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Draft legislation introduced in the Florida State Legislature late last year would amend the state constitution to end the requirement that all counties have independent school districts. If approved by both the Legislature and a required statewide referendum, the amendment would allow for the breakup of county-wide school districts and subsequent creation of local school districts by municipality.

FLASchools2

Present county-based district system.

Supporters of the amendment claim city schools would allow for more local input and control of school systems and issues. They cite a lengthy investigation into the poor conditions of some St. Petersburg schools as an example where more local control could benefit a community.

Opponents of the amendment worry that re-districting will result in unnecessary increases in administrative and operational costs, as well as the creation of a system of “haves” and “have nots” in public education based on patterns of residential segregation across the state. While the county-based school systems presently allow for a smoothing of financial inequalities among communities, many fear the amendment would create “poverty districts” and exacerbate school segregation by race and socioeconomic class.

With high stakes for all involved – we know that school segregation limits educational opportunities and outcomes, particularly for low-income and minority students – this will be an interesting and important case to follow in 2016.