SB 2015 (2025) Schools of “Nope”
Many of us have heard the rumors in regard to the Charter School provisions titled “Schools of Hope.” While the Schools of Hope as a program have been around for nearly a decade, in the current iteration, it has become less of an equal opportunity for student education and more a parasite who has found an unprotected host in every school district in the state we call home.
Originally submitted as an appropriations bill back in March of this year, no one could have ever imagined the momentum that quietly built up behind it and the nefarious intentions that revealed themselves just a few weeks ago.
A Bill Passed in the Shadows
Just a mere 20 minutes after the bill left the House, the Senate passed it with a nearly 90% yea vote, snuck in under the cover of a larger omnibus bill for appropriations on the 106th day of a 60-day legislative session.
With little observation and even far less debate, this bill carried with it two potential disease-laden provisions designed to rot Public Education from within its own institutions.
Many of us have heard the rumors in regard to the Charter School provisions titled “Schools of Hope.” While the Schools of Hope as a program have been around for nearly a decade, in the current iteration, it has become less of an equal opportunity for student education and more a parasite who has found an unprotected host in every school district in the state we call home.
Originally submitted as an appropriations bill back in March of this year, no one could have ever imagined the momentum that quietly built up behind it and the nefarious intentions that revealed themselves just a few weeks ago.
A Bill Passed in the Shadows
Just a mere 20 minutes after the bill left the House, the Senate passed it with a nearly 90% yea vote, snuck in under the cover of a larger omnibus bill for appropriations on the 106th day of a 60-day legislative session.
With little observation and even far less debate, this bill carried with it two potential disease-laden provisions designed to rot Public Education from within its own institutions.
Provision 1: Redefining “Persistently Low-Performing School”
The first provision was the redefinition of what a “persistently low-performing school” is. The new definition expanded to ones that now included schools that had unused educational space due to lower enrollment.
This change can seem small on its face; however, let’s dive into the numbers:
In the 23–24 school year, under the original language, Florida had 51 schools that fell under the parameters of Schools of Hope.
With the new language passed just this June, that number is set to increase to 267.
That is a 400% increase in the schools that are within grasp of Charter Programs and Schools of Hope.
Yet this is only the least shocking of the insidious provisions slipped into this bill on the darkening day this June.
Provision 2: Forced Cohabitation
The more surreptitious provision is cohabitation — one that requires public schools with empty workspaces to offer those spaces to a School of Hope proprietor entirely at the expense of the local school district.
They are required by law to provide everything from nurses to food services.
These private institutions have finally attained the goal to privatize gains and subsidize losses with full legislative approval.
The Illusion of a Free Market
We in union leadership welcome and fully support an education free market because that kind of system leads to innovation and creation. However, this is no free market when those in Tallahassee put their finger on the scales.
The voucher system in our state was sold to parents as free choice in the way you educate your kids.
Don’t like your school or your failing district?
Worry not!
Send your kids to Charter where your oversight is neither asked for nor given…
According to the Florida Policy Institute, the 25–26 school year is projecting vouchers to total over $5 BILLION dollars in funding.
It is almost incomprehensible for us to realize exactly how much money that is because we have never actually seen it in person. When I tell this to my students, I try to use time as an analogy.
If every second were to represent $1, $5 billion is the equivalent of 153 years’ worth of seconds…
All that time that could be used to drastically change the lives of students in districts most in need.
The Statute Speaks for Itself
To truly underline the inequities created by those elected to protect our students and our future, look no further than the Schools of Hope statute 1002.333 6(f) that states:
“Schools operated by a hope operator shall be exempt from chapters 1000–1013 and all school board policies.”
It is right there where my Papa Sal would say:
“It’s time to go to the mattresses.”
Author
Zachary Wiegers
Treasurer, IRCEA
Office: 772-567-1066
You’ve seen the legal notice at your school site—and now ballots are showing up in your mailbox. What’s going on?
It means the vote to recertify our union is officially happening—finally.
Here’s what you need to know:
Back in April of last year, we collected 724 white card signatures to get IRCEA on the ballot. These cards were required just to have the opportunity to vote on keeping our union.
Then… nothing.
The vote we were told would happen in December was delayed for months. In fact, it was delayed so long that we have already collected white cards all over again this year—yes, this is now an annual process.
It means the vote to recertify our union is officially happening—finally.
Here’s what you need to know:
Back in April of last year, we collected 724 white card signatures to get IRCEA on the ballot. These cards were required just to have the opportunity to vote on keeping our union.
Then… nothing.
The vote we were told would happen in December was delayed for months. In fact, it was delayed so long that we have already collected white cards all over again this year—yes, this is now an annual process.
This isn’t just bureaucracy.
It’s a tactic to slowly erode the power of those trying to represent you.
And now, with almost no warning, the state is suddenly moving fast. Ballots are arriving in mailboxes, and votes will be counted at 1PM on April 30.
This drawn-out timeline followed by a rushed election isn’t just sloppy—it’s strategic.
It’s another union-busting tactic.
They’re counting on confusion, delays, and voter fatigue to keep participation low.
They want you to miss the vote.
But we’re not falling for it. We’re ready.
