PALM BAY, FLORIDA (August 23rd, 2024): The Palm Bay Police Department arrested Beatriz Rapisarda, a 41-year-old teacher at Sunrise Elementary School, on charges of child abuse and false imprisonment. The arrest occurred on August 22nd at the school following a detailed investigation into allegations involving a student in the intellectually disabled classroom.
The investigation revealed that Rapisarda physically pushed the student and restrained the child by grabbing their wrists. These actions were witnessed by several individuals. After a thorough review of sworn statements and evidence, sufficient probable cause was established for her arrest.
Rapisarda was taken into custody at the school and has been booked into the Brevard County Jail. The Palm Bay Police Department is committed to ensuring the safety of individuals within our community, especially our youth. We will continue to work closely with the school and our partners at the Department of Children and Families to ensure incidents such as this one are not repeated.
The Brevard County primary election results are in, setting the stage for a series of critical runoffs and general election contests in November. Several races have been decided, while others will continue to November, with significant implications for the future governance of the region.
Palm Bay Races
In Palm Bay, Mayor Rob Medina secured a second term in office, winning 54.9% of the vote and avoiding a runoff. Medina’s victory confirms the continuation of his administration, which has focused on infrastructure improvements and public safety, despite facing various challenges during his first term.
Mayor Rob Medina
However, the Palm Bay City Council races for Seats 2 and 3 are heading to November runoffs. In the Seat 2 race, Deputy Mayor Donny Felix led with 40.2% of the vote, followed closely by Richard Mike Hammer, who received 38.4%. Patric McNally, who garnered 21.5%, has been eliminated from the race. The upcoming runoff between Felix and Hammer will determine which candidate will help shape the future of Palm Bay’s policies on growth and development.
Hammer emphasized that the success of his campaign so far is “a testament to the tireless efforts of countless supporters who shared our message of empowering residents with a voice.” He highlighted his dedication to key issues such as preventing tax increases, attracting new businesses to lower the tax burden, ensuring qualified staff, and promoting sustainable growth. “Palm Bay has faced the consequences of neglecting crucial challenges for far too long. My plan is to address these issues head-on, providing our city, its staff, and its residents with clear goals and viable options,” Hammer stated.
He also noted his positive and productive relationship with his opponent, Deputy Mayor Felix, mentioning that they have already discussed potential areas for collaboration in the lead-up to the election. “Fostering a respectful dialogue and working together, even with opposing views, is essential for the well-being of our city,” Hammer added.
The race for Seat 3, which featured a crowded field of six candidates, will also be decided in a November runoff. Chandler Langevin, who led with 27% of the vote, will face off against Alfy Ramsay Agarie, who received 21%. Langevin’s candidacy has been overshadowed by controversy, as he is currently under felony criminal investigation for allegedly misappropriating campaign funds during a previous run for state representative. The investigation, coupled with Langevin’s ties to the polarizing State Rep. Randy Fine, has made his candidacy a focal point of local political discourse. The other candidates, including Eileen Sepp, David Kearns, Peter Filiberto, and Michael Bruyette, were eliminated.
Alfy Ramsay Agarie, who emerged as a top contender for Seat 3, emphasized his priorities for Palm Bay during his campaign. “We’ve accumulated over 40,000 new residents in our city, and the infrastructure hasn’t kept up,” Agarie stated. “Right now, our infrastructure and safety are far behind where they need to be. The average response time for emergency services is 18 to 20 minutes, compared to the national average of seven to eight minutes. That’s unacceptable, and we need to focus on these priorities to make our city more comfortable and safe to live, work, and play.”
Agarie also highlighted concerns about budget management, particularly within the Public Works and Utilities departments. “These departments take a significant portion of our budget each year, but they have the capacity to generate revenue and reduce their dependence on city funds. For example, Public Works takes 27% of our budget, yet they outsource jobs that could be done in-house. By managing our budget more efficiently, we can allocate more resources to public safety, infrastructure, and other critical areas.”
