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Florida
2nd February 2026
 

THE HOT STORY

Education Department firings left taxpayers with multimillion-dollar bill

A report by the US Government Accountability Office (GAO) has found that efforts by the Trump administration to fire staff at the Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights (OCR) cost taxpayers between $28.5m and $38m. The attempted reduction in force, announced in March, was blocked by the courts, but nearly 250 OCR employees were kept on paid administrative leave for almost nine months while being barred from working. The GAO said the department failed to produce a full accounting of the costs and savings of the proposed layoffs, despite federal requirements to do so, forcing investigators to estimate the impact using salaries and benefits. While the department later reinstated staff in December, OCR leadership rejected the watchdog’s recommendation to complete a full cost analysis, arguing the issue was now moot. The report also highlighted a sharp shift in OCR’s enforcement activity during the period, with around 90% of discrimination complaints resolved through dismissal rather than investigation and a steep fall in formal resolution agreements, particularly in cases involving racial and sexual harassment.

NATIONAL NEWS

Meet the 2026 Teacher of the Year finalists

The Council of Chief State School Officers (CCSSO) has announced the five finalists for the 2026 National Teacher of the Year award, recognizing their exceptional contributions to education. The finalists are Katie Collins of Bluff Park Elementary in Hoover, Alabama; Rachel Kinsaul of Morgan County High School in Madison, Georgia; Michelle Gross of Spencer County Middle School in Taylorsville, Kentucky; Linda Wallenberg of Eden Prairie High School in Eden Prairie, Minnesota; and Leon Smith of Haverford High School of Havertown, Pennsylvania. Carissa Moffat Miller, chief executive of CCSSO, said that these educators were selected for their “outstanding commitment to education and impactful teaching that advances student outcomes.” The finalists were chosen from 56 local teachers of the year across the U.S. The winner will serve as an education ambassador for a year, with the announcement expected later this spring.

STATE NEWS

Florida schools adopt anti-communism lessons

Florida's education commissioner Anastasios Kamoutsas expressed enthusiasm following the U.S. military's capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, indicating a revision of the state's History of Communism standards. Proposed additions, set for Board of Education consideration on February 20, include framing Maduro as a drug trafficking leader and referencing Venezuela's connections to Iran. Education advocates have raised concerns about the hastiness of including such directives, with calls for caution as political situations evolve. Critics argue that the proposed standards may misrepresent events by excluding critical contexts like oil politics and intertwining political narratives with historical education, potentially confusing students. Despite these concerns, Florida's Department of Education maintains that these changes aim to illustrate how communist ideologies adversely impact freedoms and power dynamics.

Casey DeSantis champions vaccine choice

Florida First Lady Casey DeSantis recently discussed the importance of informed parental choices regarding children's health, claiming: "They should be able to make informed decisions about the children's well-being without fear or discrimination." The Florida Senate Health Policy Committee has advanced SB 1756, a bill that introduces a new "conscience" exemption for school vaccine requirements, alongside existing religious exemptions. Proponents, including DeSantis and Florida Surgeon General Joseph A. Ladapo, argue that the bill enhances parental authority. However, critics warn it may jeopardize public health, particularly for vulnerable groups. The bill also mandates healthcare providers to share vaccine information and permits the sale of ivermectin without a prescription. The long-term effects on vaccination rates and public health remain uncertain as the bill progresses through the Senate.

FINANCE

Budget crisis prompts school closure discussions

The Leon County School Board is facing a projected budget shortfall of $6.8m, leading to discussions about potential school closures, including the Leon County Virtual School. Superintendent Rocky Hanna warned that the board must "step up and make some tough decisions" to balance the budget by July 1. Teachers and staff were reportedly unaware of the closure discussions until they read about them in the media, prompting criticism from board members. School Board Member Laurie Cox expressed concern, saying: "To hear that y'all didn't even know those conversations were happening until you read about it in the paper is very concerning." The board emphasized that any closure requires a vote and is not solely the superintendent's decision.

TEACHING

Inspiring teacher named Lake County's best

Michelle Deesi, a third-grade teacher at Sorrento Elementary School, was honored as Lake County Schools' 2027 Teacher of the Year on January 29. With 17 years of teaching experience, Deesi credits her mother for inspiring her passion for education, saying: "To inspire, support and make a difference in the lives of students." Nicole Brouhard, the principal at Sorrento, praised Deesi's dedication, noting: "She changes lives" and highlighted her commitment to supporting students in need. Deesi will represent Lake County in the Florida Teacher of the Year competition. Additionally, Trevor Misegades from Lake Technical College was recognized as Rookie Teacher of the Year for his innovative use of LEGO blocks in teaching CNC machining. The award ceremony, "InspirED by Excellence," was organized by The Education Foundation of Lake County with support from community partners.

