Florida Republicans Set Target on School Boards Ahead of 2023 Legislative Session

TALLAHASSEE, Florida. Governor Ron DeSantis has a big goal on school boards in 2023.

Not only does he nominate a new stable of candidates for the upcoming election cycle, but he also oversees major rule changes. However, DeSantis will need public support for any of this to happen.

Changes to school boards were one of the Governor’s initial priorities this year.

In January, along with his education reform package, he announced plans to cut board members’ terms from 12 to eight years and do away with non-partisan races.

“You know, you have counties like Southwest Florida – they voted for me with about 40 points,” DeSantis said. “However, they elect people to the school boards who have the exact opposite philosophy.”

Enter Rep. Spencer Roach, R-North Fort Myers, and Sen. Blaise Ingoglia, R-Spring Hill. Two Republicans have tapped to introduce versions of the bills this year.

Ingoglia is working on term limits and the appointment of district commissioners. They, too, will be removed from office in eight years.

“We want to force communities to create a new generation of leaders,” the senator said. “I think term limits are a good thing. Everyone is calling for it in Congress. We have them in our state. Why don’t we bring them home?”

Roach has a higher goal of ending nonpartisan racing starting in 2026. According to him, this change is aimed at transparency, and not at the benefit of the Republicans.

“I think our goal should be to provide as much information as possible to any voter about the candidates they may or may not vote for so that voters can make that decision,” Roach said. “Why should the law allow people to hide their affiliation with political parties?”

While term limits may become law with a stroke of the governor’s pen, getting his approval of party races will only put the matter up for the next vote. The support of at least 60% of the voters is then required for the changes to become official.

Many Democrats are already saying no to politics, criticizing Republicans for bringing politics into the classroom.

“This has nothing to do with students,” said Sen. Shevrin Jones, D-Miami Gardens. “It’s all about the agenda.”

House Minority Leader Fentris Driskell, of Tampa, went even further. She said the Republican Party is losing touch with the most important aspect of education, learning.

“We just need to keep our finger on the pulse – we are focused on providing quality education to our students,” Driskell said. “It doesn’t require a partisan election… Florida is becoming more partisan. I hope the public will support.”

With an overwhelming GOP majority in both houses and the governor’s blessing, it seems likely that the bills will continue to move forward when the hammer falls next Tuesday.