Gov. Scott signs schools bill opposed by Lee superintendent

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flgov.com

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP) Florida Gov. Rick Scott signed a sweeping education bill Thursday that school districts and superintendents had been asking him to veto.

The legislation (HB 7069) steers more money to privately run charter schools, requires recess in elementary schools and tinkers with the state’s oft-criticized standardized testing system. It also includes $30 million extra for a program that provides services to disabled children.

Superintendents say the legislation will be harmful to traditional public schools as some provisions require districts to share local tax dollars with charter schools. Lee County Superintendent Gregory Adkins stood with dozens of teachers last week to denounce the bill.

“I am, of course, disappointed in the signing of House Bill 7069,” Adkins said as part of a statement. “It is legislation that has major impact on our public education system, yet neither educators, nor the public, were ever given the opportunity for input.”

Scott said in a statement he would sign the bill because it increases school choice options for parents.

The legislation was a top priority for House Speaker Richard Corcoran.

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