Latest news with #JebBush
Miami Herald
20 hours ago
- Politics
- Miami Herald
School choice didn't cause Florida public school enrollment crisis, it's the solution
We've all seen the recent headlines that Florida's public schools are facing significant challenges related to school closures, enrollment decreases and funding shortfalls. Schools across the country are facing similar woes, the result of lower student enrollment due to declining birth rates coupled with federal pandemic funding coming to an end. According to the National Center for Education statistics, public schools served 1.2 million fewer students in 2022-23 than in the last year before the pandemic, as public school employment continued to swell for decades, far outpacing student population growth. As we stand at the edge of this new reality, with these data points in hand to help us plan for the future, there are those who insist we're in this predicament because families today have more educational options than they did in the past. When students were assigned to schools based solely on where they lived, the schools were guaranteed the funding that came with those students. As Florida and other states have embraced education choice, funding is no longer guaranteed income for a child's residentially-assigned school. This may make financial planning more uncertain for all schools, but it's the right thing to do for our students. The Florida model, spearheaded by my father, Jeb Bush, during his years as governor from 1999 to 2007, introduced vouchers and charter schools, along with strong accountability standards, a strengthening of teacher training programs and a widening of educational opportunities for all Florida students. It's been 25 years since his leadership put those reforms in place. Florida's graduation rate now hovers around 90%, and we've seen options grow across all schooling sectors — a rising tide lifting all boats. I see this firsthand as a member of the KIPP Miami board. KIPP Miami provides a tuition-free public schooling option for kids from across Miami-Dade. The school also participates in the state's Schools of Hope program, which provides increased flexibility and startup funding to educate students previously enrolled in persistently low-performing schools. Blaming waning public school enrollment on the explosion of school choice is convenient, but it misses the actual underlying causes and overlooks the opportunities ahead. Birth rates are down. Housing costs in urban areas are pushing families further afield. Remote work has opened the door for migration and flexible schooling options that didn't exist a decade ago. Florida isn't alone in these challenges, but we have something many other states don't have, which is a growing K-12 student population. Not all of these students will choose traditional public schools, but there are still opportunities for traditional public schools to take advantage of supporting parental choice within their district boundaries. For districts with declining enrollment and an inventory of underutilized, vacant and surplus facilities, the opportunity to partner with a growing public charter school or a private school in need of space could provide both a revenue stream from the district and an additional place of learning for students. Even more exciting, a public school district could offer students participating in the state's scholarship programs the opportunity to purchase classes on an a la carte basis. Miami-Dade County Public Schools is proposing boundary changes for 11 schools, including repurposing two into specialty schools or resource centers. This will keep current public schools aligned with expectations for class size and teacher capacity while offering new educational opportunities using available facilities. There are two ways to look at parental choice. One puts the focus on buildings and personnel and a delivery model that's barely changed since the Industrial Revolution. The other puts the focus on breaking down barriers for families and students so they can access the options they deserve no matter where they live or what income they earn. For the past 25 years, Florida has put parents first — and we shouldn't stop now. School choice isn't a threat to public education. The best way to improve outcomes for all students is to give families more power, not less. That is the promise that choice can offer. Jeb Bush jr. is a business executive, education advocate and board member of KIPP Miami and the Foundation for Florida's Future.
