Charles Caulkins: Florida's education marketplace is working. This lawsuit would shut it down.

June 22, 2026 - 22:43

A new legal challenge could undo years of progress in Florida's education system, according to education policy expert Charles Caulkins. In a recent analysis, Caulkins argues that the state's current approach to schooling has created a functioning marketplace where families can choose the best options for their children. But a pending lawsuit, he warns, would effectively shut that marketplace down.

Florida has become a national model for school choice, with programs like tax-credit scholarships and education savings accounts giving parents real power. Caulkins points out that this competition has pushed traditional public schools to improve, while also providing alternatives for students who were not thriving. The result, he says, is a system that rewards innovation and holds all schools accountable to families rather than bureaucrats.

The lawsuit in question, however, seeks to dismantle key parts of this framework. Caulkins argues that if the plaintiffs succeed, the state would return to a one-size-fits-all model where families have fewer options and less control. He emphasizes that stability is critical for students and parents who have built their lives around current programs.

For Florida families, the stakes are high. The education marketplace has given them the ability to choose schools that fit their child's needs, whether that means a public school, a private school, or a charter school. Caulkins believes that shutting down this system would not only harm students but also weaken the incentive for schools to improve. He calls on lawmakers and the public to defend the progress made and reject efforts to roll back choice.