Ron Matus retweeted
I'll say what a lot of superintendents won't.
No family owes us their child.
Not in Florida. Not anymore. And I wouldn't want it any other way.
Parents here can choose any school they want. So in Martin County, we don't ask for loyalty. We earn it. Every call. Every email. Every conversation at the front desk.
That's the Martin Standard.
When a parent calls, we answer. When a family has a problem, we own it. When a student needs to be heard, someone stops and listens.
Not sometimes. Every time. At every school. From the bus stop to my office.
I tell our team this often: we are not in the business of making excuses. We are in the business of serving families so well they never think about leaving.
Some people say schools shouldn't think like businesses. I say the best businesses understand something too many schools forgot: people come back to the places that treat them well.
My goal is, and always will be, for Martin County to be every parent's first choice.
Not their fallback. Not their default because of a zip code. Their first choice.
You earn it one family at a time.
That's the standard.
And in Martin County, we don't lower it.
No family owes us their child.
Not in Florida. Not anymore. And I wouldn't want it any other way.
Parents here can choose any school they want. So in Martin County, we don't ask for loyalty. We earn it. Every call. Every email. Every conversation at the front desk.
That's the Martin Standard.
When a parent calls, we answer. When a family has a problem, we own it. When a student needs to be heard, someone stops and listens.
Not sometimes. Every time. At every school. From the bus stop to my office.
I tell our team this often: we are not in the business of making excuses. We are in the business of serving families so well they never think about leaving.
Some people say schools shouldn't think like businesses. I say the best businesses understand something too many schools forgot: people come back to the places that treat them well.
My goal is, and always will be, for Martin County to be every parent's first choice.
Not their fallback. Not their default because of a zip code. Their first choice.
You earn it one family at a time.
That's the standard.
And in Martin County, we don't lower it.
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Ron Matus retweeted
I'm a public school superintendent in Florida. And I believe in school choice.
Some people find that surprising.
They shouldn't.
I believe in free markets and I believe competition makes everyone better.
Florida has given parents real power to choose where their children learn. Charter schools, private schools, virtual options, scholarships that follow the child.
I don't see that as a threat to public education. I see it as the push public education needed.
When a business knows its customers can leave, it gets better. It listens. It innovates. It earns loyalty instead of assuming it.
Our customers are students and parents. And in my district, we compete for them every day.
That means:
→ Building programs families can't find anywhere else → Responding to parents like their time and trust matter → Measuring ourselves by whether families choose to stay → Never treating an enrollment as something we're owed
Competition doesn't weaken public schools. Complacency does.
The question isn't whether families should have a choice. They should, and in Florida, they do.
The question is whether we'll give them a reason to choose us.
Some people find that surprising.
They shouldn't.
I believe in free markets and I believe competition makes everyone better.
Florida has given parents real power to choose where their children learn. Charter schools, private schools, virtual options, scholarships that follow the child.
I don't see that as a threat to public education. I see it as the push public education needed.
When a business knows its customers can leave, it gets better. It listens. It innovates. It earns loyalty instead of assuming it.
Our customers are students and parents. And in my district, we compete for them every day.
That means:
→ Building programs families can't find anywhere else → Responding to parents like their time and trust matter → Measuring ourselves by whether families choose to stay → Never treating an enrollment as something we're owed
Competition doesn't weaken public schools. Complacency does.
The question isn't whether families should have a choice. They should, and in Florida, they do.
The question is whether we'll give them a reason to choose us.
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Ron Matus retweeted
How's that for a crowd pop?! 🔊
The @RaysBaseball win the pennant!
@GEICO | #BallparkCam | #NoTimeLikeOctober
The @RaysBaseball win the pennant!
@GEICO | #BallparkCam | #NoTimeLikeOctober
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Ron Matus retweeted
🗽NEW YORK, IS IN!
Starting in 2027, students across the Empire State will have a new way to access K-12 scholarships through the Federal Scholarship Tax Credit Program. Thank you @GovKathyHochul for putting NY families first!
