Billy Townsend

Writer and historian

Billy Townsend is a writer and independent Florida historian who served as an elected Polk County (FL) School Board member from 2016-2020. He was an award-winning reporter for the Lakeland Ledger and Tampa Tribune until 2008. Billy is long-time critic of the Florida Model of test-based education and champion of more humane and developmental alternatives. You can find his articles on his free Stubstack publication: “Public Enemy Number 1”

our voices

Billy's Stories

Oct 11, 2021

Could the era of high-stakes tests be coming to an end?

Billy Townsend

None of us know what’s coming next. We know that Florida’s “accountability” experience will change; but we don’t know it will improve.

don’t miss a post

latest stories

Charter Schools aren’t Public Schools. Here’s Why We Need to Change That.

Preston Green

Charter schools have had it both ways when it comes to the public/private divide.

I Never Thought I’d Become a Public School Activist. Then Extremists Took Over the School Board.

Matt Gawlowski

I Never Thought I’d Become a Public School Activist. Then Extremists Took Over the School Board.

Don’t Be Fooled. Education Savings Accounts are a Taxpayer-funded ATM for Private and Homeschool Parents

Nick Covington

Iowans deserve better than an education system cluttered with misinformation, waste, fraud, and abuse of taxpayer money.

latest tweets

Public Voices for Public Schools

“I was teaching at a completely segregated elementary school” - @JessedHagopian Every student had a relative in prison or dead & high-stakes testing kept me from teaching to their needs #Publi...

Public Voices for Public Schools

“Although the forces attempting 2 privatize ed tried 2 hold up West Virginia as a model of voucherization, it is public school advocates there who are providing a shining example for the nation.” ...

Public Voices for Public Schools

#PublicVoices4PublicSchools gives voice 2 former voucher & charter parents, educators, & community who r fighting well-funded efforts 2 privatize public schools. Subscribe 2 receive stories ...

Billy Townsend

our voices

Billy's Stories

Could the era of high-stakes tests be coming to an end?

don’t miss a post

latest stories

Charter Schools aren’t Public Schools. Here’s Why We Need to Change That.

I Never Thought I’d Become a Public School Activist. Then Extremists Took Over the School Board.

Don’t Be Fooled. Education Savings Accounts are a Taxpayer-funded ATM for Private and Homeschool Parents

latest tweets

The Network for Public Education Action