Call for Collaborative Solutions to Protect Students with Schools of Hope Rules

About Schools of Hope:

The Schools of Hope program was established in 2017 as a targeted intervention to expand educational opportunities for students assigned to persistently low-performing public schools. This program was designed to recruit charter operators with demonstrated success serving high-need student populations and locating new schools within the attendance zones of chronically underperforming schools, with enrollment priority. Legislative changes in 2019 broadened eligibility criteria and geographic reach, followed by administrative rulemaking in 2025 that further expanded implementation without legislative debate.

These new rules allow Schools of Hope operators to request space within existing public-school facilities, including schools that are high performing, fully programmed, or experiencing stable enrollment. In districts such as Hillsborough County, the expanded implementation would require local school systems to share sensitive student information, absorb additional operational costs and take on additional financial and administrative burdens beyond the program’s original design.

Our Stance:

Hillsborough Education Foundation strongly supports policies that strengthen and invest in public education as the foundation of a thriving community. The Schools of Hope program was established as a targeted intervention to expand educational opportunities for students, particularly in communities facing persistent challenges. However, changes made to the related rules last year significantly expanded the program’s scope and its potential impact on local public schools.

HEF believes that any implementation of Schools of Hope must ensure that public school facilities, taxpayer investments, and district resources are protected and used in ways that enhance our neighborhood public schools. We are encouraged by the recent revisions to the Schools of Hope rules and appreciate that state leaders have listened to feedback from school districts, community partners, and families. These changes represent a positive step forward and demonstrate a willingness to refine the policy in response to real-world concerns.

At the same time, HEF believes additional refinements are needed to ensure the Schools of Hope program truly adds value to our communities. We encourage continued collaboration to strengthen the statute and related rules by requiring full reimbursement for district services, ensuring consistent safety practices on shared campuses, and providing meaningful opportunities for community input and local partnership. As an organization dedicated to investing in students, teachers, and schools, Hillsborough Education Foundation supports thoughtful, collaborative solutions that strengthen public education systems, preserve community trust, and ensure every student has access to an outstanding public education that equips them for a fulfilling future.

FAQs

Q: What are some of the main issues around Schools of Hope today?

A: We are concerned about unclear facility utilization standards, potential safety and developmental issues with co-location, unfunded service obligations placed on the district, and the use of public-school space without sufficient local oversight and community involvement and feedback.

Q: What changes does HEF support?

A: Hillsborough Education Foundation supports clear guidelines, grade-level alignment in shared facilities, protections for high-performing schools, safety requirements in alignment with district policy, protection of student information, and full reimbursement to districts for services used by Schools of Hope. Without reforms, districts may face increased operational strain, reduced instructional flexibility, and challenges maintaining safe and effective learning environments for all students.

Q: What are the next steps for Schools of Hope?

A: The Florida State Board of Education is scheduled to meet on the 20th to consider proposed rules related to Schools of Hope implementation. During this process, the state is accepting public comment, giving parents, educators, and community members an opportunity to share feedback. Following the meeting, the board may vote on final rule adoption, which would guide how and where Schools of Hope operators may move forward. HEF is closely monitoring this process and advocating for policies that prioritize collaboration, transparency, and the needs of local school communities.

Q: What can I do to make my voice heard?

A: Community input plays a critical role in shaping education policy. You can make your voice heard by:

Submitting public comments to the State Board of Education during the open comment period. Visit the proposed rule and share your perspective at https://web02.fldoe.org/rules (scroll to 6A-1.0998271)
Contact your state legislators to share your perspective and ask questions about how these policies affect your local schools.
Attend public meetings or virtual hearings when available.
Share accurate, reliable information through your social media channels to help inform others.
Engage with local education organizations and parent groups to stay involved.

Q: Is this only impacting Hillsborough County?

A: No. This is a statewide issue affecting school districts across Florida. Nearly 700 notices have been filed by Schools of Hope operators seeking to co-locate in public school facilities throughout the state. These requests impact urban, suburban, and rural communities alike. While Hillsborough County has been particularly active in raising concerns, districts across Florida are navigating similar challenges related to facilities, operations, and long-term planning.