Last week, in anticipation of the election results, Palm Bay City Council appointed Philip Weinberg to temporarily fill the Seat 3 vacancy left by Randy Foster, who resigned in June due to health concerns. The outcome of the November runoff will finalize the council’s composition and could significantly influence the city’s direction on key issues like public safety, infrastructure, and economic development.
Brevard County Commission District 3
In a tightly contested race for Brevard County Commission District 3, Kim Adkinson narrowly defeated John Dittmore, capturing 50.7% of the vote. Adkinson, who previously served as a Republican state committeewoman, will now face Democrat Yvonne Minus, a Melbourne City Councilwoman, in the general election. District 3, encompassing areas like West Melbourne, Palm Bay, and South Brevard County, is pivotal in shaping county policies, especially in managing growth and development.
Yvonne minus
Brevard County Commission District 5
Rep. Thad Altman secured the Republican primary for District 5 with 70.5% of the vote, defeating Ritch Workman. Altman, who previously served on the District 5 commission from 1984 to 1992 and has extensive experience in the Florida Legislature, will face Democrat Vinnie Taranto in November. Altman’s return to county-level politics was anticipated, given his extensive background, but his decisive victory over Workman, a former state representative, was significant.
Thad Altman
Altman’s previous tenure on the commission and his legislative experience have made him a well-known figure in Brevard politics. His platform focused on maintaining the county’s growth while ensuring that public services, particularly in areas like public safety, are adequately funded. Despite his political experience, Workman’s loss highlights Altman’s strong support base within the district.
State Senate District 19
Randy Fine emerged victorious in the Republican primary for State Senate District 19, securing 73.6% of the vote against Charles “Chuck” Sheridan. Fine, a controversial figure in Florida politics, has been at the center of several high-profile disputes, including efforts to remove him from the ballot over alleged paperwork issues. Despite these challenges, Fine’s strong showing in the primary underscores his influence in the district.
Randy Fine
Fine’s campaign was marked by his usual fiery rhetoric and a focus on issues like securing state funding for the Indian River Lagoon and advocating for conservative values. His victory sets up a November general election battle against Democrat Vance Ehrens. Sheridan, Fine’s opponent, has indicated that he may continue to challenge Fine’s eligibility in court, keeping the race in the spotlight.
Fine’s tenure in the Florida House has been marked by his aggressive approach to politics, often engaging in public spats with both opponents and allies. His involvement in local controversies, such as his efforts to disband the Brevard County School Board, has made him a polarizing figure. As he prepares for the general election, these issues are likely to continue to play a role in the campaign narrative.
U.S. House of Representatives, District 8
Former Florida Senate President Mike Haridopolos secured the Republican nomination for U.S. House District 8 with 73.9% of the vote in Brevard County and 68% in Indian River County. Haridopolos entered the race on the final day of candidate filing, the same day that incumbent Rep. Bill Posey announced his retirement and endorsed Haridopolos.
Haridopolos, a resident of Indian Harbour Beach, has been a prominent figure in Florida politics, having served as Senate President and in both the Florida House and Senate. His campaign emphasized his legislative experience and his ability to bring conservative leadership to Washington. Haridopolos’s entry into the race effectively cleared the field of high-profile competitors, leaving him to face only lesser-known opponents.
Mike Haridopolos
His campaign has been bolstered by endorsements from key Republican figures, including former President Donald Trump, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, and both of Florida’s U.S. Senators. Despite his strong support, Haridopolos faced criticism from his opponents, particularly John Hearton, who questioned his political background and the influence of major donors on his campaign. Haridopolos now moves on to face Democratic nominee Sandy Kennedy in November.
Florida House Districts 32 and 33
Tuesday’s primary set the stage for the November 5 general election for the Florida House of Representatives District 32 and District 33 seats, which represent Central and South Brevard.
In the District 32 race, Florida Senator Debbie Mayfield defeated former Congressman Dave Weldon, securing 65% of the vote. Mayfield, a resident of Indialantic, received significant support from the district’s Republican base, which makes up about 47% of the electorate. Mayfield’s campaign focused on conservative values, including protecting the Indian River Lagoon and maintaining Florida’s status as a “free state.” She will face Democrat Juan Jose Hinojosa in November, who was unopposed in the primary.
