A lawsuit filed by the Florida Education Association challenging the state’s school choice programs sparked competing press conferences Wednesday, as supporters and critics of Florida’s scholarship and charter school system squared off in St. Petersburg.

The FEA’s suit challenges parts of the state’s education scholarship and charter school programs, calling for greater transparency and accountability for private and charter schools that receive taxpayer funding through vouchers and scholarships. The union argues those schools are not held to the same standards as public schools, which it says are suffering as a result.

FEA President Andrew Spar said the organization is asking the legislature to enforce the state constitution, arguing that taxpayer money should come with taxpayer accountability and that parents deserve complete information about all of their options.

Opponents of the lawsuit gathered at a press conference organized by Step Up for Students, a scholarship funding organization. Christopher Pastura, superintendent of Catholic Schools for the Diocese of St. Petersburg, framed the debate as a question of whether parents or government officials should be making educational decisions for children.

Parent Leslie Coker, who has two sons with special needs, said public school did not meet their needs and that without the state scholarship, she could not afford their current school. She said she is not opposed to public schools but believes alternative options are necessary for children like hers.

Lee Bryant, president of the Pinellas Classroom Teachers Association, countered that public schools already offer meaningful choices, noting that Pinellas County Schools operates nearly 100 different programs and attractors and welcomes all students.

The case is in its early stages, and no court date has been set.

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