Parent groups question Florida’s $15.6 million investment in school materials database

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – The state of Florida is investing nearly $15.6 million in a contract with Trinity Education Group to develop a “comprehensive, modern, cloud-based solution for viewing K through 12 instructional materials.”

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This initiative aims to “provide a singular method for parents, as well as district and school staff to view instructional materials, educational resources, and library media materials.”

While the project sounds straightforward, some parent groups, like Public School Defenders, express concerns about the financial implications.

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“There’s so many things that this money could be used on, and this is wasteful spending by the state,” said Katie Hathaway, a Duval County Schools parent and member of Public School Defenders.

Hathaway emphasizes the need for resources in schools to address critical needs, stating, “Teachers need resources and support to do their jobs. Children need access to books in the classrooms. They need access to mental health counselors in their schools.”

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Hathaway also voiced concerns about the potential for increased book bans as a result of the new database.

“Districts across Florida have already spent millions of dollars collectively to come into compliance with our new state laws. So this new database is just over the top. It’s unnecessary, and I am fearful that it’s going to lead to more book bans in Florida. We in Florida rank first in book bans. We rank last in teacher pay. These are two benchmarks that we should be ashamed of, and state lawmakers need to do better and prioritize education in Florida,” she said.

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In response to these concerns, Sydney Booker, communications director with the Florida Department of Education, explained the contract’s purpose.

“In an effort to provide a single resource for parents to review the materials that their children are accessing at school and to help school districts comply with Florida Statute, the Department has procured a contract for a transparency portal, which is currently under development, and we hope to launch in the new year. The Department firmly believes that parents have the fundamental right to know what materials their child is accessing at school,” Booker stated.

You can view the contract on the Florida Accountability Contract Tracking System.

According to the contract details, it was signed in September 2024, and as of Dec. 9, the state has already made a payment of $3.2 million.