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Florida
17th June 2026
 

THE HOT STORY

Florida schools must allow religious absences

Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier recently affirmed that all school districts must accommodate parents seeking to excuse their children for religious instruction. In his opinion, Uthmeier stated: "Florida law, consistent with the Supreme Court's decisions in Zorach and Mahmoud, prohibits public schools from restricting parents' efforts to direct the religious upbringing of their children." This ruling follows a May 14 update by the Florida Board of Education, which mandates that schools allow absences for religious instruction and holidays, ensuring these are counted as excused absences. The new rules, effective June 17, require principals to collaborate with parents to minimize disruption during core classes. Board member Anastasios Kamoutsas emphasized the importance of balancing rigorous education with opportunities for religious instruction, stating it is "near and dear to his heart." The changes come amid a broader push for religious expression in schools, with parents encouraged to prioritize faith in their children's upbringing.

NATIONAL NEWS

President Trump shifts more Education Dept agencies to other agencies

The Trump administration is transferring key Education Department responsibilities, including special education programs and civil rights enforcement, to the departments of Health and Human Services (HHS) and Justice as part of its broader effort to dismantle the Education Department. The move follows similar transfers of education-related functions to the Labor and Treasury departments and is intended to demonstrate that the agency’s responsibilities can be distributed across the federal government without congressional approval to formally close the department. Under the plan, oversight of special education programs, including administration of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act and roughly $15bn in federal funding for students with disabilities, will move to HHS. Meanwhile, the Office for Civil Rights will increasingly rely on the Justice Department to investigate and resolve discrimination complaints involving schools and colleges. Administration officials said students will retain all existing legal protections and argued the changes will improve coordination and enforcement. However, disability advocates, civil rights groups, and former Education Department officials warned that splitting responsibilities across agencies could weaken oversight, complicate complaint processes, and undermine protections for students. 

Education leaders stress importance of human judgment in AI era

Education leaders testifying before a U.S. Senate hearing called for stronger safeguards around artificial intelligence (AI) in schools, while emphasizing that AI can enhance learning if it supports, rather than replaces, human judgment and teacher expertise. Delaware Education Secretary Cynthia Marten told the Senate Subcommittee on Education & the American Family that AI has the potential to expand educational opportunities, but only if schools implement clear guardrails and keep students at the center of decision-making. She highlighted Delaware’s AI Assurance Lab, which evaluates AI tools with input from teachers before they are adopted in classrooms. Witnesses also stressed the need for greater investment in teacher training, arguing that educators must be equipped to use AI effectively as the technology evolves rapidly. According to testimony, more than half of schools have yet to provide professional development on the safe use of AI, although training levels are improving.

FINANCE

Rising healthcare costs threaten school funding

Orange County Public Schools (OCPS) Superintendent Maria Vazquez addressed rising employee healthcare costs during a press conference, stating: "Florida is experiencing some of the fastest increases in healthcare costs in the country." The district, which is self-insured, faces a potential $145m increase in healthcare expenses over the next two years, on top of the $240m already contributed. This financial strain could limit funds available for teacher raises and classroom support. OCPS is also negotiating with employee unions after declaring an impasse in April. School Board Chair Teresa Jacobs emphasized the importance of renewing a one-mill property tax referendum, which supports approximately 2,000 positions, stating: "The cost of educating students is rising faster than the revenue available to support them." The referendum will be on the ballot for renewal on November 3.

GOVERNANCE

New contenders for Miami-Dade leadership

Education leaders from across the nation have applied to lead Miami-Dade County Public Schools, with 21 candidates vying for the position. Current Superintendent Jose Dotres, who took over in January 2022, has a contract that runs until February 14, 2027. The district has engaged a national search firm for the process, with a budget not exceeding $30,000. Notable applicants include Alex Marrero, superintendent of Denver Public Schools, who expressed his desire to tackle similar challenges faced by Miami-Dade, and Jose Bueno, the current chief of staff, who emphasized his commitment to improving student outcomes. Bueno stated, “I believe my proven record of improving student outcomes... uniquely position me to guide Miami-Dade County Public Schools into its next chapter.” The board is expected to discuss the applicant pool in their upcoming meeting.

Balgobin named top superintendent in Florida

Dr. Carmen Balgobin, Superintendent of Volusia County Schools, has been honored as the 2026 Florida Association for Career and Technical Education Superintendent of the Year. The award recognizes superintendents who exhibit "exceptional leadership and commitment to Career and Technical Education." Under Balgobin's guidance, the district has expanded career academies, workforce partnerships, and industry certification opportunities, significantly enhancing students' readiness for college and careers. The district's announcement emphasized that this recognition reflects Balgobin's vision and dedication to providing high-quality learning opportunities for all students. Balgobin will receive the award at the FACTE Awards Gala on July 14 in Orlando.

Brill and Ferguson win unopposed

Two Palm Beach County School Board members, Karen Brill and Edwin Ferguson, will continue their terms without facing any election challenges. The deadline for candidates to qualify passed with no one stepping up against the incumbents. Brill, who has served since 2010 and is currently the board's chair, expressed gratitude, saying, “I am humbled by the trust and support that our community has shown in me.” Ferguson, who won his seat in 2022, noted that the lack of competition reflects voters' confidence in their work. Meanwhile, four candidates are vying to replace Erica Whitfield, who is running for a county commissioner seat, and three are competing for Marcia Andrews' position as she retires. The elections will take place during the primaries on August 18.

