Third Annual Florida Public School Choice Consortium Conference

By Dr. Patricia Grimsley

The Third Annual Florida Public School Choice Consortium (FPSCC) Conference was held at the Caribe Royale in Orlando, Florida, September 30 – October 2, 2007. The mission of the conference, to provide opportunity to network and actively participate in influencing the policies and practices for offering equitable school choice, was accomplished through the breakout and information sessions, the Networking Reception, the panel presentation, critical conversations, and the mentor/mentee roundtables. The “Edubabble” Game was one of the highlights. While it was a game, it had a serious purpose, drafting common language for school choice to take to the upcoming Summit which will be sponsored by the Office of Independent Education and Parental Choice.

Kathy Harris, Director, Florida School Choice Resource Center/ Nova Southeastern University (FSCRC/NSU), Tampa site, did an outstanding job of organizing an exciting three days for attendees. The conference was a good-bye and a thank you to participants in the outgoing Voluntary Public School Choice (VPSC) Grant and the announcement of the new VPSC grant. Many of the mentors and mentees attended the conference and had the opportunity to network one last time before the grant sunsets. The consortium recognized the mentors and mentees, Rose Raynak, Director, Grants Management and School Choice, Florida Department of Education (FDOE), Iris Lane, Senior Director of the Office of Innovation and Improvement, United States Department of Education (USDOE) and others who made contributions during the five years of the VPSC grant.

The conference included a tribute to the late Dr. Carlo Rodriguez and the call for nominations for the Dr. Carlo Rodriguez Champion of School Choice Awards. The FPSCC is offering the awards to one district and one individual who have demonstrated exceptional commitment to establishing and/or expanding equitable school choice options for Florida’s children. Based on the example and leadership of Dr. Carlo Rodriguez who was a true champion for school choice in Florida, this award will bring recognition to those who lead the charge for equitable school choice. Nova Southeastern University will provide a scholarship for one of its degree programs to each award winner (one district, one individual).

Dr. John Merrifield, Professor of Economics in the College of Business at the University of Texas, San Antonio, who will serve as the editor for the International Journal of School Choice, outlined his expectations for the journal and made a call for contributions to upcoming editions.

We salute all who attended and especially to those who participated in making this, the Third Annual Florida Public School Choice Consortium Conference, a success.

During a Critical Conversation Session: From left to right, Dr. Pansy Houghton, Hillsborough County Schools; Carolyn Finch, Polk County Schools; Dr Judith Stein, NIEO Nova Southeastern University.