Yahoo
3 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
Former Florida State University President and House Speaker John Thrasher Dies
Former Florida State University President and House Speaker John Thrasher, whose career in politics and public service spanned more than three decades, died Friday after a battle with cancer, his family announced. Thrasher, 81, served in the House and the Senate before being tapped in 2014 as president of FSU, where he had earned his bachelor's and law degrees. During his tenure in the Legislature, Thrasher, a Republican, was a close ally of former Gov. Jeb Bush and helped carry out Bush's overhaul of the state's education system that included a controversial school-grading system and rigorous testing of student performance. 'I am heartbroken. John was one of my best friends in life. I loved the guy. I am praying hard for the wonderful Jean and his children and grandchildren,' Bush said in an email Friday morning to The News Service of Florida, referring to Thrasher's wife of 60 years, Jean. Thrasher, with Bush's backing, was elected to lead the Republican Party of Florida in 2010 after its former chairman, Jim Greer, was forced out amid a probe into the party's finances. Thrasher became speaker in 1998, the same year Bush was first elected — and as Republicans cemented what remains a dominance of state government. Thrasher died Friday morning in Orlando surrounded by his family, according to a statement released by spokeswoman Sarah Bascom. 'The family would like to thank everyone for their well wishes, visits and prayers during the last month and express their deep gratitude for the doctors and nurses who cared for him at Tallahassee Memorial Hospital, Moffitt Cancer Center, Orlando Health and Cornerstone Hospice,' the statement said. In addition to his wife, Thrasher is survived by daughter Jennifer Jordan and her husband, Don; son Jon Thrasher and his wife Millie; and daughter Julie Weinberg and her husband Mark. He also was a 'proud and devoted grandfather' to eight grandchildren, Bascom said in an email. Accolades for Thrasher, who represented parts of Northeast Florida in the Legislature and was fiercely devoted to FSU, poured in after the announcement of his death. Thrasher's bid to become FSU president initially drew some opposition, in part, because of his lack of an academic background. But Thrasher, who as a lawmaker took numerous steps to support the university, such as helping start its medical school, became a widely respected president. Thrasher's presidency, which lasted until 2021, 'marked a period of historic momentum for the university,' according to FSU President Richard McCullough. 'As an alumnus, legislator, trustee and president, he devoted his life to elevating FSU's national reputation and helping the university reach new heights in student success, academic excellence and research,' McCullough said in a statement. 'Jai (McCullough's wife) and I feel incredibly fortunate and blessed to have known him and will always cherish the time we spent together at university events, out on the golf course or sharing a meal. John had a remarkable ability to bring people together with his warmth, humor and unmistakable charm.' Thrasher was 'one of the greatest men I've ever known,' Gus Corbella, a lobbyist who served as director of the House Majority Office during Thrasher's two-year term as speaker, told the News Service in a text. 'He was a mentor to me more than just in public service, but also as a shining example of what a man of integrity, courage and conviction can be in this often challenging world. He was a gentleman of the highest order worthy of every respect accorded to him,' Corbella said. Kathy Mears, who has held a series of high-level staff positions in the Legislature and state government and served as Thrasher's government-relations director at FSU, offered similar praise. 'No words can adequately capture the deserved honor Florida owes to John Thrasher,' Mears said. 'He was a gentleman warrior. He led with quiet strength and firm resolve. He did so much good for so many — as a lawmaker, as a leader, as a mentor, but most of all as a friend.' Gov. Ron DeSantis and First Lady Casey DeSantis also praised Thrasher, who served in Vietnam and was elected to the state House in 1992 from Clay County. After a time out of the Legislature following his term as speaker, Thrasher joined the Senate by winning a special election to succeed the late Jim King, R-Jacksonville, in 2009. 'John was a decorated combat veteran, served the state well as both Speaker of the House and as a Florida senator, and provided great leadership as the president of his alma mater, Florida State University. John lived a remarkable life — and he made a big difference in the lives of so many in our state. We send our condolences to Jean and the entire Thrasher family,' the governor said in a post on X. Thrasher 'made a huge impact' on the state GOP 'from his time in public office to his willingness to step in and chair the party during a difficult time,' Republican Party of Florida Chairman Evan Power said in an X post. 'Florida is better for his service,' added Power, calling Thrasher 'a legend.' Senate President Ben Albritton also lauded Thrasher, who after leaving the House helped found The Southern Group, one of the capital city's most influential lobbying firms. 'Integrity, perseverance, and strength propelled John to success at every level of public service and private industry. His life was rooted in devotion to public service, patriotism, a love of the law, and a passion for education. From the battlefields of Vietnam where he returned as a highly decorated officer, to years of honorable service as speaker of the House, Rules (Committee) chair of the Senate and president of Florida State University, John was regarded by all as a strong, fair leader with unquestionable judgment, timeless principles of honor, and a gentleman all the way through,' Albritton said. The family will hold a private burial for Thrasher in Orange Park. A celebration of life is scheduled on Aug. 19 at Florida State University's Ruby Diamond Concert Hall in Tallahassee. Click here to download our free news, weather and smart TV apps. And click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live.