Vernon Anderson
The District 33 race saw Monique Miller, a cybersecurity executive and Board of Directors of Moms for Liberty member, winning the Republican primary with 55% of the vote. Miller, who has received backing from prominent conservative figures, will now face Democrat Vernon Mitchell Anderson Jr. in November. Anderson, who defeated Anthony Yantz in the Democratic primary with 53% of the vote, aims to break a three-decade losing streak for Democrats in this district. Anderson’s campaign has emphasized issues like voter rights, infrastructure, and affordable housing, while Miller has focused on immigration and reducing the cost of living for Florida families.
Brevard County School Board District 3
John Thomas won the District 3 seat on the Brevard School Board, securing 56.4% of the vote against Amber Yantz. Thomas, a former Melbourne city council member and school administrator, campaigned on a platform of early childhood education, career and technical education expansion, and improving school safety. His victory marks a shift in the board’s composition, as he replaces Jennifer Jenkins, the only liberal on the board.
Thomas’s victory is significant for the conservative movement within Brevard County, as it solidifies the board’s shift to the right. Thomas has taken a strong stance on several issues, including supporting the presence of chaplains in schools and expanding the guardian program, which allows certain school employees to carry firearms. Yantz, a mother of five with a more progressive platform, was unable to overcome Thomas’s strong support base.
Brevard County School Board District 4
The race for District 4 will head to a runoff in November between Matt Susin and Avanese “Ava” Taylor. Susin led the race with 48.6% of the vote, while Taylor received 32.8%. Susin, who was first elected to the board in 2016, has maintained a conservative stance on key issues, including the expansion of the guardian program and the removal of certain books from school libraries.
Dr. Avanese Taylor
Taylor, inspired to run after her son was the victim of a hazing incident, has positioned herself as a more moderate candidate. While she supports some conservative measures, such as the guardian program, she has expressed concerns about its implementation and the potential for it to create inequities in the school system. The runoff will determine whether the board will continue its conservative trajectory or shift toward a more balanced approach.
Supervisor of Elections
Tim Bobanic, the incumbent Brevard County Supervisor of Elections, won the Republican primary with 59.6% of the vote, defeating County Commissioner John Tobia. Bobanic, appointed by Governor Ron DeSantis in 2022, has faced scrutiny over his handling of election-related issues, including a recent lawsuit that sought to remove candidates from the ballot due to alleged paperwork errors.
Tim Bobanic
Bobanic’s victory solidifies his position as Supervisor of Elections, as he will face only a write-in candidate in November, making his win nearly assured. Tobia, who has been embroiled in his own controversies during his time as County Commissioner, was unable to overcome Bobanic’s strong support, particularly from those who view him as a steady hand in the management of the county’s elections.
The lawsuit against Bobanic, filed by political consultant Robert Burns, accused his office of improperly accepting incomplete qualifying paperwork from candidates, including Randy Fine. Although the case was dismissed, it highlighted ongoing concerns about election integrity in Brevard County. Bobanic’s re-election will likely continue to be scrutinized as he navigates these challenges in the lead-up to the general election.
This article is the last installment of a four-part series of charter schools by Palm Bay Live.
Charter Schools in Brevard County: Funding and Oversight
According to Russell Bruhn, Chief Strategic Communications Officer for Brevard Public Schools, charter schools in Brevard County are financed through a combination of state, local, and federal funds, similar to other public schools. The primary source of funding is the Florida Education Finance Program (FEFP), which allocates funds based on the number of full-time enrolled students. Additionally, charter schools have the opportunity to enhance their funding through federal grants. One notable example is the Charter School Program Grant, which supports the planning and initial implementation of charter schools.
“Each charter school has a unique blend of federal, state, and local funding, depending on the specific grants they are able to secure and the number of students they serve,” explained Bruhn.
In terms of oversight, Brevard County maintains rigorous accountability measures to ensure that charter schools meet both financial and academic standards. “All charter schools in the district are required to submit monthly or quarterly financial reports, depending on whether they have achieved high-performing status,” Bruhn stated. Moreover, the district actively monitors these schools to ensure they comply with state statutes covering all aspects of their operations.
