Crist Unveils ‘Freedom to Learn’ Education Plan

Florida Rep. Charlie Crist (D) has released his education plan, affirming that he will make Florida a place where there’s “freedom to learn.” This contrasts with Florida Governor Ron DeSantis (R) claim that Florida is the freest state in the country, but Democrats like Crist and California Governor Gavin Newsom (D) disagree.

“Under Gov. DeSantis, our schools have been under attack,” said Rep. Crist on social media, saying that “it’s time to put an end to it.”

Considered the frontrunner in the primary race that also includes Florida Agriculture Commissioner Nikki Fried (D), Crist has largely avoided criticizing his challenger. Instead, he has repeatedly gone after Governor DeSantis, and in his most recent social media posts, the former Governor of Florida has now shared what his education plan will be for Floridians should he be elected to serve again.

Crist’s education plan includes:

• Declare 9,000 empty classrooms a teacher & staff shortage emergency.
• Invest in higher teacher and non-instructional staff pay.
• Expand health care options.
• Expand voluntary pre-kindergarten to 3-year-olds, increase all-day Pre-K.
• Enhance curriculum and invest in career, technical, and entrepreneurial education.
• Get politics out of the classroom.
• Reverse failing reading scores and pandemic learning loss.

Calling his education plan the “Freedom to Learn” plan, Crist said that it will “work to improve our public education system and put our students, parents & teachers ahead of partisan politics.”

The gubernatorial hopeful also noted that his plan would “make Education Commissioner an elected position” as opposed to the way the seat is filled now, which is by appointment from the Governor.

Crist joins arguments posed by Governor Newsom who released an advertisement against DeSantis, urging Floridians to move to California to experience more freedom. When it comes to the classroom, DeSantis has maintained that Florida is the “Education State,” affirming that Florida is leading by example.

A detailed explanation of Crist’s “Freedom to Learn” plan can be read here.