National Organization for Women

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Florida NOW Responds to Governor DeSantis Calling Broward County Schools a “Disaster” and Proposing State Takeover

For Immediate Release: January 20, 2026 / President Julie Kent, Florida NOW, president@flnow.org

Florida NOW condemns Governor Ron DeSantis publicly labeling Broward County Public Schools a “disaster” and announcing that the state should consider placing the district under receivership:

“Governor DeSantis’ latest attack on Broward County’s public schools is an attack on local democracy, on students, and on the families who rely on a stable, community‑driven school system,” said Julie Kent, President of FL NOW. “Calling an A‑rated district a ‘disaster’ is not leadership — it is political theater designed to justify stripping power from voters.”

This week, the Governor claimed that Broward County Public Schools are failing and suggested that the Florida Department of Education should take control of the district. He made these remarks despite the district earning back‑to‑back A ratings, achieving zero D or F schools for the first time, and showing measurable academic gains across student groups.

“Parents, educators, and students deserve solutions — not manufactured crises,” Debbie Deland, VP FL NOW continued. “A state takeover would silence local voices, destabilize classrooms, and hand control of one of Florida’s largest school districts to political appointees instead of the community.”

State takeovers across the country have repeatedly resulted in:

  • Worse academic outcomes for Black and Brown students
  • Loss of local accountability
  • Cuts to essential programs
  • Long‑term instability in district leadership

Broward’s School Board Chair has already invited the Governor to visit classrooms and see firsthand the progress students are making — an invitation that underscores the district’s commitment to transparency and improvement.

“Florida NOW stands with Broward families, educators, and students who are working every day to strengthen their schools,” Julie Kent, President FL NOW, concluded. “We reject any attempt to undermine local control or use our children as political pawns. Our communities deserve investment, not takeover threats.”

Media Contact: Debbie Deland, VP FL NOW, vp@flnow.org, 407 234-6408