Florida Voucher Ruling Roils School Choice Waters
Decision’s ripple effects could reach charters.
The Florida Supreme Court’s decision striking down a statewide voucher program has sparked speculation that the ruling will aid efforts to battle other voucher initiatives, and could even pose a threat to charter schools.
The predictions come as Florida Gov. Jeb Bush, a Republican, and other voucher supporters are exploring ways to keep the affected program afloat, including by attempting to amend the state constitution. By a vote of 5-2, the Florida high court ruled Jan. 5 that a voucher program there violates the state constitution’s provision requiring a “uniform” system of public schools for all students. ( "Fla. Court: Vouchers Unconstitutional," Jan. 11, 2006.)
While the victorious plaintiffs say no firm decisions have been made on future litigation, some analysts predict that Florida’s other school choice programs will face similar legal challenges. At the same time, opponents of publicly financed private school vouchers are saying the new ruling will help their side...
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