionate advocate in her community. If she isn’t volunteering at her kids’ beloved neighborhood school, she’s probably at a rally (stop banning books!) or speaking at one of the local school board meetings. She has written for MomsRising.org and is a dedicated advocate for the Public School Defenders of Duval County.
