A Miami-based charter school operator has made a formal request to co-locate rent-free on the campuses of 27 Broward schools, initiating what one state legislator described as a “land grab” that could hurt public schools.

Roberto C. Blanch, president of Miami-based Mater Academy, sent 27 letters to Superintendent Howard Hepburn on Wednesday informing him that the charter school provider wants to open charters known as “Schools of Hope” on various campuses starting in August 2027.

Broward isn’t the only district that received letters. Sarasota and Hillsborough counties, as well as several others, have received similar requests by Mater, according to State Rep. Robin Bartleman, D-Weston, who fought against the state law.

“This is a power grab, a real estate grab for charter school compani

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