CNN
08-05-2025
- Politics
- CNN
Melania Trump honors Barbara Bush's ‘forward-thinking vision' at White House event
First lady Melania Trump honored one of her predecessors, the late first lady Barbara Bush, with the unveiling of a new US postage stamp at the White House Thursday, heralding Bush's 'forward-thinking vision' and 1990 call for a female president. Bush, the matriarch of a Republican political dynasty and a first lady who elevated the cause of literacy, died in 2018. Her recognition in the East Room – and some notable absences – underscored Trump's different approach to the role, as well as long-simmering tensions between the Bush family and President Donald Trump, who frequently targeted two of her sons, former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush and former President George W. Bush, during the 2016 presidential campaign. Those tensions went unspoken on Thursday. But neither Jeb Bush nor George W. Bush attended the event honoring their mother. Their sister, Doro Bush Koch, and brother, Neil Bush, were there, along with other family members, friends and former staff members. Melania Trump celebrated Barbara Bush for her 'unwavering conviction, dignity, and deep loyalty to her loved ones' and quoted from what she described as Bush's 'iconic commencement address' at the women's college Wellesley. 'Who knows – somewhere out in this audience may even be someone who will one day follow in my footsteps and preside over the White House, and I wish him well,' Trump said, reading a memorable line from the 1990 remarks. 'Over 35 years have passed since Barbara Bush made the call for a female American president, a reflection of her forward-thinking vision,' said Trump, whose husband defeated the only two female major-party presidential nominees in American history. She called Bush's speech 'an important moment in the conversation surrounding women's roles in society.' Trump also highlighted Bush's efforts to champion women's empowerment, change the national conversation on AIDS and support gay rights. 'I applaud Mrs. Bush's mark defending our society's vital need for women across all avenues, whether CEO or homemaker,' she said. The stamp unveiling marked Trump's second public appearance of the day, but a rare one for a first lady who has largely been absent from the White House during her husband's second term in office. She has spent the majority of her time since January 20 away from Washington, mostly in Palm Beach and New York, and has made only a handful of public appearances, joining her husband for a trip to North Carolina and California, welcoming the nation's governors for dinner, attending the president's address to a joint session of Congress, hosting the Easter Egg Roll, advocating for the 'Take It Down' Act on Capitol Hill, and traveling to Rome for the funeral of Pope Francis. Her approach to the role emphasizes the first lady's independent streak – and stands in contrast to how Bush tackled the assignment, rooting herself firmly at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue. 'She transformed the White House into a true home. She hosted hundreds of guests,' daughter Doro Bush Koch said of her late mother. 'Mom told her staff she wanted to do something every day to help others. So that's what she did – she scheduled many events and visits that highlighted a need to help encourage volunteerism or focus on literacy.' Barbara Bush hadn't kept a secret her disdain for Donald Trump, who during the 2016 campaign frequently – and personally – criticized her son Jeb Bush as 'low energy' and attacked his brother George W. Bush for invading Iraq. In 2021, Trump lambasted George W. Bush's 'failed and uninspiring presidency.' In a 2018 interview, Barbara Bush – a mother to one GOP president and wife of another – told the author and journalist Susan Page that she no longer considered herself a Republican. Page also reported in her book, 'The Matriarch: Barbara Bush and the Making of an American Dynasty,' that Bush was so horrified by Trump's 2016 win that she kept a countdown clock, given to her by a friend, on her bedside table that showed the time remaining in Trump's term. Trump did not attend Bush's funeral service, with the White House citing his wish 'to avoid disruptions due to added security, and out of respect for the Bush Family and friends attending the service.' Melania Trump attended in his stead. George W. Bush and former first lady Laura Bush attended Donald Trump's 2025 inauguration, but did not attend the post-ceremony luncheon.