Financial transparency is critical in the oversight process. Charter schools must submit an annual audit to the district, which is then made available to the public on each school’s website. This process ensures that stakeholders, including parents and community members, have access to detailed financial information about the schools.
Billy Prasad, Deputy Director of Brevard County Planning and Development, elaborates on the zoning and land development aspects of charter schools. “From a zoning standpoint, charter schools are treated similarly to other public schools, with certain exceptions. For example, specific provisions in our Code of Ordinances allow the Board of County Commissioners to direct educational facility impact fees toward the construction of charter school facilities,” Prasad notes. Additionally, the Public School Facilities Element of the Comprehensive Plan includes policies that facilitate the use of charter schools as mitigation options to address school capacity issues.
Over the past decade, two charter schools in Brevard County have closed due to financial instability and insufficient academic performance. “When a charter school closes, any remaining public funds, as well as property and equipment purchased with those funds, are returned to the district school board,” Bruhn clarified. This policy helps safeguard public investments and ensures that resources are redistributed to other public schools within the district.
The location of charter schools is also regulated to ensure they meet community needs and educational standards. Prospective charter schools must apply through a state-mandated process, which includes a thorough review of their proposed location as part of a comprehensive assessment by the district. “The review process is designed to evaluate how well the proposed site will serve the community and support the school’s educational goals,” said Bruhn.
Management and Locations of Charter Schools in Brevard County
In the world of charter schools, management fees are a common expense. These fees are often paid to organizations that handle administrative, curriculum development, and operational tasks for the schools. They can vary widely depending on the size of the school, the scope of services provided, and the specific contractual agreements in place.
For instance, in Brevard County, the disparity in management fees among different charter schools is quite noticeable. According to 2021 IRS Form 990 submissions, Palm Bay Academy reported management fees of $29,567. In contrast, Odyssey Charter School paid significantly higher fees amounting to nearly $1.7 million. Meanwhile, Emma Jewel Charter School incurred $93,000 in management fees. These figures highlight the varying scale and administrative needs of each school.
The implications of such management fees are multifaceted. While these fees support the operational efficiency of charter schools, they also raise questions about financial priorities and the allocation of public education funds. High management fees, as seen with Odyssey, suggest a substantial investment in specialized services, which could indicate a focus on enhancing educational quality or administrative depth. However, it also prompts scrutiny regarding the cost-effectiveness of outsourcing school management functions and the impact on budget allocations for direct educational activities.
In Brevard County, the guidelines regarding the placement of charter schools are notably flexible, emphasizing the adaptability of educational services to community needs. Dr. Melinda Maier, Director of Curriculum & Instruction at Brevard Public Schools, shared insights into the process. “As far as the charter office is concerned, there are no regulations that impact the location of charter schools within the county,” Dr. Maier explained. She noted that applicants for new charter schools may not specify a location initially. “When a potential charter school applies, they may not even know the location at which they would be housed,” she added.
If an applying charter has a proposed location, the county considers the strategic need for a school in that area. Dr. Maier emphasized the focus on community requirements: “If they do have a location, we do take into account if the area is in need of a charter school.”
Brevard County Charter Schools Controversies
Charter schools are mandated to employ certified teachers, in accordance with statutory requirements. Teachers working in or contracted by charter schools must hold the appropriate certifications as stipulated by current legislation. Recently, however, controversies have come to light regarding charter school personnel. Not only was a new principal, previously arrested in 2010 for stealing prescription drugs from teachers, selected for leadership, but also a teacher arrested in January 2023 for domestic violence was named “Teacher of the Year.” Furthermore, the only assistant principal who was set to return for this school year at Odyssey Charter Jr/Sr High was placed on probation last year for his previous actions of violently restraining students by using his forearm across their throats during his tenure at Palm Bay High.
These incidents not only raise questions about the vetting and selection process for staff within charter schools but also about the standards for advancing individuals to leadership positions. Odyssey Charter seems to be a haven for individuals with criminal histories, academic shortcomings, and various professional reprimands, often advancing them to higher roles. This pattern of behavior raises concerns not just about the qualifications of the staff but also about the financial priorities of the school. Notably, in 2021, Odyssey Charter reported spending over $1.6 million in management and $91,000 in legal fees, as detailed in their IRS Form 990.