Big things ahead for New York students. 🍎 governor.ny.gov/news/statement…
Starting in 2027, students across the Empire State will have a new way to access K-12 scholarships through the Federal Scholarship Tax Credit Program. Thank you @GovKathyHochul for putting NY families first!
Big things ahead for New York students. 🍎 governor.ny.gov/news/statement…
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Ron Matus retweeted
By opting in, @GovKathyHochul has displayed great courage and leadership. Today, she followed through on her promise and New York’s children will be the beneficiaries. Well done, Governor!
Thank you @GovKathyHochul for putting students and families first! Her decision opens the door to billions of dollars in potential new education resources for New York students.
governor.ny.gov/news/statement…
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Ron Matus retweeted
For a short podcast summarizing the report, expertly moderated by @GinnyGentles, go here: youtube.com/watch?v=Zvv7ux…
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Ron Matus retweeted
Another day, another #SchoolChoice report release! This one is the annual accountability report on the Arkansas universal ESA program, called Education Freedom Accounts. Kudos to my @ua_edreform colleagues @mistygallo2 & @jbmcgee for leading on it. Highlights: 44,254 students participated in the 1st year of universal eligibility, representing 8.7% of government-supported K-12 students in Arkansas. Participation was widespread statewide, but highest in our major metropolitan areas in central and northwest Arkansas and in a few high-poverty rural areas.
35% of participants met one or more priority categories for service, including 16.3% with disabilities, comparable to the 16% rate for all Arkansas students. 60% used their accounts to attend private schools and 40% used them for microschools (3%) or homeschools (37%).
All K-10 students were required to take a standardized test chosen by their education provider to align with the content they received. EFA students scored at the 62nd national percentile in math and the 66th in reading.
Private school students spent most but not quite all of their EFA funds on tuition and fees. Homeschoolers spent their funds on a variety of educational products and services necessary to operate a school in the home.
The program re-enrollment rate from spring 2026 to fall 2026 for K-11 students was a phenomenal 96%.
Details here:
bpb-us-e1.wpmucdn.com/wordpressua.ua…
35% of participants met one or more priority categories for service, including 16.3% with disabilities, comparable to the 16% rate for all Arkansas students. 60% used their accounts to attend private schools and 40% used them for microschools (3%) or homeschools (37%).
All K-10 students were required to take a standardized test chosen by their education provider to align with the content they received. EFA students scored at the 62nd national percentile in math and the 66th in reading.
Private school students spent most but not quite all of their EFA funds on tuition and fees. Homeschoolers spent their funds on a variety of educational products and services necessary to operate a school in the home.
The program re-enrollment rate from spring 2026 to fall 2026 for K-11 students was a phenomenal 96%.
Details here:
bpb-us-e1.wpmucdn.com/wordpressua.ua…
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Ron Matus retweeted
Once again Florida’s never-choice movement gets it wrong.
Florida’s private choice scholarships serve a greater percentage of SWD’s than the public system.
16% of Florida’s public school population are students with disabilities while nearly 27% of students on scholarship fall under the unique abilities program.
Florida’s choice system serves all!
Florida’s private choice scholarships serve a greater percentage of SWD’s than the public system.
16% of Florida’s public school population are students with disabilities while nearly 27% of students on scholarship fall under the unique abilities program.
Florida’s choice system serves all!
REPORT ALERT: My co-authors & I report that, nationally, more than a quarter of a million students with disabilities (SWDs) participate in a private #SchoolChoice program, representing 15.5-17.2% of all choice students, a rate higher than the representation of SWDs in district-run public schools. aei.org/research-produ…
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Ron Matus retweeted
REPORT ALERT: My co-authors & I report that, nationally, more than a quarter of a million students with disabilities (SWDs) participate in a private #SchoolChoice program, representing 15.5-17.2% of all choice students, a rate higher than the representation of SWDs in district-run public schools. aei.org/research-produ…
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Ron Matus retweeted
🚨This is NOT a ProPublica Special Report🚨
I had no business running a landscaping company.
mattfrendewey.substack.com/p/i-had-no-bus…
I had no business running a landscaping company.
mattfrendewey.substack.com/p/i-had-no-bus…
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Ron Matus retweeted
Constantly amazed by @GinnyGentles and her ability to communicate ed policy topics to a broader audience
Thank you for having me back on Freedom to Learn to discuss the student and donor estimates for the new federal tax credit!!