CNN
08-05-2025
- Politics
- CNN
Melania Trump honors Barbara Bush's ‘forward-thinking vision' at White House event
First lady Melania Trump honored one of her predecessors, the late first lady Barbara Bush, with the unveiling of a new US postage stamp at the White House Thursday, heralding Bush's 'forward-thinking vision' and 1990 call for a female president. Bush, the matriarch of a Republican political dynasty and a first lady who elevated the cause of literacy, died in 2018. Her recognition in the East Room – and some notable absences – underscored Trump's different approach to the role, as well as long-simmering tensions between the Bush family and President Donald Trump, who frequently targeted two of her sons, former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush and former President George W. Bush, during the 2016 presidential campaign. Those tensions went unspoken on Thursday. But neither Jeb Bush nor George W. Bush attended the event honoring their mother. Their sister, Doro Bush Koch, and brother, Neil Bush, were there, along with other family members, friends and former staff members. Melania Trump celebrated Barbara Bush for her 'unwavering conviction, dignity, and deep loyalty to her loved ones' and quoted from what she described as Bush's 'iconic commencement address' at the women's college Wellesley. 'Who knows – somewhere out in this audience may even be someone who will one day follow in my footsteps and preside over the White House, and I wish him well,' Trump said, reading a memorable line from the 1990 remarks. 'Over 35 years have passed since Barbara Bush made the call for a female American president, a reflection of her forward-thinking vision,' said Trump, whose husband defeated the only two female major-party presidential nominees in American history. She called Bush's speech 'an important moment in the conversation surrounding women's roles in society.' Trump also highlighted Bush's efforts to champion women's empowerment, change the national conversation on AIDS and support gay rights. 'I applaud Mrs. Bush's mark defending our society's vital need for women across all avenues, whether CEO or homemaker,' she said. The stamp unveiling marked Trump's second public appearance of the day, but a rare one for a first lady who has largely been absent from the White House during her husband's second term in office. She has spent the majority of her time since January 20 away from Washington, mostly in Palm Beach and New York, and has made only a handful of public appearances, joining her husband for a trip to North Carolina and California, welcoming the nation's governors for dinner, attending the president's address to a joint session of Congress, hosting the Easter Egg Roll, advocating for the 'Take It Down' Act on Capitol Hill, and traveling to Rome for the funeral of Pope Francis. Her approach to the role emphasizes the first lady's independent streak – and stands in contrast to how Bush tackled the assignment, rooting herself firmly at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue. 'She transformed the White House into a true home. She hosted hundreds of guests,' daughter Doro Bush Koch said of her late mother. 'Mom told her staff she wanted to do something every day to help others. So that's what she did – she scheduled many events and visits that highlighted a need to help encourage volunteerism or focus on literacy.' Barbara Bush hadn't kept a secret her disdain for Donald Trump, who during the 2016 campaign frequently – and personally – criticized her son Jeb Bush as 'low energy' and attacked his brother George W. Bush for invading Iraq. In 2021, Trump lambasted George W. Bush's 'failed and uninspiring presidency.' In a 2018 interview, Barbara Bush – a mother to one GOP president and wife of another – told the author and journalist Susan Page that she no longer considered herself a Republican. Page also reported in her book, 'The Matriarch: Barbara Bush and the Making of an American Dynasty,' that Bush was so horrified by Trump's 2016 win that she kept a countdown clock, given to her by a friend, on her bedside table that showed the time remaining in Trump's term. Trump did not attend Bush's funeral service, with the White House citing his wish 'to avoid disruptions due to added security, and out of respect for the Bush Family and friends attending the service.' Melania Trump attended in his stead. George W. Bush and former first lady Laura Bush attended Donald Trump's 2025 inauguration, but did not attend the post-ceremony luncheon.