WORKFORCE

Brevard Public Schools face staffing cuts

Brevard Public Schools is set to implement a 7% reduction in staffing costs due to declining enrollment, as outlined in a letter from Superintendent Mark Rendell. "Because employee salaries and benefits are more than 80% of district expenditures, we have reached the point where we need to reduce our staffing cost," Rendell said. The cuts will primarily affect non-school positions, with classroom roles only impacted if enrollment does not support current staffing levels. Janet Murnaghan, chief strategic communications officer for BPS, emphasized that schools are not being asked to reduce their workforce by 7%, as many reductions will come from open positions and retirements. The Brevard Federation of Teachers reassured members that they would support them through this challenging period, claiming: "Your union will stand firmly with you through every step of this process."

Lee County schools hit hiring milestone

The Lee County School District has successfully filled nearly all teacher positions, marking a significant achievement in addressing a long-standing hiring challenge. The initiative, "Project Believe," aimed to fill 575 classroom vacancies by collaborating with school leadership. As of January, the district reported a decrease in vacancies from 575 in April 2025 to zero. Emily Maldonado, a parent, expressed her relief, noting: "It's very important for me to know that my child's going to have a teacher." Despite this success, the district acknowledges the ongoing challenge of teacher retention, currently seeking to fill 27 positions for the remainder of the school year. The district has seen an 85% improvement from the previous year, when 190 teaching positions were unfilled, demonstrating its commitment to providing stable education for students.

HEALTH & SAFETY

Cold snap hits Central Florida schools

As freezing temperatures approach Central Florida, schools are preparing to operate normally while ensuring students stay warm. With temperatures expected to drop to the low 30s and winds at 10 mph, students are advised to wear hats, gloves, and appropriate footwear. Brevard County Schools have not confirmed their schedule for February 2, while Flagler County Schools plan to remain open. Lake County Schools will also be open, but Marion County Schools have not provided updates. Orange County Schools are monitoring the cold conditions, evaluating their status for February 2. Osceola County Schools will keep students indoors if temperatures remain below 45 degrees, ensuring safety and comfort. "Students are expected to maintain overall dress code expectations," the district said, while allowing exceptions for weather-appropriate attire.

HIGHER EDUCATION

Florida bill sparks free speech fears

Florida is considering a bill that aims to define "domestic terrorist organization," raising concerns about potential impacts on free speech, particularly for advocacy and student groups. Critics argue that the bill's vague language could lead to the suppression of lawful speech. Jonathan Scott Webber, the Florida policy director of the Southern Poverty Law Center, commented: "That kind of ambiguity gives the state sweeping discretion and risk capturing lawful advocacy organizations and chilling constitutionally protected activity." The bill could allow for the expulsion of students promoting designated terrorist groups, which has alarmed many, including Gavin Reynolds of the SEE Alliance, who noted that "when the legal line depends on interpretation rather than conduct, it creates a chilling effect on our campuses and communities." The bill is currently under review in the Florida Legislature.

Florida universities get new grading metrics

The Florida Board of Governors has allowed state universities to select new grading metrics, impacting future funding allocations starting in 2027. This change is part of a performance-based funding (PBF) model, with each university choosing a Metric 10 from eight options. Florida A&M University (FAMU) opted for the percentage of bachelor's degree completers with internships, emphasizing the importance of "career-ready skills" for graduates, according to FAMU President Marva Johnson. Florida State University (FSU) selected a metric focused on shared initiatives savings, aiming to track cost efficiencies. FSU's Senior Vice President for Finance & Administration Kyle Clark stated, "Efficiency is part of Florida State University's DNA." The new metrics will be implemented next year, while the current PBF model will still determine funding for 2026-2027.

New chairman of Florida Board of Governors outlines education priorities

Alan Levine, the new chairman of the Florida Board of Governors, is prioritizing key areas for the state's higher education system during his two-year term. In his first State of the System address, Levine emphasized the importance of accreditation, particularly for medical schools, remarking: "Physicians produced by medical schools must be at the highest competence." He also plans to enhance campus safety following the tragic FSU shooting, proposing a special committee on Campus Safety and Student Success. Additionally, Levine aims to establish an AI Cybersecurity Task Force to address the implications of artificial intelligence in education, highlighting the need for privacy and ethical use. "The work of this task force will be important in helping us understand the impact of AI on our students," Levine said. Other priorities include intercollegiate athletics and budget management strategies.

INTERNATIONAL

Finland eyes Australia-inspired crackdown on kids’ social media use

Finland is considering banning or restricting social media use for children under 15, following growing concern about its effects on young people’s health and wellbeing. Prime Minister Petteri Orpo and public health authorities support the move, encouraged by the success of recent school smartphone restrictions that have boosted children’s activity and social interaction. Researcher Silja Kosola has described social media as an “uncontrolled human experiment,” linking it to rising self-harm, eating disorders and social divides, particularly in a country where children receive smartphones at very young ages. Finland is looking to Australia, which introduced an under-16 ban in December, placing responsibility on tech companies, though experts warn enforcement challenges could drive children to less regulated platforms.

OTHER

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