Lt. Gov. Jay Collins’ gubernatorial campaign announced his education agenda at a press conference in Tampa.
If elected Governor, he promised investments in cybersecurity to prepare students for an artificial intelligence-driven world and expanded education paths including for workforce education and agriculture training.
“Florida’s families need a Governor who truly understands the classrooms, the challenges, and the dreams of Florida’s children,” Collins said. “Florida doesn’t need more Washington-style bureaucracy. We need bold, practical leadership rooted in our values, and that’s exactly what I’ll deliver as your next Governor.”
The veteran Green Beret said he will bring an awareness of cybersecurity issues surrounding education. He wants to make partnerships with Florida’s world-class defense and technology sectors.
He said it’s critical schools keep students’ data safe, and pointed to a recent Canvas hack that impacted schools and universities across the country.
Collins also said he would fully reject any “one-size-fits-all” bureaucratic approach to education.
“Children must have the option to customize their education tailored to their career goals, whether they choose to go to college, learn a trade, or join the military,” reads a statement from Collins’ campaign. “Every child is unique and our education system should reflect that.”
But Collins said he doesn’t want to give each child an Individualized Education Plan, and that those specific processes should be limited to students with disabilities.
Collins also stressed the need for trade opportunities and agriculture education in schools. The elected official has stressed his own background coming from an agricultural family, and said it was important to teach students skills that would be useful in the workforce.
“There is nothing wrong with a four-year degree, but Florida must lead on teaching children real skills and building apprenticeships,” reads a statement from his campaign.
At the press conference, Collins appeared with his wife, Layla Collins, and Livingstone Academy President and Co-founder Bernadette Pello, who emphasized the importance of integrating workforce education and ensuring each student has the ability to customize their education.
