Amid rising antisemitism, Florida lawmakers reaffirm commitment to student safety
Florida, June 30, 2025 – Teach Florida, a member of Teach Coalition,a nonpartisan, multi-state, grassroots movement devoted to advocating for equitable funding for private schools, expresses its deep gratitude to the Florida House of Representatives and Florida Senate for their continued bipartisan support of the Jewish Day School Security Grant and to Governor Ron DeSantis for his leadership in securing this funding in the 2025–2026 state budget. First launched in 2017 under Former Governor Rick Scott’s leadership, and championed at the time by then Florida Rep. Randy Fine, this vital program has now grown to over $20 million in annual state investment. It currently provides support for all 132 Jewish day schools across Florida, helping ensure the safety of thousands of students and educators.
The Security Grant enables schools to strengthen safety by funding on-site security guards, infrastructure enhancements (such as cameras, bulletproof windows, reinforced door locks, and fencing), as well as secure transportation for students statewide. These are real, on-the-ground measures responding to the evolving security needs of Florida’s Jewish schools that serve over 21,000 students. Florida’s continued investment sends a clear message: the Jewish community matters, and the safety of Jewish children will never be compromised.
Despite an overall reduction in this year’s state budget, the Jewish Day School Security Grant was preserved thanks to the determined advocacy of Speaker Danny Perez and Senate President Ben Albritton. Without their efforts, we would not have seen the success we achieved today. This underscores a critical truth: political relationships matter, and our advocacy is only as strong as the community behind it.
“Even as the legislature worked hard to reduce the total state budget and the funding was at stake, we worked closely with Speaker Danny Perez and Senate President Ben Albritton to help them understand the critical role this funding plays in securing the Jewish community,” said Teach Florida board member Yossi Rosengarten. “Nothing is guaranteed, and we must not take security funding for granted.”
“We are especially grateful to Governor DeSantis, appropriation sponsors Rep. Hillary Cassel and Senator Tom Leek, and our legislative partners for standing with the Jewish community during a time of uncertainty and fear,” said Melissa Glaser, Executive Director of Teach Florida. “Their leadership ensures that all Jewish schools remain safe spaces of learning and growth. We remain steadfast in our mission to advocate for safe, high-quality, and affordable Jewish education for every family across the state.”
Teach Florida looks forward to continued collaboration with lawmakers, law enforcement, and community partners to enhance the safety and resilience of Florida’s Jewish day schools for years to come.
Media Contact:
Melissa Glaser
Executive Director, Teach Florida
Email: GlaserM@teachcoalition.org
Website: www.teachcoalition.org/florida