(October 3, 2000) The First District Court of Appeals today reversed a lower court decision declaring Florida's Opportunity Scholarship Program unconstitutional.

        In so doing, the Florida courts declared that the regular public school system is not the only venue through which public education dollars may flow. The Court noted that the Florida constitution "does not unalterably hitch the requirement to make adequate provision for education to a single, specified engine, that being the public school system."

        The court declared that nothing in the Florida constitution "clearly prohibits the Legislature from allowing the well-delineated use of public funds for private school education, particularly in circumstances where the Legislature finds such use is necessary."

        The Florida program gives students attending failing public schools the option of attending the public or private school of their choice, at public expense.

        As we noted in our May Amicus brief defending the Florida Opportunity Scholarship Program --

        "The Florida Program is a life-line for the parents and children most in need of help. It is their best hope for educational opportunity, and it serves as a bold exemplar of reform for other States and cities."

        Today, for thousands of Florida parents and children, their life-line held firm.

        Click here for more information and background on Florida's Opportunity Scholarship Program.

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The Center for Education Reform [CER] is a national, independent, non-profit advocacy organization providing support and guidance to individuals, community and civic groups, policymakers and others who are working to bring fundamental reforms to their schools. For additional information on education reform please call CER at (202) 822-9000.

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