DISTRICTS

Enrollment declines raise concerns

In 2023, Flagler Schools experienced a significant decline in student enrollment, a trend attributed to the introduction of the universal voucher program by the Florida Department of Education. Lisa Davina, Flagler School Planner, presented the annual report to the Interlocal Oversight Committee, revealing that enrollment peaked at 12,643 students in 2023 but has since dropped to 12,369 in October 2025, with projections indicating a further decline to 12,221 by October 2026. Davina noted that "the projections do not include future large developments that have not yet applied for reserved school capacity." The district's five-year facilities work plan currently lacks provisions for new school construction or expansion, despite most schools being under capacity.

ECPS eyes ticket price hike

Escambia County Public Schools (ECPS) is contemplating a $1 increase in ticket prices for various sporting events due to rising security costs. Superintendent Keith Leonard mentioned that the cost of hiring off-duty deputies has risen from $40 to $50 per hour, impacting the district's finances. Currently, adult tickets range from $5 to $7, while student tickets are priced lower. Leonard noted: "We haven't raised prices since before COVID, except for a subtle change in 2023." If approved, the new prices would take effect at the start of the 2026-27 school year, affecting middle and high school sports events. No decision has been made yet, but the increase aims to address financial losses at smaller events.

CHARTERS

COAST charter renewal approved with conditions

The Wakulla County School Board has approved the charter renewal for COAST, contingent upon meeting two conditions by July 15. COAST Principal Frankie Harvey stated: "Corrections to the last remaining deficiencies in the application, submission of a COAST specific reading plan and the renewal of our lease agreement with the City of St. Marks" are necessary for compliance. Parent Lauren Brignole expressed relief over the decision but voiced frustration regarding the lack of communication from the school board during the renewal process. She noted: "We were concerned, nervous, upset, confused, and at this point aggravated with the county school board." Superintendent Richard Myhre expressed confidence that COAST would meet the requirements promptly.

SAFETY & SECURITY

Empowering schools through safety training

On June 15, Volusia County Schools hosted a comprehensive school safety and reunification training at DeLand High School, bringing together local law enforcement, school administrators, and community partners. The event featured Max Schachter, founder of Safe Schools for Alex, who has dedicated his efforts to enhancing school safety following the tragic loss of his son in the 2018 Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School shooting. "The safety and security of every student and staff member in Volusia County Schools is our number one priority," said Superintendent Dr. Carmen Balgobin. The training focused on crisis event protocols and included participation from the Volusia Sheriff's Office and Raptor Technologies, emphasizing the importance of preparedness and effective response strategies.

HIGHER EDUCATION

Florida schools miss Global 100 list

The U.S. News & World Report released its 2026-2027 Best Global Universities rankings, revealing that no Florida universities made the top 100. The University of Florida ranked No. 105, up four spots from last year, while the University of Miami came in at No. 233. Despite the overall rankings, Florida universities excel in specific subjects, with the University of Florida ranking No. 17 globally in agricultural sciences and marine biology. LaMont Jones, managing editor for Education at U.S. News, said: “While major universities in China and South American countries show noticeably stronger performances... U.S. schools continue to rank disproportionately high.” Other notable mentions include Florida State University, which ranked No. 25 for education and educational research.

INTERNATIONAL

Climate change increasing risks to children’s health, education, and safety

Half of the world’s children are now exposed to at least three overlapping climate hazards, according to a new UNICEF report, highlighting the growing impact of climate change on young people’s health, education, and daily lives. The report found that more than 1bn children face multiple threats, including heatwaves, floods, droughts, wildfires, and storms, while almost every child globally is exposed to at least one climate-related hazard. UNICEF identified parts of Africa’s Sahel region and countries including Bangladesh, Myanmar, and Pakistan as among the most severely affected. While lower-income regions face the greatest risks, the report noted that wealthier countries are also affected. In Italy, for example, more than 6m children are exposed to prolonged heatwaves and drought. UNICEF is calling on governments and businesses to reduce emissions and invest in climate-resilient infrastructure, healthcare, and education systems, arguing that stronger adaptation measures are essential to protect children from the growing impacts of climate change.

Demand for independent schools grows in Canada

Private school enrollment in Canada continues to outpace growth in the public system as parents increasingly seek smaller class sizes, specialized learning environments, stronger academic outcomes, and networking opportunities they believe will give their children a competitive edge. According to Statistics Canada, enrollment in private and independent schools rose about 9% between the 2019-20 and 2023-24 school years, compared with 3.6% growth in public school enrollment. Families are often paying annual tuition of C$15,000-C$50,000 ($10,711-$35,705), with many making significant financial trade-offs, including delaying retirement savings, reducing vacations, cutting extracurricular spending, or taking on debt. Education consultants and financial planners cited concerns about academic support, university admissions, future job prospects, and the impact of artificial intelligence on the labor market as key factors driving demand.
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