Scott considers omnibus education bill

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Gov. Rick Scott will have until April 14 to decide whether to sign a wide-ranging education bill that includes allowing parents to transfer their children to any public school in the state that isn't at capacity.

The bill (HB 7029) passed on the final day of the annual legislative session and was formally sent to Scott on Wednesday.

The measure deals with numerous education issues. In part, it would add to state law performance-funding formulas for colleges and universities; allow private schools to join the Florida High School Athletic Association or other organizations on a sport-by-sport basis; and give charter schools that serve children with disabilities or lower-income students a bigger slice of construction funding from the state.

Also sent to Scott on Wednesday was a bill (HB 287) that would create a pilot program aimed at giving principals more autonomy in the way they run schools.