Highly recommend watching and subscribing 🔥
Thank you for having me back on Freedom to Learn to discuss the student and donor estimates for the new federal tax credit!!
Highly recommend watching and subscribing 🔥
The Education Freedom Tax Credit could generate $10 billion in new scholarship dollars annually if 5% of eligible taxpayers contribute to scholarship granting organizations. @schoolchoicenow's @PArthurGraff joins the podcast to explain who can donate and who can benefit next year.
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Ron Matus retweeted
🚨 BREAKING 🚨 Rules published this morning for the Federal Scholarship Tax Credit (or EFTC) - will raise billions of new $$$ for public and private school students starting in 2027.
Really important wins for students, families, and taxpayers. I read the rules so you don't have to.
Here are my main takeaways:
- Credit for Married Couples Filing Jointly is up to $3,400
**I estimate this adds $3.8 billion more in giving for every +5% of taxpayer participation 🤯
- Payroll deductions expressly defined as "cash" and allowable as a way to make a qualified contribution to a scholarship organization
**This will 2-3x contributions or more. Massive for public and private school students alike. Would work similar to employer matching gift programs - massive on-ramp for donations
- Affirmed that public school students are eligible subject to state participation and income requirements. ** Treasury estimates that ~95% of 5-17 year old students are eligible to receive scholarships across public, private, and religious schools
- Scholarships for tutoring and special education services for students attending schools in high poverty areas get a safe harbor re: income verification
**expands access greatly for low-income students by not requiring additional paperwork from parents - huge
- Income eligibility is adjusted for family size 👶👶👶👶👶
**Really important for families in lower income counties
- Expenses must be paid directly to schools or qualified vendors. Digital wallets are permitted.
**Cannot give cash scholarships directly to families unless as a reimbursement w/documentation
- States cannot arbitrarily restrict scholarship organizations in participating states
**Great news for minimizing the use of this tax credit as a political weapon vs. serving kids
- Governors must file their official opt-in paper work by January 1, 2027 or their students lose out for the first year. SGO list needs to be submitted by Feb. 15th for first year.
- Homeschool students - confirmed that they can receive scholarships in states where they are categorized as attending a type of school under state law, but questions remain. More guidance promised in the future.
- Multi-state scholarship orgs are allowed
**game changing for students in smaller states
- Students in military families remain eligible for scholarships as long as they come from or currently live in a participating state
- SGOs do not need to collect SSNs - donors will receive a unique donor number
Really important wins for students, families, and taxpayers. I read the rules so you don't have to.
Here are my main takeaways:
- Credit for Married Couples Filing Jointly is up to $3,400
**I estimate this adds $3.8 billion more in giving for every +5% of taxpayer participation 🤯
- Payroll deductions expressly defined as "cash" and allowable as a way to make a qualified contribution to a scholarship organization
**This will 2-3x contributions or more. Massive for public and private school students alike. Would work similar to employer matching gift programs - massive on-ramp for donations
- Affirmed that public school students are eligible subject to state participation and income requirements. ** Treasury estimates that ~95% of 5-17 year old students are eligible to receive scholarships across public, private, and religious schools
- Scholarships for tutoring and special education services for students attending schools in high poverty areas get a safe harbor re: income verification
**expands access greatly for low-income students by not requiring additional paperwork from parents - huge
- Income eligibility is adjusted for family size 👶👶👶👶👶
**Really important for families in lower income counties
- Expenses must be paid directly to schools or qualified vendors. Digital wallets are permitted.
**Cannot give cash scholarships directly to families unless as a reimbursement w/documentation
- States cannot arbitrarily restrict scholarship organizations in participating states
**Great news for minimizing the use of this tax credit as a political weapon vs. serving kids
- Governors must file their official opt-in paper work by January 1, 2027 or their students lose out for the first year. SGO list needs to be submitted by Feb. 15th for first year.
