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Florida
7th April 2026
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THE HOT STORY

DeSantis signs controversial anti-terror law

In a significant move, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis signed a law granting the state authority to label certain groups as terrorist organizations, effectively dissolving their nonprofit status. The law prohibits public schools and universities from funding programs deemed to promote terrorism and mandates the expulsion of students who support designated terrorist groups. DeSantis emphasized the need for public safety, stating: “We don't want money flowing to these groups that are appendages of terrorist groups.” Critics, including Hiba Rahim, Executive Director of CAIR-Florida, argue that the law unfairly targets Muslims and threatens free speech. The law also allows the Florida Department of Law Enforcement to designate groups as terrorists, raising concerns about due process and potential misuse.

MODEL SCHOOLS CONFERENCE

Empower Bright Futures at the 2026 Model Schools Conference in Orlando!

Don’t miss Model Schools Conference 2026, taking place June 28-July 1 in sunny Orlando, Florida! Immerse yourself in inspiring stories, innovative strategies, and practical tools designed to help you tackle challenges head-on and drive meaningful change. Connect with passionate educators from across the state and beyond, gain valuable insights, and leave energized to transform your districts, schools, and classrooms.

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NATIONAL NEWS

Trump administration rolls back Title IX

The Trump administration has announced the rescission of civil rights settlements with two colleges and five school districts that mandated protections for transgender students under Title IX. The Department of Education stated that these agreements, established by previous administrations, imposed "unnecessary and unlawful burdens" on schools. Kimberly Richey, the assistant secretary for civil rights, said: "The Trump administration is removing the unnecessary and unlawful burdens that prior administrations imposed on schools in its relentless pursuit of a radical transgender agenda." The rescinded agreements were deemed unnecessary as the districts were not in violation of the law. Nancy Potter, a former supervising lawyer in the civil rights office, noted that such rescissions are rare, emphasizing the significance of reversing established policies. Several affected school districts reported they had not been informed of these changes and intended to maintain their existing policies.

GOVERNANCE

School board debates political activism ban

Manatee County School Board members are considering a policy that would restrict teachers from showing support for social movements and equality issues. During a workshop meeting, board members debated the implications of prohibiting staff from engaging in political activism on school grounds. "We have to do something to stop that from happening," said School Board Member Richard Tatem, referring to political displays in schools. The proposed policy aims to tighten existing rules against political campaigning by prohibiting teachers from displaying any political materials on campus. Board Member Heather Felton cautioned against potential legal issues, referencing the Equality Florida v. DeSantis settlement, which protects LGBTQ+ students and educators. "We've got to make sure that they are handling all of this," Felton said, emphasizing the need for compliance with established law. The district's attorneys will guide the policy's development based on the board's discussions.

FINANCE

Glades County Schools face financial crisis

The Glades County School District is facing severe financial difficulties, being one of only two districts in the state labeled as broke. Superintendent Alice Beth Barfield requested emergency financial assistance in a letter to the State Board of Education, highlighting that the district's general fund balance fell below 2% in April 2025. Consequently, the district cut $1.4m from its budget, including 31 positions, as it heads into the 2025-2026 school year. Florida's Commissioner of Education, Anastasios Kamoutsas, expressed concern over the district's deteriorating financial condition, stating: "The district does not appear to have sufficient resources to meet its ongoing financial obligations." A financial emergency board has been established to oversee the district's spending, and Barfield remains optimistic about collaborating with the state to improve the district's financial stability.

LEGAL

Teacher's racial slur sparks outrage

New records have emerged detailing the investigation into Leslie Fletcher, a teacher at Madison County High School, who was reassigned after using a racial slur in front of students. The incident occurred on February 24 during a dual enrollment class, where Fletcher confronted students about the accusation and repeated the slur. The district issued a formal reprimand, reassigned her to non-student contact duties, and mandated professional development. Investigators concluded that her actions demonstrated a lapse in professional conduct, causing emotional distress and escalating tensions on campus. Superintendent Dr. Karen Pickles described the language as "unacceptable," emphasizing it contradicts the district's core values. Alberta Jones, the mother of a student who recorded the incident, expressed concern for her daughter's well-being, stating: "It's traumatizing really."  

SCHOOL TRANSPORTATION

Bus driver fired after near-train crash

In a serious incident in Sumter County, a school bus driver was terminated after driving over train tracks while a train was approaching, endangering 30 students on board. Sumter County Superintendent Logan Brown emphasized the importance of trust in student transportation, stating: "The trust that our families place in us to transport their children safely is something we take extremely seriously." Fortunately, no injuries occurred, but the situation was described as a near-catastrophe. The crash happened on April 2, when the train clipped the bus at a marked crossing. Brown praised the train conductor for his actions, saying, "Based on everything we know, he did everything he was supposed to do, and in my view, he's a hero in this situation." The district is now focused on ensuring the safety of its students.

DISTRICTS

Rally against data center disrupts education

In Loxahatchee, a rally organized by the Classroom Teachers Association brought together teachers, students, parents, and local leaders to oppose a proposed hyperscale data center, known as "Project Tango," near Saddle View Elementary School. Representative Meg Weinburger expressed concerns about the absence of a nearby fire station, stating: "I think it’s very important for us to pay attention." Congressional candidate Victoria Doyle echoed these sentiments, urging the Palm Beach County Commission to reject the project, calling it "in the wrong place at the wrong time." Attendees voiced worries about noise pollution affecting students' learning and well-being, with Classroom Teachers Association President Gordon Longhofer warning that such facilities could impair memory and academic performance. The commission is set to vote on the proposal on April 23, and organizers are advocating for a delay to gather more information on its potential impacts.

TECHNOLOGY

Paying for student results

A new contracting model for classroom technology ties part of vendor payment to whether students meet agreed learning benchmarks, rather than simply to license purchases. A report from Digital Promise and the Center for Outcomes Based Contracting says this can sharply increase actual usage, with some pilot districts meeting dosage targets for up to 95% of students while traditional contracts leave more than 65% of licenses unused. Brittany Miller, executive director of the center, said the model forces systemwide focus: “Prioritize this.” The approach also pushes districts to buy fewer, more purposeful tools.
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