What you need to do:
Check your mailbox. Ballots are being mailed by PERC, not IRCEA.
Vote YES for IRCEA.
Mail your ballot immediately.
Ballots must be in-hand by April 30 at 1PM—not just postmarked.
Why your vote matters:
To stay certified, IRCEA must win a majority of the votes cast.
That means even if most votes are “yes,” low turnout could result in decertification.
Let’s not let confusion and red tape do what bad legislation couldn’t.
As soon as your ballot arrives, vote YES—and send it back immediately.
Tell your coworkers. Spread the word.
Vote early. Vote YES. Mail it now.
Statement Regarding the Comments of School Board Member Dr. Gene Posca
The Indian River County Education Association (IRCEA) strongly condemns the inaccurate and harmful accusations made by School Board member Dr. Gene Posca at the April 22nd board meeting regarding the teachers at Sebastian River High School. We demand an immediate retraction of these statements and a formal public apology to our dedicated educators.
The Indian River County Education Association (IRCEA) strongly condemns the inaccurate and harmful accusations made by School Board member Dr. Gene Posca at the April 22nd board meeting regarding the teachers at Sebastian River High School. We demand an immediate retraction of these statements and a formal public apology to our dedicated educators.
Dr. Posca referenced the 2023 graduation ceremony, alleging that "the majority of teachers did not stand for the Pledge of Allegiance, did not put their hands over their chest." Video evidence from the School District of Indian River County’s YouTube channel clearly shows both the graduating students and the faculty standing respectfully for the National Anthem during the ceremony. This event also honored nine graduates who were enlisting in the Armed Forces, demonstrating the school's support and respect for the military. Though he later clarified that he had confused the Pledge of Allegiance with the National Anthem, the core of his claim—that our teachers cannot be trusted to do their jobs —is entirely unfounded and offensive.
Dr. Posca's accusations stated "there's a nexus of people at that school who disrespect the military, disrespect the Constitution and ultimately as a parent I would feel like I cannot trust them alone with my students." He stated that he saw a "big red flag" and a "dereliction of leadership" at Sebastian River High School. These defamatory remarks undermine the trust and respect between educators and the community. Such statements are not only incorrect but are damaging to the reputational integrity of our teachers and the school's leadership.
Teachers and staff in our community are dedicated to building better lives and have made the commitment to support students so they can grow, thrive and be inspired by their education. When our elected officials disparage teachers and staff with false statements, what they are doing is actually casting doubt on the ability of our educators to do their jobs. Public education in our community and in our state is under attack. When those who are responsible for making decisions on behalf of our students and public school employees are focused on made up situations instead of making sure our educators are paid fairly and our students are supported, our communities lose.
By disseminating these unfounded claims, Dr. Posca appears to leverage his position as a school board member for personal political advantage. Both his intentially false statements and his political posturing are a breach of the Standards of Ethical Conduct for Board Members as outlined in the SDIRC School Board Bylaws. IRCEA upholds the highest standards of truth and integrity in our educational community and expects the same from our elected officials. We stand firm in our request for Dr. Posca to correct the false narratives he has promoted and to uphold the ethical standards expected of his office.
Lunch & Learn
Learn what your union is doing for all teachers. Hear about the benefits and protections of your contract and ask the questions that are most important to you. A complimentary lunch will be provided.
Learn what your union is doing for all teachers. Hear about the benefits and protections of your contract and ask the questions that are most important to you. A complimentary lunch will be provided.
See when we are visiting your school:
Feb. 5th, 10:30 - 1:40: Beachland Elm.
Feb. 5th, 10:30 - 1:40: Citrus Elm.
Feb. 5th, 10:30 - 1:40: Dodgertown Elm.
Feb. 5th, 10:30 - 1:40: Fellsmere Elm.
Feb. 6th, 10:30 - 1:40: Glendale Elm.
Feb. 6th, 10:30 - 1:40: Indian River Academy Elm.
Feb. 6th, 10:30 - 1:40: Liberty Elm.
Feb. 6th, 10:30 - 1:40: Osceola Elm.
Feb. 7th, 10:30 - 1:40: Pelican Elm.
Feb. 7th, 10:30 - 1:40: Sebastian Elm.
Feb. 7th, 10:30 - 1:40: Treasure Coast Elm.
Feb. 7th, 10:30 - 1:40: Vero Beach Elm.
Feb. 7th, 10:30 - 1:40: Rosewood Elm.
Feb. 8th, 10:30 - 1:40: Freshman Learning Center.
Feb. 8th, 10:30 - 1:40: Vero Beach High School.
Feb. 8th, 10:30 - 1:40: Gifford Mid.
Feb. 9th, 10:30 - 1:40: Oslo Mid.
Feb. 9th, 10:30 - 1:40: Storm Grove Mid.
Feb. 9th, 10:30 - 1:40: Sebastian River Mid.
Feb. 9th, 10:30 - 1:40: Sebastian River High School.
Feb. 9th, 7:00 - 8:00: Wabasso - Breakfast.
Feb. 12th: ESE District/ESE PreK.
Feb. 12th: Treasure Coast Tech.
Feb. 12th: County Office.
Feb. 12th: Indian River Prep.