According to the Brevard Public Schools senior communications coordinator, there are 15 charter schools in Brevard County, 6 of which are located in Palm Bay. Despite Brevard Public Schools maintaining a “B” rating in the latest report card issued by the Florida Department of Education, an analysis of school performance reveals a noteworthy disparity in excellence. While only Education Horizons Charter School achieved an “A” rating, 21 public elementary schools, including Pinewood, Atlantis, and South Lake, secured top marks.
Brevard County Charter Schools and Public Opinion
To gauge public opinion more directly, Palm Bay Live conducted a Facebook poll that garnered responses from 592 participants. Thirty-four percent expressed a preference for charter schools, below the 51% who favored public schools. Additionally, alternative options also had their share of support: 4% chose ‘none of the above,’ 2% leaned towards parochial schools, and 9% preferred homeschooling.
Commenters voiced their reasons for their choices, touching on a variety of critical issues. One prevalent theme was concern over the long-term impacts of shifting public funds to charter, private, and religious schools. This reallocation, some argued, has contributed to the dwindling quality of public education, a trend exacerbated by political decisions favoring charter schools over traditional public ones. One community member noted, “That is what is wrong with charter schools—they take from the public schools’ funds.”
Other community members voiced frustration over what they perceive as more lenient regulations governing charter schools, particularly regarding student discipline. For example, a local remarked on charter schools’ ability to expel students for misconduct, adding, “Public schools aren’t given that luxury.”
Yet, others argued for the benefits of parental choice and the tailored educational approaches that charter schools can offer, suggesting that for some students, these institutions provide a better fit than their public counterparts. One community member stated, “Personally, it’s about parental choice [and] the best school that meets the needs of the student.”
Moreover, commenters debated the accountability and oversight of charter schools, with some pointing out the lack of stringent standards that public schools are subject to. This raised alarms about the potential for fiscal mismanagement and educational inconsistency within the charter system. Yet, others argued for the benefits of parental choice and the tailored educational approaches that charter schools can offer, suggesting that for some students, these institutions provide a better fit than their public counterparts.
Echoing through the comments was a call for a balanced perspective on school choice, recognizing the value in both charter and public schools while advocating for reforms that ensure quality education across the board. The conversation also touched on the comparative performance of charter versus public schools in Brevard County, citing statistics to support various viewpoints on which system offers superior education.
The qualifying period for Palm Bay’s upcoming elections in August and November ended on Friday, June 14th. Included in this article are Financial Disclosures (FORM 6) Filed by 10 Candidates.
In a related development, a federal judge recently blocked a 2023 Florida law that required municipal elected officials to disclose detailed financial information. The ruling came after numerous officials, including 10 out of the 19 Palm Bay candidates, filed the required Form 6 disclosures. The law was challenged for potentially violating First Amendment rights, and the judge sided with municipal officials, issuing a preliminary injunction just weeks before the filing deadline. According to the City Clerk’s office, the list of candidates for Palm Bay City Council has been finalized for the upcoming primary election on August 20, 2024, and the special election in November for Seat 5. Amidst much anticipation, the roster has been solidified, with Randy Foster (Seat 3) and Nathan Timothy White (Seat 5) notably absent from the list of qualified candidates.
Councilman Foster, who made headlines in 2020 by securing a record-breaking 33,858 votes, recently returned to his council duties following a severe health scare. Foster was hospitalized in early March and fell into a diabetic coma, which led to his frequent absence from council meetings. Despite his recovery and return to duties, Foster did not file to qualify for the upcoming election, marking a significant development in the race.
Nathan White, a lifelong Palm Bay resident, had planned to run for City Council Seat 5 but also did not file to qualify for the election. White previously ran for City Council Seat 4 in 2022.
The candidates vying for Seat 3 include Alfy Ramsay Agarie, Michael J. Bruyette, Peter J. Filiberto, David Anthony Kearns, Chandler Langevin, and Eileen Sepp. Alfy Ramsay Agarie is a new addition to the list. He has previously run for public office, including a bid for mayor, but has not held a seat on the City Council.
