Deep Something

AI Image of choice schools and State Constitution

When “School Choice” Stops Meaning Public Education

September 13, 2026September 13, 2026 B. John 204 Views 0 Comments Henry Mack, Public Education, Public Schools, School Choice, Florida Schools, Education Funding, Educational Equity, Education Vouchers

This entry is in the series Education

Florida’s new Education Commissioner has said the state does not need to run schools at all. That raises a question that goes well beyond vouchers: what happens when “school choice” starts replacing the idea of public education itself?

Florida’s Constitution requires a system of free public schools. Yet an $8,000 voucher does not guarantee admission, does not guarantee a free education, and means something very different to a family that can add another $30,000 than it does to one that cannot. That is why the slogan “fund the student” leaves out so much.

At our Voices of Justice: Speak Up for Students program earlier this year, USF education policy professor Dr. Bill Black asked a simple question: “What is public in public education?” With Florida moving further toward publicly funded private education, that question deserves a much closer look.

Featured Places Tampa Politics Legislature

Josie Tomkow’s Record Shows Tallahassee Comes First

June 26, 2026June 26, 2026 B. John 485 Views 1 Comment Brian Nathan, Home Rule, local control, Tallahassee preemption, Public Schools, South Tampa, Senate District 14, Hillsborough County, Josie Tomkow

This entry is in the series Florida Legislature

This entry is in the series 2026 Elections

Florida Republicans love to talk about freedom, but their voting records often tell a very different story. Over and over again, Tallahassee politicians have voted to take decision-making power away from local communities, local governments, and local school boards. Josie Tomkow’s record in the Florida House is a clear example.

Tomkow is now running again against Brian Nathan in Senate District 14, asking Tampa-area voters to send her back to Tallahassee. But when she served in the House representing Polk County, she repeatedly voted for state preemption over local control, including on housing, zoning, infill redevelopment, civilian oversight, and public schools.

That matters here. Tampa and Hillsborough County deserve representation rooted in this community, not another vote for Tallahassee control. The question for voters is simple: if Tomkow voted this way in the House, why should anyone expect her to vote differently in the Senate?

Photo of Julie Jenkins and Jackie Toledo

Election Legislature Featured Politics

2020 Votes – State House District 60

October 17, 2020October 17, 2020 B. John 930 Views 0 Comments Public Schools, 2020 Election, Florida State House, #JulieJenkins, #JackieToledo, #JoseToledo

This entry is in the series 2020 Election

This has entrenched Republican incumbent Jackie Toledo being challenged by local Democratic activist Julie Jenkins. I have met with Jackie Toledo a couple of years ago and call her voice to provide input on important issues. Since she and I rarely see eye-to-eye, it’s no surprise she didn’t call in response to my ballot call. (I should note that I have a long-standing policy of calling candidates for local offices to speak with them directly prior to voting for them. Don’t call, you don’t get my vote, it doesn’t matter where you stand on the issues.) Ms. Jenkins did call, and I highly recommend a vote for her.

Featured Politics Election County Commission

A Vague Survey Question and How to Answer It

May 8, 2018May 8, 2018 B. John 1024 Views 1 Comment Education, Survey, Public Schools

This entry is in the series 2018 Elections

On the way to dinner tonight my phone rang and the car display didn’t show the number, so I answered. It was a survey company/organization of some sort conducting a brief survey related to the upcoming Hillsborough County Commission election. The question was, “Do you believe the Hillsborough County Public Schools are headed in the right direction?” I found that a surprisingly difficult question to answer.