Central Florida residents received a detailed look at the educational platforms of several Florida gubernatorial candidates during an event hosted by the Florida Parent Teacher Association (PTA) Leadership Convention. Held on Saturday, July 11, 2026, at the Omni Orlando Resort in ChampionsGate, the forum brought together former U.S. Congressman David Jolly and Republican contenders Paul Renner and James Fishback to discuss their visions for the state's schools. The candidates addressed critical issues including teacher compensation, the impact of universal school vouchers, student literacy rates, and standardized testing reforms.
Teacher Pay Promises Vary by Candidate
A central theme across most presentations was the need to increase salaries for Florida’s educators. According to data from the National Education Association cited during the event, Florida's average teacher pay currently ranks second-to-last in the nation, ahead only of Mississippi. David Jolly proposed a 10-year "renaissance" plan funded by tourist-development taxes that would provide teachers with a 30% raise while also addressing infrastructure and mental health services within schools.
James Fishback echoed support for public education funding, proposing a specific 25% pay increase for teachers to ensure schools have the resources necessary for safety and security. In contrast, Paul Renner emphasized teacher retention as key to improving public schools but did not specify an exact percentage for raises during his remarks.
Debate Over Vouchers and Public School Funding
The discussion also highlighted deep divisions regarding Florida’s universal voucher program, which allows all students eligibility for scholarships toward private school tuition or homeschooling. Jolly criticized the current system, arguing it abandons public education and disenfranchises families by not requiring participating schools to teach reading skills. He promised to reform the program by making it means-tested again.
Paul Renner defended the 2023 law that expanded voucher eligibility, attributing declines in public school enrollment primarily to demographic shifts rather than the voucher system itself. Meanwhile, Byron Donalds, who addressed the PTA conference on Friday before the main forum, remained a staunch supporter of vouchers but proposed creating a "universal scorecard" to provide parents with data on educational outcomes across all schools.
Testing Reform and Literacy Challenges
Literacy skills emerged as another major concern. Renner described improving student reading levels as a "Manhattan Project-type effort," noting that approximately 40% of students currently cannot read at grade level. Donalds focused on testing reform, suggesting an overhaul of third-grade state exams in favor of national tests like the ACT and SAT to better measure college readiness.
The event concluded with audience questions, though some interactions drew sharp reactions from attendees. When asked about past controversial remarks made during his campaign trail, James Fishback sidestepped direct answers, leading to audible disapproval from members of the PTA audience present at the Orlando resort venue.
