Representative Byron Donalds (R-FL) laid out his vision for Florida's education policy should he win the 2026 gubernatorial election in November during a recent appearance on Fox News's Hannity.
Elementary School Policy
Rep. Donalds began by explaining, "We want to make sure that our young kids, by the time they reach third grade, are all reading at grade-level or higher. The kids who fall behind, we want to make sure that they get all of the tutoring they need."
This planned system, named the "Read to Succeed" program, was unveiled in June during a campaign stop in Jacksonville.
"And in a universal choice system where parents are at the head of the table, and they have the resources at their disposal," Rep. Donalds added. "We want to make sure that parents can direct that activity when they get into high school. We want to see personalized success plans for every one of our children in Florida."
High School and Beyond
When children do get into high school and pursue further education, Donalds explained, "As long as parents desire to engage in that process, we want to figure out what it is the child is good at, what they are passionate about, what are their natural skillsets, and let's put them on a personalized track record towards success for themselves."
"The last piece is in high school," the Florida congressman concluded. "In high school, we have our Launchpad Initiative. If a child is not going to the university system or the college system, let's help them get an internship or an apprenticeship, some on-the-job training, or some credentials, so when they graduate high school, they are not just graduating with a diploma, they can go into a job and put food on the table for themselves, build that Florida dream for their future."
