LEGISLATIVE PLATFORM
OCASA is proud to share our 2026 Legislative Platform, advocating for the betterment of Florida’s public school administrative leaders. This platform prioritizes creating safe classrooms led by high-quality teachers, focusing on recruitment and retention strategies. Additionally, it highlights the need for increased funding, professional development opportunities, fair compensation, and flexibility in funding to meet the diverse needs of students. It also emphasizes creating safe environments for all, addressing mental well-being, enhancing school safety measures, and ensuring schools remain open for learning even in challenging situations. Through our collaboration with FASA, OCASA aims to shape education policy that supports administrators and promotes excellence in Florida’s schools.
OCASA 2026 Legislative Platform
OCASA represents school and district leaders who are responsible for turning state policy into successful teaching and learning in every school. This platform outlines our top 2026 legislative priorities.
Invest in School Leaders & Core Operations
Increase the Base Student Allocation at least in line with the Consumer Price Index (CPI) and provide no less than a 3% funding increase that districts can use to improve school-based administrator salaries, while authorizing the banking of the 20 hours of leadership and 40 hours of reading professional learning required for certification renewal—so districts can attract, retain, and develop strong school leaders.
Ensure Safe, Healthy, and Supported School Environments
Fully fund all statutorily required school safety measures through the Safe Schools categorical, including technology and facility upgrades; increase funding for school nurses to meet local and statewide demand; and include school and district administrators in line-of-duty death benefit provisions, so campuses remain safe, healthy, and well supported for students and staff.
Strengthen Early Learning & K–3 Readiness
Recognize early childhood education from birth through grade 2 as a critical foundation and establish a statewide VPK funding formula that supports full-day, developmentally appropriate instruction and wraparound services, with priority for Title I campuses, to close early learning gaps and ensure students enter K–3 ready to meet Florida’s standards.
Expand College, Career & Acceleration Pathways
Expand college, career, and workforce readiness by increasing funding for the Academic Acceleration supplement within the FEFP, broadening graduation options through workforce-aligned pathways, and providing direct funding for K–12 and postsecondary career and workforce education programs, so all students can access advanced coursework, industry credentials, and high-demand career pathways.
Improve Attendance, Accountability & Data Integrity
Create uniform statutory definitions for absence and chronic absenteeism and amend truancy statutes to clearly distinguish these categories and ensure they are consistently measured across all Florida districts, enabling better data, targeted interventions, and more accurate accountability.
Modernize District Communication Rules
Revise Florida Statutes and State Board of Education rules to allow school districts to use public funds to promote their programs, services, and successes to families and communities, while explicitly prohibiting spending on political candidate advertising or signage, so families receive clear, nonpartisan information about the educational opportunities available to them.