Supporters say the charter school bill in this year’s Legislature will add regulations to charters and expand choices for parents. But the bill won’t require that charter school teachers be evaluated the same way as traditional school teachers.

The salaries of public school teachers are now based in part on their evaluations. Some charter school teachers are not subjected to the same evaluation or salary requirements.

Vero Beach high school teacher Jorge Lugo told a House committee it’s not a fair competition unless all teachers are held to the same standards.“When I’m compared side by side as a school teacher – a public school teacher next to a charter school teacher -- and they look at my score versus their score, they’re not the same thing”, said Lugo.

Senate President Don Gaetz says public school teachers who don’t like the unequal playing field have the option of applying for work at charter schools.

“If you feel more comfortable in a more traditional school environment, you ought to have a chance to operate there", said Gaetz. "But you’re not going to get paid the same, you’re not going to get treated the same, you’re not going to get evaluated the same.”

Gaetz says being afraid of school choice is 1950’s thinking. He says parents and students should have more options, but the operators of all schools should be held to the same academic and financial standards.