School concurrency is one of a slate of growth management policies included in a proposed overhaul of state rules during the session of the Florida Legislature that starts Tuesday. While it is humbly nestled on page 31 of the 42-page report prepared by Gov. Jeb Bush's Growth Management Study Commission, observers say it is probably the most important change recommended. The Legislature faces an ambitious growth management reform package pushed by majority Republicans. The sweeping nature of the changes makes some Democrats and environmentalists squirm. For example, one recommendation from the commission is to replace the state's comprehensive plan with a three-sentence vision statement that emphasizes economic health and property rights.
Supporters call it a bold step toward improving an outdated system.
The cornerstone of the reforms is a plan to strip state government of almost all authority over planning decisions and put them in the hands of regional and local leaders. Right now, the Department of Community Affairs handles all significant development requests. Decentralization in planning has sent shock waves through the state's environmental community, said Henderson, a former director of the Florida Audubon Society who has lobbied in the Legislature for 20 years. There's too much influence. Pat Drago, executive director of facilities for the Volusia County School District, said officials are keeping a watchful eye on concurrency efforts.