- April 18, 2024
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The sound of car horns didn’t let up Tuesday, March 8, on Belle Terre Parkway, in front of Kohl's. This was the location of hundreds of educators, healthcare workers, police and firefighters who gathered for the Awake the State rally.
Awake the State is a statewide rally for Floridians to express their opposition to budget cuts.
Of the proposed cuts, Florida schools would be hit the hardest, said Katie Hansen, Flagler County Educators Association president.
One proposed bill that Hansen fears will hurt students is Senate Bill 736, or the “Student Success Act.” An aspect of this proposed bill requires school districts to administer assessments for each course offered in the district, according to www.flsenate.gov.
“If this becomes law, it will increase the number of tests every child takes every year — including art, music and (physical education),” Hansen said. “These children need to love learning, not love being tested.”
The purpose of the rally was to make citizens aware of the proposed cuts and changes so they may contact legislators about how they feel and how the changes could affect their kids, Hansen said.
The next step is the State of Education session 6 p.m. Thursday, March 8, at the Government Services Building, 1769 E. Moody Blvd.
Colleen Wood, founder of 50th No More, a grassroots public education advocacy group, will present information to parents about becoming advocates for the children of Flagler County and the public schools they attend.
Also, Janet Valentine, Superintendent of Flagler County Schools, will present information about the State of Education, the possible consequences of the state’s budget cuts, and how children could be affected by the proposed changes.
In addition to Thursday’s meeting, the FCEA is asking parents to trace their child’s right hand on a piece of paper and cut it out. They are then requesting parents write the message, “Do RIGHT by Florida’s Children!” on the handprint.
To share the message of the campaign, the FCEA will be delivering right-hand prints of the children in Flagler’s public schools to legislators April 7 in Tallahassee.
Handprints can be dropped off at any school site no later than April 5.
Click here to see photos from the event.
