Make no mistake about it. The most significant issue facing our public school system today is declining student enrollment. No one is talking about it. As a candidate, I plan to make the issue front and center.

Public school enrollment across the United States has been witnessing a notable decline, and Florida is no exception. This trend raises critical questions about the future of public education in the state. The factors contributing to this decline are plentiful: state voucher programs, an increase in school choice options, an erosion of public confidence in public schools, an overemphasis on standardized testing, substandard school resources, and an outdated curriculum. All of these issues are having an impact on student enrollment, and if we don't do anything about it, the public education system is in dire straits.

The Covid-19 Pandemic accelerated the problem

The Covid-19 Pandemic caused schools to shut down and forced them to implement online teaching and learning. Brevard County, like most counties, were ill prepared. Our schools did not have enough computers for the students; many teachers were not trained or qualified to teach online; and there were connectivity issues. Not all students had access to the internet. All of these reasons exposed our school district as being unequippped to handle online learning. After covid, we have seen a huge uptick in online school choice options that are capitalizing off of the lack of preparedness from our schools. But, it did not have to be this way.

In the 2013-2014 School funding cycle, 4 schools were awarded federal funding to become Magnet Schools. Stone Middle, Palm Bay High, McNair Middle & Golfview Elementary. The schools shared roughly 12 million dollars to implement innovative currcicular programs, upgrade learning resources, train teachers, students and staff,  and improve the school's image overall. 

The implementation of the magnet schools were a great success. Stone became the Brevard County's 1st 1:1 (student to technology device) program in the district. This included Macbook airs for all the students, comprehensive training for students and teachers, upgraded technology infrasturucture, etc. It was a great accomplishment, especially in a district that has taken an anti-technology approach for quite some time. This should have been a model for other schools to follow, and it was never prioritized. Many district leaders chose to focus on standards-based instruction, and many felt that technology was a detriment to learning. In fact, this sentiment is still evident with district-wide policies that seek to ban tech in class and schools.

I was a proud part of that initiative, and played a huge role in it. Had the school district been more pro tech since this time (2013), they would have been more prepared to address the problems that the Covid-19 pandemic caused. All schools should be equipped to facilitate online learning. It is 2024.

Voucher Program and School Choice

Florida has been at the forefront of implementing school voucher programs, which allow public funding to be used for private school tuition. This initiative, while offering parents and students more choices, has inadvertently contributed to the decline in public school enrollment. According to data from the Florida Department of Education, the number of students utilizing these vouchers has steadily increased, drawing resources and students away from public schools.

In addition to vouchers, the rise of charter schools and online education options has further expanded the landscape of school choice. Charter schools, which are publicly funded but operate independently of the traditional public school system, have been particularly popular. They promise specialized curricula and innovative teaching methods, attracting families seeking alternatives to the conventional public school experience. This shift is evident in cities like Miami and Tampa, where charter schools have seen significant growth in enrollment numbers.

Erosion of Public Confidence

Another significant factor contributing to the declining enrollment is the erosion of public confidence. Stories of underfunded schools, deteriorating facilities, an over emphasis on standardized testing, school safety concerns, and a lack of curricular options have painted a bleak picture of the public education system. Parents, concerned about the quality of education and the safety of their children, are increasingly looking for alternatives. High-profile incidents of violence, bullying, hazing, inadequate support for students with special needs, etc. have only exacerbated these concerns.

Standardized Testing Overload

The overemphasis on standardized testing is another issue driving families away from public schools. Florida has been criticized for its heavy reliance on these tests to evaluate student performance, teacher effectiveness, and school quality. The pressure to perform well on standardized tests can stifle creativity and critical thinking, leading to a rote learning environment that many parents find unappealing. This test-centric approach often reduces learning to a series of drills and practice tests, which can be discouraging for both students and teachers.

Outdated Curriculum

An outdated curriculum that fails to engage students or prepare them adequately for the future is another reason families are leaving public schools. While some schools have made efforts to incorporate more technology and contemporary subjects, many public schools in Florida still adhere to a traditional curriculum that does not reflect the rapidly changing world. Subjects such as coding, digital literacy, and global studies are often lacking, leaving students ill-prepared for the demands of the modern workforce and higher education. 

Moving Forward

Addressing the decline in public school enrollment in Florida requires a multi-faceted approach. Here are some steps that could help reverse this trend:

1. Modernizing the Curriculum: Updating the curriculum to include more relevant and engaging subjects can make public schools more attractive. Emphasizing STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) education, the arts, and practical life skills can better prepare students for the future. 
2. Reducing the Emphasis on Standardized Testing: Shifting the focus from standardized testing to a more holistic approach to education can create a more stimulating learning environment. This might include project-based learning, critical thinking exercises, and other methods that foster a love of learning.
3. Improving School Facilities and Resources: Investing in public school infrastructure to create safe, modern, and well-equipped learning environments is crucial. This includes updating technology, to include infrastructure, and changing the landscape of how the traditional classroom looks. Most classrooms today still look similar to what they looked liked decades ago. So much has changed technologically in our world, and it's time for our classrooms to look like what it looks like to work at innovative tech companies, like Google.
4. Restoring Public Confidence: Building trust with parents and the community through transparency, improved communication, and basing decisions on what is best for our students can go a long way in restoring confidence in the public school system. Highlighting successes and creating strong school-community partnerships are essential steps. Most importantly, we need to bring decorum back to our schools. The public will not trust a school district where bickering and arguing is common amongst school board members. School officials need to work together.
5. Balancing School Choice with Public School Support: While school choice is important, ensuring that public schools remain a viable and attractive option for families is critical. This means providing adequate funding and resources to public schools, even as alternative education options expand. We need to make sure that all students in our nation have a fair and equal chance to achieve success and live out their version of the American dream. Not all parents are going to go through the efforts of researching what are the best and most viable education options for their children. Public schools need to provide an excellent alternative, for both conscientious parents and those that are not.
   
   
   

The decline in public school enrollment in Florida is a complex issue with no single solution. Ths is singularly the most important issue that faces public education today. We must address the underlying causes and take proactive steps to improve public education. Florida can work towards a future where all students have access to high-quality, engaging, and effective schooling options. But, it is going to take a great effort by a cohesive group of people that can work together, and be willing to challenge the status quo. If we don't make the effort to address the elephant in the room, declining student enrollment, our public school system, will be in great peril.