- January 14, 2026
Dear Editor:
We applaud the Observer for bringing stories and pictures that feature our students in the Volusia County School system. Teachers and administrators come in for their well-deserved share of accolades too, and our community’s pride in all of their accomplishments provides a warm, feel-good feeling that all is well in public education. However, the broader aspects of a new of political takeover in public education at the state level needs to be explored.
At least three programs are gaining traction in Florida: The Phoenix Curriculum, a thinly veiled parochial initiative; The LifeWise Academy, an offsite religious experience; and Schools of Hope, charter schools seeking to operate in existing public schools.
On Nov. 13, 2025, the DOE voted unanimously to support the Phoenix Declaration, identifying the Phoenix Curriculum, a program developed and vigorously promoted by the Heritage Foundation, as approved for use in Florida public schools. If this curriculum is put into place, all subjects in Florida public schools will be taught within an Evangelical Christian framework, something which is antithetical to the non-discrimination requirements of any publicly funded education. Passage of the Phoenix Declaration was vigorously objected to by parents, community members and the Florida Education Association, who decried the “political pledge” made by the Board to promote a blatant religious framework for public education in Florida.
The LifeWise Academy is a program supported by the Southern Baptist Convention, which provides Christian religious instruction during the school day in off-site locations. Target audience is students 6-11 years old who, shockingly, seem to prefer leaving school to attend sociable, snack generous activities to sitting in a classroom. How can teachers get every student, whether in class or not, educated to the level required by state standards while some of the students are off in Sunday School? Americans United for the Separation of Church and State is adamant in their opposition to LifeWise Academy.
Schools of Hope is a sneaky way for charter schools to drastically cut costs. Safe, clean and comfortable spaces to serve the students will be paid for with public school tax dollars. With this model, the charter school incurs very little in the way of overhead costs. The buildings, security and transportation are provided by the local school district, while educational content is unregulated. As a business model for a charter school, it is unassailable. For a neighborhood public school, it’s a travesty. A number of charter schools have tentatively expressed an interest in participating in this program in Volusia County.
Laurel Robinson
Ormond Beach
Editor's note: Laurel Robinson is a co-founder of Citizens for Truth and Justice in Education, a local grassroots organization.
