December 17, 2005

Commissioner Charlie Crist

Florida Department of Education

The Capitol Building

Tallahassee, Florida 32311

Dear Commissioner Crist;

The Legislature in its last session addressed a serious problem.

In short, the problem was that: school administrators were obstructing non-custodial parents, without lawful cause, from having any contact with their child's teachers. It appears, in part, that these administrators were using the legal Motion of state created "custody", as the masquerade to thwart and subvert meaningful parent-teacher conferences.

Committee Substitute for House Bill No. 215 (Parental Rights/School Records) was unanimously passed by both the Mouse and Senate, and was quickly approved by the Governor on April 16, 2001. The law took effect on July 1, 2001 (Laws of Florida Ch. 2001-2)

I would request that the Department disseminate this new law information to Florida's school boards, so, that the new law will truly reach all principals statewide at the elementary, middle, and high school levels, both at out public and private schools. Also, notification to the Florida School Boards Association and the Private Schools Associations of Florida would be most helpful.

Particular thanks go out to Sen. Campbell and Rep. Cusack for their work on behalf of Florida's divorced parents, so they could be more involved in their children's education. Leadership was required on this vital educational matter and Sen. Campbell and Rep. Cusack meet the challenge.

Most Respectfully yours,

Tony Spalding

Tony Spalding, Pres.

cc: Senator Walter Campbell

State Representative Cusack

Florida's Commission on Responsible Fatherhood

enc: copy of new law

Ch. 2001-2 LAWS OF FLORIDA Ch. 2001-2

CHAPTER 2001-2

Committee Substitute for House Bill No. 215

An act relating to parental rights; amending s. 81.13, F.S.; providing

that specified rights apply to both patents; providing an effective

date.

Be It Enacted by the Legislature of the State of Florida:

Section I. Paragraph (b) of subsection (2) of section 61, 13, Florida Statutes, is amended to read

3. Access to records and information pertaining to a minor child, including, but not limited to, medical, dental, and school records, may not be denied to a parent because the parent is not the child's primary residential parent, Full rights under this subparagraph apply to either parent unless a court order specifically revokes these rights, including any restrictions on these rights as provided in a domestic violence injunction. A parent having rights under this subparagraph has the same rights upon request as to form, substance and manner of access as are available to the other parent of a child, including without limitation, the right to in-person communication with medical, dental, and education providers.

Section 2, This act shall take effect July 1. 2001

Approved by the Governor April 16, 2001

Filed in Office Secretary of State April 16, 2001.