Betsy DeVos hosts roundtable discussions with Valencia College students

OSCEOLA COUNTY, Fla. — Channel 9 anchor Martie Salt interviewed Education Secretary Betsy DeVos on Friday afternoon, during her visit to Valencia College's Osceola County campus.

DeVos hosted two roundtable discussions with students, which focused on the school’s career training and dual-enrollment programs.

The first discussion was held at the school’s Advanced Manufacturing Training Center. The second was held at the school’s Osceola County campus.

Watch Secretary DeVos' discussion on manufacturing below:

Raw: Betsy DeVos roundtable discussion at Valencia College 2

DeVos got an up-close look at the college’s advanced manufacturing-training center.

She told students that President Donald Trump wants to make college more affordable.

“We need to think differently about how we help students pursue their education in the way that’s going to work for them,” she said. “The president’s budget is investing in education that works, education that will actually help advance students.”

DeVos said the budget isn’t complete. The blue print calls for more funding for school choice, while eliminating or reducing programs the administration says are not effective.

“When those budget cuts come, we’re forced to make choices that impact students, impact programs,” said Dr. Debra Price, Osceola County Schools superintendent.

Pace said she’s closely watching for potential cuts to Title II funding, which covers teacher training and recruiting.

“I’m a big believer that we have to be life-long learners and help our teachers, and our leaders, improve their practice daily, especially throughout the summer,” Pace said.

The administration said the program is poorly targeted with scant evidence of impact.

The teacher’s union disagrees.

“We have to be able to learn and adapt the best teaching techniques to help the children be successful,” said Jackson.

DeVos is better known for her support of expanded school choice, and while she didn’t talk about it Friday, the administration has called for an extra $250 million for private schools and $168 million for vouchers.

“We are a very charter-friendly district, as long as it comes with quality,” said Dr. Debra Price,  Osceola County Schools superintendent.

Pace, who took part in the roundtable and brought up the issue, said the county relies on charters to ease overcrowding at traditional schools.

She said 19 percent of the district’s students are enrolled in charter schools.

“We believe very strongly in choice, but I think the rules need to be the same when we’re talking about different choice options,” said Pace.

The teacher’s union worries the proposed increase would come at the expense of traditional public schools.

“The vouchers aren’t helping the children. They’re helping those that own the private schools or those that own the charter schools for profit,” said Apryle Jackson of the Osceola County Education Association..

Supporters said the money will allow students to choose a program that best fits their needs, but with limited funding, the issue is likely to become part of a budget deal.

The visit is DeVos' second to Central Florida in three weeks.

DeVos joined President Donald Trump on March 3 during his visit to Saint Andrew Catholic School -- a religious private school in Orange County's Pine Hills neighborhood -- to discuss school choice and Florida's tax credit scholarships.

Cox Media Group