CNN
08-05-2025
- Politics
- CNN
Melania Trump honors Barbara Bush's ‘forward-thinking vision' at White House event
First lady Melania Trump honored one of her predecessors, the late first lady Barbara Bush, Thursday with the unveiling of a new US postage stamp at the White House Thursday, heralding Bush's 'forward-thinking vision' and 1990 call for a female president. Bush, the matriarch of a Republican political dynasty and a first lady who elevated the cause of literacy, died in 2018. Her recognition in the East Room – and some notable absences – underscored Trump's different approach to the role, as well as long-simmering tensions between the Bush family and President Donald Trump, who frequently targeted two of her sons, former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush and former President George W. Bush, during the 2016 presidential campaign. Those tensions went unspoken on Thursday. But neither Jeb Bush nor George W. Bush attended the event honoring their mother. Their sister, Doro Bush Koch, and brother, Neil Bush, were there, along with other family members, friends and former staff members. Melania Trump celebrated Barbara Bush for her 'unwavering conviction, dignity, and deep loyalty to her loved ones' and quoted from what she described as Bush's 'iconic commencement address' at the women's college Wellesley. 'Who knows – somewhere out in this audience may even be someone who will one day follow in my footsteps and preside over the White House, and I wish him well,' Trump said, reading a memorable line from the 1990 remarks. 'Over 35 years have passed since Barbara Bush made the call for a female American president, a reflection of her forward-thinking vision,' said Trump, whose husband defeated the only two female major-party presidential nominees in American history. She called Bush's speech 'an important moment in the conversation surrounding women's roles in society.' Trump also highlighted Bush's efforts to champion women's empowerment, change the national conversation on AIDS and support gay rights. 'I applaud Mrs. Bush's mark defending our society's vital need for women across all avenues, whether CEO or homemaker,' she said. The stamp unveiling marked Trump's second public appearance of the day, but a rare one for a first lady who has largely been absent from the White House during her husband's second term in office. She has spent the majority of her time since January 20 away from Washington, mostly in Palm Beach and New York, and has made only a handful of public appearances, joining her husband for a trip to North Carolina and California, welcoming the nation's governors for dinner, attending the president's address to a joint session of Congress, hosting the Easter Egg Roll, advocating for the 'Take It Down' Act on Capitol Hill, and traveling to Rome for the funeral of Pope Francis. Her approach to the role emphasizes the first lady's independent streak – and stands in contrast to how Bush tackled the assignment, rooting herself firmly at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue. 'She transformed the White House into a true home. She hosted hundreds of guests,' daughter Doro Bush Koch said of her late mother. 'Mom told her staff she wanted to do something every day to help others. So that's what she did – she scheduled many events and visits that highlighted a need to help encourage volunteerism or focus on literacy.' Barbara Bush hadn't kept a secret her disdain for Donald Trump, who during the 2016 campaign frequently – and personally – criticized her son Jeb Bush as 'low energy' and attacked his brother George W. Bush for invading Iraq. In 2021, Trump lambasted George W. Bush's 'failed and uninspiring presidency.' In a 2018 interview, Barbara Bush – a mother to one GOP president and wife of another – told the author and journalist Susan Page that she no longer considered herself a Republican. Page also reported in her book, 'The Matriarch: Barbara Bush and the Making of an American Dynasty,' that Bush was so horrified by Trump's 2016 win that she kept a countdown clock, given to her by a friend, on her bedside table that showed the time remaining in Trump's term. Trump did not attend Bush's funeral service, with the White House citing his wish 'to avoid disruptions due to added security, and out of respect for the Bush Family and friends attending the service.' Melania Trump attended in his stead. George W. Bush and former first lady Laura Bush attended Donald Trump's 2025 inauguration, but did not attend the post-ceremony luncheon.
