Governor Jeb Bush signed into law legislation to make Florida's virtual education pilot program permanent.  This legislation for the first time will make distance and virtual learning a permanent and strong part of the public education system in the State of Florida.

In addition to lifting the pilot status which allows current students to continue in the program, it also provides additional availability in grades K-8 and to siblings of current students.

"My children are performing very well on tests that compare their learning with those of their peers in tradition brick and mortar schools," said Susan Freeman, who has two daughters in the pilot program and attended the bill signing ceremony with Governor Bush.  

"This program has yielded tremendous results for hundreds of families across the state.  It has been a valuable choice for my own family.  In our diverse state, this is just one more option for parents to provide the best possible education for their children based on their own unique situation," said Bernadette Swart, President of the Florida Coalition of Virtual School Families. "On behalf of the more than 300 members of our growing coalition, we thank you Governor Bush for your visionary leadership in education."

Swart went on to praise bill sponsors Senator Lisa Carlton and Representative John Stargel, "Senator Carlton and Representative Stargel were instrumental in helping pass this important legislation.  We are grateful for their support and hard work on behalf of the children of Florida"