NPE Action endorses Derek Reich for Florida House of Representatives, District 73.

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NPE Action endorses Derek Reich for Florida House of Representatives, District 73. Derek is a 12th grade social studies teacher at Sarasota High School. Derek was born in Sarasota and has lived his entire life in Florida.  He has a Masters Degree in Curriculum and Instruction from Florida State University. 

Derek shared that to improve public education, Florida must fund their public schools. He also stated that Florida’s universal voucher bill must be rolled back as it has financially gutted Florida public schools. Derek felt that other issues facing education in Florida are the banning of books, political dysfunction on the Sarasota School Board, and the lack of teachers available to fill positions. 

Derek’s opponent is Fiona McFarland. Derek explained that “she voted to cut $12 million from the Sarasota school district. According to Derek, her greatest strength is her “ability to raise money.”

Derek feels that we need fewer high stakes tests and he is a supporter of democratically elected school boards.  Derek told NPE Action that class size does matter and he would strictly enforce the class size “rules” in Florida that are loosely enforced. Derek also believes that test scores should not be used to evaluate teachers.  Finally, Derek shared that he does not support vouchers.  

If you live in Sarasota, please make sure to get out and cast your ballot for Derek during the general election on November 5, 2024.


Not authorized by any candidate or candidate committee. Authorized and paid for by National for Public Education Action, PO Box 227. New York, NY 10156. 646-678-4477.