- Homeschool students - confirmed that they can receive scholarships in states where they are categorized as attending a type of school under state law, but questions remain. More guidance promised in the future.
- Multi-state scholarship orgs are allowed
**game changing for students in smaller states
- Students in military families remain eligible for scholarships as long as they come from or currently live in a participating state
- SGOs do not need to collect SSNs - donors will receive a unique donor number
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Ron Matus retweeted
HAPPENING TOMORROW! 🥳
You won't want to miss this special 25th anniversary of the Florida Tax Credit Scholarship with @JebBush, @DannyBurgessFL, @RonMatus1, and JMI's William Mattox.
Join us at 11:00 a.m. for a great conversation reminiscing on steps Florida took to get here ect these great achievements of education freedom.
@StepUp4Students @AFloridaPromise
RSVP Here: us02web.zoom.us/webinar/regist…
You won't want to miss this special 25th anniversary of the Florida Tax Credit Scholarship with @JebBush, @DannyBurgessFL, @RonMatus1, and JMI's William Mattox.
Join us at 11:00 a.m. for a great conversation reminiscing on steps Florida took to get here ect these great achievements of education freedom.
@StepUp4Students @AFloridaPromise
RSVP Here: us02web.zoom.us/webinar/regist…
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Ron Matus retweeted
Join JMI, @StepUp4Students, and @AFloridaPromise for a special virtual celebration of the 25th anniversary of the Florida Tax Credit Scholarship on Tuesday, September 15 at 11:00 a.m.
Speakers include:
@JebBush
@DannyBurgessFL
@RonMatus1
JMI's William Mattox
RSVP Today!
j
Speakers include:
@JebBush
@DannyBurgessFL
@RonMatus1
JMI's William Mattox
RSVP Today!
j
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Ron Matus retweeted
“The free market allows for parents to be the ultimate decision makers for their children’s education.” 👏
Fantastic panel at @StatePolicy Annual Meeting with JMI’s William Mattox, Marissa Hess, Tiffany Thenor, and @RonMatus1 talking about opportunities educators are providing State! #spnam
Fantastic panel at @StatePolicy Annual Meeting with JMI’s William Mattox, Marissa Hess, Tiffany Thenor, and @RonMatus1 talking about opportunities educators are providing State! #spnam
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This school where kids see bees up close also offers a new twist on the #schoolchoice transplant story: The couple behind it moved to Florida to expand what they started in Indiana.
AJ and John Boener knew Florida’s choice scholarships would give them the opportunity to reach ore diverse set of families – than they could up north. A year after opening, Florida Wild School is already serving 50 students a week.
The à la carte operation spans two city lots in Brooksville, a town of 8,000 an hour north of Tampa. It includes a big garden, a “forest orchard,” a rainwater collection system, three composting stations, a treehouse, and, way in the back, that beehive.
When education choice becomes the new normal, all kinds of fresh, parent-driven options sprout all over the place, and families from all over come to get a taste. Can other edupreneur transplants be far behind?
nextstepsblog.org/2026/07/school…
AJ and John Boener knew Florida’s choice scholarships would give them the opportunity to reach ore diverse set of families – than they could up north. A year after opening, Florida Wild School is already serving 50 students a week.
The à la carte operation spans two city lots in Brooksville, a town of 8,000 an hour north of Tampa. It includes a big garden, a “forest orchard,” a rainwater collection system, three composting stations, a treehouse, and, way in the back, that beehive.
When education choice becomes the new normal, all kinds of fresh, parent-driven options sprout all over the place, and families from all over come to get a taste. Can other edupreneur transplants be far behind?
nextstepsblog.org/2026/07/school…
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Ron Matus retweeted
Most families want the same thing: safe schools, strong academics, character formation, and learning environments where their children can thrive. But no single model can meet every child’s needs. This week on Freedom to Learn, @RonMatus1 discusses Florida’s school choice story tic education system can better serve families.
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