News Summary
A recent survey by the Institute for Governance and Civics revealed significant distrust among Floridians towards K-12 schools. Concerns about political influences on education have risen, fueled by controversial actions from state leaders. Following the ban of certain educational content, community organizations are stepping in to ensure comprehensive education on critical topics. The state also navigates political shifts, including pressures on school board members and new requirements for public education. Public confidence in Florida’s educational system appears to be in jeopardy.
Tallahassee, Florida – A new survey conducted by the Institute for Governance and Civics (IGC) at Florida State University has unveiled significant distrust among Floridians regarding the state’s K-12 schools. Released on October 13, 2025, the findings indicated that a notably high percentage of voters express concerns that the educational system is being overly politicized. The survey included responses from 1,234 registered Florida voters ahead of the 2024 general election.
The results of the survey have raised alarms regarding public confidence in K-12 education across the state. Many respondents indicated a growing disillusionment with schools, attributing this lack of trust largely to perceptions that educational institutions are becoming entangled in political matters. This sentiment follows a series of events and legislative actions that have stirred controversy and debate about educational content and governance in Florida.
Some recent developments that have contributed to this climate of distrust include the actions of Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, who has faced criticism for implementing restrictions on certain race-based discussions in public schools. His administration has also banned a new Advanced Placement course on African American studies, leading to further concerns about the adequacy of the state’s education on this pivotal subject.
In light of these controversies, community organizations, such as Faith in Florida, are taking initiatives to supplement public school education related to African American history. These efforts aim to provide resources and ensure that students receive thorough information on this critical aspect of American history, in response to fears that public schools may not adequately address it.
On a related note, following the recent death of Wayne Blanton, a long-standing public education advocate in Florida, the state has lost a prominent figure in the push for quality education. Blanton, who passed away at the age of 78, dedicated over 40 years of his life to advocating for public education and served as Executive Director at the Florida School Boards Association from 1985 to 2015. He was recognized for his initiatives, including the establishment of the Florida School Board Insurance Trust and his work on the Florida Palm program.
In the political arena, the Florida Democratic Party is considering opening up primary elections to independent voters, reflecting a shift in strategy as indicated by a recent survey. Meanwhile, the Florida Republican Party has called for the resignation of Leon County School Board member Darryl Jones following a controversial social media comment about the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk. Jones, who has a significant role in the Office of Economic Vitality for Minority, Women, and Small Business Programs, faces scrutiny for his remarks, which tied back to comments made by Florida Department of Education Commissioner Anastasios “Stasi” Kamoutsas regarding teacher conduct online.
Adding a religious dimension to the educational discourse, the Florida House recently passed a bill (HB 1009) requiring the motto “In God We Trust” to be prominently displayed in public schools. Proponents of the bill, such as Rep. Kim Daniels, contend that it reinforces students’ understanding of their rights concerning prayer in schools. However, this bill still requires support from the Senate to become law.
These events take place against a backdrop of heightened tensions surrounding the role of education in Florida, as the state navigates through complex political dynamics and community concerns. With public trust in K-12 schools waning, stakeholders at all levels are poised to witness how these issues shape the future of education in Florida.
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Additional Resources
- Tallahassee Reports Daily Briefs
- Florida Politics: Wayne Blanton Dies
- Tallahassee Democrat: GOP Targets Leon School Board Member
- Florida Trend: Constitutional Challenge on Unclaimed Property Law
- Tallahassee Democrat: Wakulla Schools Declare Charlie Kirk Day
- Wikipedia: Education in Florida
- Google Search: Florida K-12 education
- Google Scholar: Florida education policy
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Education in the United States
- Google News: Florida education news
Author: STAFF HERE TALLAHASSEE WRITER
The TALLAHASSEE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERETallahassee.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Tallahassee, Leon County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Springtime Tallahassee, Tallahassee Jazz & Blues Festival, and LeMoyne Chain of Parks Art Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Tallahassee Chamber of Commerce and United Way of the Big Bend, plus leading businesses in education, healthcare, and insurance that power the local economy such as Florida State University, Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare, and Capital Health Plan. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREJacksonville.com, HEREOrlando.com, HEREStPetersburg.com, and HERETampa.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.
