Legislative Priorities

Aligned with National PTA, Florida PTA, and Hillsborough County Public Schools:

1. Equitable and Adequate Education Funding

• Raise per-pupil funding to the national median.
• Elevate teacher salaries to the national average.
• Ensure fair capital improvement funding.
• Modernize student data reporting for accurate funding.
• Streamline teacher certification renewal.

2. Student Assessment and Academic Accountability

• Support diverse graduation pathways (ELL, ESE, CTE).
• Permit portfolio assessments instead of 10th grade ELA FAST.
• Reduce state-mandated testing time and track growth.
• Oppose standardized tests as primary school grade determinants.
• Continue financial literacy education.

3. Student and Family Well-Being

• Increase funding for school-based mental health services.
• Expand full-day VPK funding, prioritizing at-risk students.
• Ensure safe, clean, and nutritious learning environments.

4. Safe and Inclusive Schools

• Implement restorative practices and trauma-informed care.
• Enhance school safety without disrupting climates.
• Promote inclusivity and prohibit discrimination.

5. Student Online Safety

• Ensure digital privacy laws protect student data.
• Advocate for laws preventing human trafficking.
• Enhance legal protections against cyberbullying.

6. Community and Family Engagement

• Fund family engagement initiatives and train school personnel.
• Increase transparency in communication with families.
• Expand the community school model with wraparound services.

7. Emergency Preparedness and Sustainability

• Secure funding for disaster-resilient, sustainable school facilities.
• Advocate for sustainable materials and practices in schools.