March 1, 2006
Dear Superintendents:
Since 2000, Florida has made great strides in preventing substance abuse. Yet, substance abuse
continues to be the single largest impediment to a healthy, safe and productive future for our
children.
One of the keys to our success is the Florida Youth Survey. Your continued support of this
survey is extremely important to public health and education. As you know, students who live
and learn in safe, supportive, and drug-free environments are much more likely to reach their
personal and academic potential. The information from the survey helps schools and other local
community groups effectively provide healthy environments and prevent drug use.
The Florida Youth Survey is a collaborative effort involving the Governor's Office of Drug
Control and four state agencies: Departments of Education, Health, Children and Families and
Juvenile Justice. In 2006, as in 2000, 2002 and 2004, a survey sample will be selected with the
goal of obtaining representative data at the school district level. All districts are encouraged to
participate. Commissioner John Winn of the Department of Education and Secretary M. Rony
Francois of the Department of Health have sent your office instructions on survey administration
necessary to ensure the continued success of the Florida Youth Survey and to satisfy the policy
and data requirements of the No Child Left Behind Act.
In the last 7 years, we have seen reductions in almost all categories of youth drug use. Without
the information from the Florida Youth Survey, Florida's schools and communities could not
measure such gains. Much of our success is a result of school districts' support of effective
efforts to prevent drug abuse and violence.
For specifics on Florida's progress in reducing youth drug use, visit
http://www.dcf.state.fl.us/mentalhealth/publications/fysas/. Once again, I am counting on you to
lead this effort in your school district.
Sincerely,
Jeb
Bush