With Foster out of the race, the dynamics of the election for Seat 3 could shift significantly. The residents of Palm Bay will be watching closely as the candidates campaign in the lead-up to the primary election on August 20, 2024.
In addition to the Seat 3 candidates, the City Clerk’s office has confirmed the following candidates for other offices:
Office of Mayor:
Rob Medina – qualified June 10, 2024
Edith M. Rivera – qualified June 12, 2024
Tatiana Rosado – qualified June 13, 2024
Santa Isabel Wright – qualified June 12, 2024
City Council Seat 2:
Donny J. Felix – qualified June 10, 2024
Richard ‘Mike’ Hammer – qualified June 12, 2024
Patric McNally – qualified June 12, 2024
Special Election – City Council Seat 5 (November 5, 2024):
Brevard County, FL- This morning, the Brevard Public School Board voted in favor of the expansion of our Sheriff Training On Site Marshall Program (S.T.O.M.P.) to include district personnel who meet specific qualifications to serve as Guardians. Safety is Brevard Public Schools (BPS) number one priority for all students and staff, and the inclusion of Guardians to supplement our School Resource Officers and School Security Specialists, will further support our mission to serve every student with excellence as the standard.
The expansion allows employees the opportunity to apply to be a school-based guardian. The program is voluntary and only employees who are not assigned to a classroom, and as outlined in the terms of their Brevard Federation of Teacher bargaining contract, may volunteer and/or qualify.
All employee volunteers who qualify for, and are accepted into, the S.T.O.M.P. program will undergo employment vetting, and must successfully complete the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office S.T.O.M.P training requirements before completion. Employee volunteers who advance, will have no law enforcement authority in any capacity, except in the extent necessary to prevent or stop an active assailant incident at any Brevard Public School’s site.
BPS Superintendent Dr. Mark Rendell noted: “This is an additional layer of security for our schools. While this program is new to Brevard, it is not new to Florida as numerous other districts have had Guardians in schools for several years. The individuals who will be in the program are not classroom teachers or other positions that are part of the instructional staff covered by the teacher contract. All Guardians will have to go through the same screening process and intensive training that is required by our School Safety Specialists. I am thankful that we have employees who are willing to volunteer to serve in these positions. I am also grateful for the strong partnership we have the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office which provides such rigorous training.”
S.T.O.M.P. was formed by the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO), in partnership with Brevard Schools, following the tragic events which occurred at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School on February 14, 2018. In accordance with the 2018 Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School Public Safety Act (Florida Senate Bill 7026), S.T.O.M.P. was developed and has served as our program which oversees all School Resource Officers and Security Specialists within Brevard Public Schools sites.
Training is currently slated to begin July 2024, through collaboration with the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office.
For requests regarding further information on S.T.O.M.P. training, please contact the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office. For media inquiries or further information regarding BPS’ role in S.T.O.M.P., please contact: [Ryan Dufrain] [Assistant Superintendent to Human Resources] [321-633-1000 ext. 11200] [dufrain.ryan@brevardschools.org]
Palm Bay, FL — Peter Filiberto, who resigned from the Palm Bay City Council following DUI and drug charges, has officially filed to run for Palm Bay City Council Seat 3. Filiberto returns to politics after a turbulent period marked by legal issues and public controversy.
Filiberto was arrested on February 11, 2023, following a brief police chase that led to charges of DUI, reckless driving, and possession of 10 grams of cocaine. Court records indicate that state attorneys later dropped the reckless driving charge and dismissed other charges. Filiberto was sentenced to 24 months of supervised probation for the cocaine charge and 12 months for the DUI charge. Additionally, he was ordered to pay over $1,600 in court costs and fines, had his driver’s license revoked for six months, and was required to complete 50 hours of community service.
His resignation from the council came six days after the arrest, following a council vote to send a letter to Governor Ron DeSantis demanding his removal. State Representative Randy Fine and Mayor Rob Medina faced criticism for not demanding Filiberto’s resignation sooner.
