Florida Law Aims to Improve Education for Military Children
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has signed a new law, championed by local students, to improve the educational experience of military children in the state. The bill, signed on May 30, 2025, aims to better prepare school staff to support military families and their children during frequent moves.
The legislation was authored by students Katelyn Chamberlain, Sierra Britt, and Kaylyn Johnson, who recognized the challenges faced by military children. With over 600,000 active duty and transitioning veteran families settling into new communities each year, these students sought to address the disruption to military children's education and quality of life, which often occurs every two to three years.
The new law requires school staff in Florida to learn about the Military Interstate Children's Compact Commission (MIC 3) and its provisions. MIC 3, an agreement between all 50 states and Washington, D.C., aims to ease the moving pains of military transitions for children. Despite its existence, military children in Florida were still facing issues with credit transfers and timely enrollment, leading to academic delays and emotional stress.
Four high school students, including Kaitlyn Chin and Grace Siderio, also lobbied for this law. They hope their efforts can serve as a model for others to support military families. The Pentagon is considering extending military assignments to reduce the frequency of moves, which could further benefit from the improved support system established by this law.
Governor DeSantis' signing of this bill into law marks a significant step towards improving the educational experience of military children in Florida. By requiring school staff to learn about MIC 3 and support military families, the state is better preparing its educators to assist these children as they navigate frequent moves. The efforts of these student advocates highlight the importance of addressing the unique needs of military families and their children.
