Every day, educators at public schools welcome each child with open doors and open arms because we believe every child deserves access to a free, high-quality education. To accept every child is an unshakeable promise we make to our communities, one bound by our constitution.
That promise is at the heart of our work. It’s what drives us to show up to fight for the future of all our students.
But today, that promise is broken.
Keeping that promise would mean ensuring every classroom has a highly qualified, well-prepared educator. It would mean every school would be fully staffed with paraprofessionals, food service workers, custodians, bus drivers, school nurses, mental health specialists, and every other professional who makes learning possible. Classrooms would be equipped with the resources and tools students need to succeed. And educators would be paid in the top 10 in the nation so they could devote all their attention to students, instead of struggling to juggle multiple jobs. In that version of Florida, every child would be free to learn, every educator free to teach, and every community lifted by thriving public schools.
Instead, our public schools are underfunded and weighed down by political agendas that put profits over people. Districts are being forced to cut positions and cram more kids into overcrowded classrooms. With Florida ranking 50th in average teacher pay, educators are being forced to choose between doing what they love and providing for their families. And it’s our students who pay the price — through a critical teacher and staff shortage, lagging SAT scores, shrinking programs and services, and widening gaps in opportunity.
When public schools suffer, we all suffer. They are the backbone of our neighborhoods, our economy, and our future. If even one child is denied the essentials they need to thrive, Florida’s promise is broken, and Florida’s future is placed at risk.
But there’s hope: We can do better. Because when Floridians come together and stand up for our kids, we win.
Last year, voters from all political backgrounds overwhelmingly approved local funding referenda to strengthen their neighborhood public schools. When lawmakers threatened funding for advanced programs like AP, IB, and dual enrollment, families, students, and educators pushed back and won, forcing legislators to abandon their plans. Time and time again, our communities have shown that when we harness our collective voice, we can put kids ahead of politics and protect the promise of public education.
Public schools aren’t just buildings. They’re where our children’s dreams take root, where families find a helping hand, and where communities come together. Protecting our children and their public schools isn’t a partisan issue — it’s a basic principle on which we can all stand united!
The future of our state depends on the choices we make today. Our students, educators, and communities need us to raise our voices so that every child — no matter where they started — can reach their full potential.
Because when public schools thrive, every child thrives. And when every child thrives, Florida’s future shines bright.
So, we ask: will you stand with us as a partner in transforming and elevating public education in Florida?
This guest opinion was co-signed by educator union presidents representing teachers and education staff professional members across parts of Southwest and Central Florida: Heather Thompson, Charlotte County Support Personnel Association; Jerry Mead, DeSoto County Educators Association; Tammy Humphries, Glades County Teachers Association; Richard “RJ” Decoteau, Hardee Education Association; Jean Federico, Highlands County Education Association; Pat Barber, Manatee Education Association; Stephanie Yocum, Polk Education Association; Kevin Daly, Teachers Association of Lee County.
This article originally appeared on Fort Myers News-Press: Public schools are a promise worth keeping | Opinion
Reporting by Educator union presidents / Fort Myers News-Press
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