Seat 5, which Filiberto vacated, has remained empty. A special election is scheduled for November to fill the position. Filiberto has chosen to run for Seat 3, currently held by Councilman Randy Foster, who is not expected to seek re-election due to health issues.
Filiberto’s candidacy has sparked criticism from the community and his political opponents. Chandler Langevin, one of his opponents for Seat 3, stated, “This individual has already betrayed the public’s trust once in an egregious manner. Had the judge done her job and levied a felony conviction on him then he would not legally be allowed to run again. This individual should be thankful he got off so easily and retired from public life. His insistence on running shows a level of selfishness and immaturity that is not reflective of a leader or a man of integrity.”
In addition to Filiberto and Langevin, the race for Seat 3 includes candidates Eileen Mary Sepp, David Anthony Kearns, and Michael J. Bruyette. The primary election for Palm Bay City Council Seat 3 and other city offices is set for August 20, 2024.
This article is the second installment of an investigative series on charter schools by Palm Bay Live. Stay tuned for subsequent parts, where we will delve deeper into the intricacies and impact of charter schools in Florida’s education system.
Governor DeSantis approved House Bill 1259 last year, which updated how charter schools receive capital outlay funds. This legislation allows for a reduction of funds previously allocated to traditional public schools’ capital expenditures, to now support charter schools. It sets out a phase-out of existing funding restrictions, allowing charter schools to access revenues from the discretionary 1.5 millage local tax. Charter schools must also commit to returning any publicly funded assets to the district in the event of closure.
Proponents argue that the law is a step toward ensuring that charter school students are not disadvantaged in terms of capital outlay funding, which has historically been lower per student compared to traditional public schools. They claim that this approach recognizes the evolving role of charter schools and ensures that funding is student-centered, following students to their chosen public educational institutions. Critics, however, say this shift may impose financial burdens on public school districts. They highlight the risk of diverting essential funds from schools that have longstanding public accountability and infrastructure requirements.
The law is part of a broader legislative effort, including other educational initiatives like HB 891, which pilots year-round schooling in five districts in the 2024-25 school year. This initiative aims to address learning loss and juvenile crime rates that rise with summer temperatures.
Charter Schools and the Battle Over Public Dollars
Funding for Florida’s charter schools, particularly through property taxes, has been a significant area of contention. A 2023 proposal that sparked debate would have required school districts to share local property-tax revenue with charter schools based on the schools’ proportionate share of total school district enrollment.
Charter schools have recently won significant funding battles. In one instance, a court ruled that charter schools in Palm Beach County are entitled to a cut of tax dollars from a property-tax increase approved by voters, which was initially intended for traditional public school safety and teacher pay improvements. In 2022, another appeals court ruled that charter schools are entitled to receive a share of property-tax money approved by voters.
Recently, the conversation around the allocation of these funds took a more contentious turn in Broward County. At the heart of this latest dispute is Manny Diaz, Jr., Florida’s Education Commissioner, who has been a prominent advocate for charter schools. During his tenure as a state lawmaker, Diaz was instrumental in shaping policies that have made Florida a fertile ground for charter school expansion, partly through significant campaign contributions from the school choice sector.
This advocacy has continued into his role as Education Commissioner, where he is now ensuring that charter schools receive millions in public funds — funds initially set aside for traditional public schools in Broward County. The crux of the matter dates back to a tax referendum approved by Broward voters in 2018, aimed at raising funds for school safety and teacher pay improvements. Legal and legislative changes since then have mandated that these funds be shared with charter schools, a move that has led to lawsuits from charter schools demanding their share.
State officials have taken a firm stance on the issue, asserting that Broward County Public Schools (BCPS) owes around $80 million to charter schools in the district. This claim has led to heightened tensions and legal battles, with BCPS arguing that such a payout could severely impact its budget. The state’s response has been unequivocal, with Diaz and the State Board of Education demanding compliance and threatening sanctions for non-compliance, underscoring the ongoing tug-of-war over public education funding in Florida.
