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The Florida House has proposed a $100m allocation to raise salaries for veteran teachers, shifting focus from new hire incentives to experienced educators. The proposed House budget stipulates that the funds would go to teachers with at least two years of full-time experience in Florida public schools. Districts and charter schools would be required to use 0.53% of their Florida Education Finance Program (FEFP) base funding for this purpose. The House sets the overall FEFP budget at $11.3bn, significantly more than the Senate’s $8.43bn. The plan also includes $1.25bn to maintain previous teacher salary increases. The Florida Education Association has made raising teacher salaries its top legislative priority, noting that Florida ranks second-lowest in average teacher pay nationally—just over $53,000, compared to the $69,500 U.S. average. While Gov. Ron DeSantis has prioritized starting salaries in recent years, critics argue that veteran teachers have not seen meaningful pay raises.

 

Florida Politics

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Education Secretary Linda McMahon has announced that the U.S. Department of Education does not intend to honor any of the deadline extensions to spend COVID aid approved under the Biden administration. In a letter to state education leaders, she explained that “extending deadlines for COVID-related grants, which are in fact taxpayer funds, years after the COVID pandemic ended is not consistent with the Department’s priorities and thus not a worthwhile exercise of its discretion." The decision jeopardizes billions in planned projects across at least 40 states, including HVAC upgrades, tutoring contracts, and mental health programs. As of late February, about $4.4bn of $201.3bn remained in unspent funds from the three federal relief allocations under the Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ESSER) fund approved by Congress. On Monday Joshua Michael, president of the Maryland State Board of Education, said that up to $418m is now at risk, including $305m that has already been spent and is yet to be reimbursed. The department said states can reapply for limited extensions if they prove the funds address pandemic impact. Elleka Yost, director of advocacy and research for the Association of School Business Officials, notes that school districts will still have to honor their contracts, which could mean cutting other budget areas. “Federal funding has become increasingly unpredictable for districts, making it very difficult for school business professionals to accurately forecast and plan,” she added. 

 

Chalbeat

Education Week News

K-12 Dive

The U.S. Department of Education, under President Donald Trump, has reminded states they can already use existing federal Title I funds to support school choice options. A letter sent to state education chiefs highlights flexibility under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act, allowing up to 3% of Title I funds for “direct student services” such as tutoring, dual enrollment, advanced coursework, and transportation to schools of choice. While the guidance doesn't allow use of funds for private school tuition, it aligns with Trump’s broader push for education freedom. Advocates praised the move as a positive early step, while critics noted the guidance introduces nothing new and may deepen funding inequities. The department says this is the first in a series of school choice initiatives. Currently, only Ohio utilizes this funding flexibility. Some states, like Oklahoma, are seeking block grants to gain further control over federal funds.

 

Education Week News

In Florida's Congressional District 6, voters are set to decide in a special election being held today to replace former Congressman Michael Waltz. Despite being a Republican stronghold, Democrat Josh Weil, a teacher at Kissimmee Middle School, has gained significant traction, raising funds at a rate of 10-1 compared to Republican candidate Randy Fine. A recent St. Pete Polls survey shows Fine leading Weil by only four percentage points, indicating a competitive race.

 

Ocala.com

Orlando Weekly

The Martin County School Board has approved a policy ensuring that retired teachers will continue to receive contributions toward their health insurance. Veteran teachers had expressed concerns that the district might end these benefits, which they believed were promised to them. The board unanimously voted on March 25 to maintain these contributions for retirees as of June 30. According to the new policy, the district's contribution varies based on the teacher's years of service, ranging from $1,625 for 15 years to $6,500 for 30 years.

 

TCPalm

The proposed House budget for Pinellas County in the 2025-26 fiscal year allocates over $245m, with significant funding directed towards education and community services. Notably, $87.8m is earmarked for Family Support Services of Suncoast, while the University of South Florida St. Petersburg campus is set to receive $36m for its operating budget and $5m for a new research facility. The budget also includes $31m for the Early Learning Coalition and $27.9m for workforce education in Pinellas County Schools. House Speaker Daniel Perez said that the budget aims to "save Floridians about $5bn a year" through a reduction in state sales tax. Other allocations focus on environmental conservation and affordable housing initiatives, reflecting a comprehensive approach to community support.

 

Florida Politics

James Lipsey, the Hernando School District planner, and Brian Ragan, director of facilities and construction, have presented a five-year work plan to the Hernando County School Board. The plan aims to “identify major repair, renovation, and capacity projects needed to maintain the district's educational and ancillary facilities.” The budget for 2024-2025 is set at $80.4m, with projected revenues decreasing over the next five years to a total of $242.4m. Expenditures for maintenance and renovation are projected at $74.8m. The plan includes significant capacity projects, with a total of $247.7m allocated for student stations and classrooms. The board is also exploring adjustments to school attendance zones to maximize capacity.

 

Hernando Sun

Broward School leaders are facing criticism for attempting to limit the influence of parent and community volunteers on advisory committees. These volunteers, who provide input on various issues, accuse the district of trying to silence them, referring to the effort as “DOGE-ing” their committees. Superintendent Howard Hepburn proposed consolidating the number of committees from 20 to six, which was met with backlash. The district's new task force aims to review committee structures, but many volunteers feel their voices are being disregarded.

 

Sun Sentinel

Tishia Wingate, a kindergarten teacher, is leading the restoration of the historic Little Rock Cannery School in Brooksville, originally built in 1941. The building has served various purposes over the years, including as a library and a cannery. Wingate aims to return it to its educational roots as Roots Academy. The renovation plans include a new roof, flooring, and landscaping, creating a project-based learning environment. Wingate has raised $60,000 but needs an additional $15,000 for window replacements. Renovations are set to begin on April 7, with hopes to complete the project by September or October. 

 

Hernando Sun

A recent workshop in Brevard aimed to address educational disparities affecting Black students, who lag behind their white peers in reading and math. Bernard Bryan, a retired engineer and community advocate, stressed the need for increased participation in Voluntary Prekindergarten (VPK) programs, noting that only 14% of VPK students are Black. The workshop featured insights from Brevard Public Schools administrators, who encouraged parents to engage more actively in their children's education. Adrea McDonough, director of early childhood education, highlighted that "for children who enter kindergarten behind, roughly 75% of them will never catch up."

 

Florida Today

A new mural titled “Be the Change” at Gainesville High School pays tribute to civil rights pioneer Dr. LaVon Wright Bracy, the first African American graduate of the school in 1965. The artwork, created with the guidance of nonprofit Mindful Messages, also honors local music legend Tom Petty, aiming to inspire future generations.

 

The Gainesville Sun

The proposed House budget aims to address Florida's nursing shortage by allocating significant funds for nursing education. The plan includes $40m for the Incentives for Nursing Education (PIPELINE) Fund at two-year state colleges and another $40m for public university nursing programs. Additionally, $30m is earmarked to promote collaboration between nursing education programs and healthcare partners, while $20m will support nursing education at postsecondary technical career centers. The University of Central Florida is expected to receive the largest share, approximately $7.4m.

 

Florida Politics

Mexico has implemented a government-sponsored ban on junk food in schools to combat its severe obesity and diabetes crisis. The new health guidelines target processed foods like sugary drinks and chips that have long been popular among schoolchildren. The Education Ministry announced the ban on social media, urging parents to prepare healthier meals. UNICEF reports that Mexican children consume more junk food than any other country in Latin America, with 40% of their daily calories coming from sugary and processed foods. Violations could result in fines ranging from $545 to $5,450.

 

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