Amid these financial disputes, BCPS is facing significant challenges due to a years-long loss in enrollment, with a decrease of 57,857 students since the 2004/05 school year. During the same period, charter school enrollments have seen a corresponding increase of 26,559 students. This decline has escalated financial pressures, leading to the “Redefining Our Schools” initiative aimed at addressing the issue of under-enrollment and inefficiencies across the district. Under the proposed plans, BCPS has presented a drastic step of closing three schools: Olsen Middle in Dania Beach, Oakridge Elementary in Hollywood, and Broward Estates Elementary in Lauderhill. Additionally, plans for grade reconfiguration at Pines Middle, Hollywood Central Elementary, and Sunland Park Academy, as well as public-private partnerships for Quiet Waters Elementary, Deerfield Beach Elementary, and Tedder Elementary, have been laid out as part of the district’s restructuring efforts.
In a significant shift in education funding, Governor Ron DeSantis signed House Bill 1 into law in 2023, dramatically expanding access to school vouchers across Florida. This legislation broadened school voucher access, which can impact the funding landscape for both charter and traditional public schools. By removing income and enrollment limitations, the bill extended voucher eligibility to nearly all Florida families, stirring concerns over the redirection of funds traditionally allocated to public schools.
The expanded school voucher program in Florida, as of 2023, allows all K-12 students to be eligible for private school scholarships, averaging around $7,700. This can cover tuition and other educational expenses like private tutoring. There’s also a provision for homeschooled students, limited to 20,000 this school year. Additionally, there’s a $750 transportation scholarship for public school students attending schools outside their neighborhood.
PALM BAY, FLORIDA – At around noon this afternoon, the Palm Bay Police Department received a call about a shooting south of Malabar Road and St Johns Heritage Parkway. Police located an individual with a gunshot wound who was airlifted to a nearby hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. The individual was part of a crew hired to work on some trees in the area west of the city’s shooting ranges. Palm Bay detectives and crime scene investigators are currently on scene working diligently to determine the origin of the bullet and the circumstances surrounding this incident. We can confirm the shooting did not involve any members of the Palm Bay Police Department. The investigation is underway and additional details will be provided as they become available.
At approximately 9:01 PM on Sunday, May 19, 2024, West Melbourne Officers responded to US 192 and Meadowlane Avenue regarding a traffic crash involving a vehicle and two pedestrians. Upon arrival, officers discovered two individuals, a male and a female laying in the roadway with life-threatening injuries; both individuals were taken to a local area hospital. The male victim, identified as 45 year old Bernard Aloyious Letzinger of West Melbourne succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced deceased at the hospital. The female victim is listed in critical but stable condition. The driver of the vehicle remained on scene and cooperated with Law Enforcement. This crash is under investigation as Traffic Homicide Investigators work to determine the cause of the crash. If anyone has any information about this incident, please contact the West Melbourne Police Department at 321-723-9673.
Over the past few weeks, there has been a noticeable increase in dangerous and unlawful activities in the area known as the compound. These actions not only violate state law and city ordinances but also pose significant safety risks to participants, pedestrians, and other motorists. This weekend there were hundreds of dirt bikes and other recreational vehicles congregating in this area. Officers responded and were able to disperse the large group, restoring order and safety. Our efforts were focused on ensuring the welfare of residents, pedestrians, and other motorists in the area. While no arrests were made during the initial response, the incident was captured on officer’s body worn cameras and will be used to identify and hold accountable those who choose to return and engage in illegal activities.
The Palm Bay Police Department will continue to have a police presence in this area to deter future incidents. We urge residents to report any suspicious activity or gatherings to police immediately. Public cooperation is essential in addressing this issue. Furthermore, we will continue to work closely with city officials and our community to develop long-term strategies to prevent illegal activities or gatherings which pose a threat to public safety. We understand the concerns of the community regarding activities in the compound and are committed to taking all necessary actions to address this issue.
How you can help. If you have any information about incidents, please contact the Palm Bay Police Department at 321-952-3456 option 0 or for emergencies 9-1-1. Follow us on social media and attend community meetings to stay updated on our efforts and how you can contribute to keeping our neighborhood safe. We thank you for your cooperation and continued support.
