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Florida
29th June 2026
 

THE HOT STORY

Difficult budget year for Central Florida schools

Central Florida school districts are preparing for a difficult 2026-27 budget year as declining enrollment, rising costs, and modest state funding increases force spending cuts, staff reductions, and the use of reserve funds. School leaders in Orange, Seminole, Lake, and Osceola counties say a 1% increase in per-student funding falls short of inflation and does not cover growing expenses, particularly for health care. Seminole County eliminated 242 instructional and support positions to reduce a $30m deficit, while Orange County cut department budgets by 5%, closed seven under-enrolled schools, and continues to face a projected $145m deficit driven largely by rising health care costs. Osceola is managing a $7m shortfall after drawing heavily on its reserves, while Lake County has reduced spending and merged two middle schools to stay financially stable. District officials attribute enrollment declines to lower birth rates, reduced immigration, and the rapid expansion of Florida's universal school voucher program, which has shifted funding away from traditional public schools.

STATE NEWS

Florida students excel in state tests

More than 60% of Florida students met or exceeded grade-level standards on state tests, as announced by Gov. Ron DeSantis. The increase in proficiency in English language arts and mathematics is attributed to the implementation of the Florida Assessment of Student Thinking (FAST) progressive exams, which track student progress throughout the school year. While Polk County Public Schools showed gains, they remain about 10 percentage points below the state average, with 52% of students performing at grade level in English language arts and 50% in mathematics.

NATIONAL NEWS

Conservative groups drive school investigations

Conservative advocacy groups aligned with the MAGA movement are playing a significant role in advancing the Trump administration's education agenda by filing civil rights complaints that have triggered federal investigations into school diversity initiatives and transgender policies. Groups including Defending Education, America First Legal, the Defense of Freedom Institute, Do No Harm, and the America First Policy Institute have successfully prompted dozens of federal investigations into transgender participation in sports, admissions policies, and diversity programs. Administration officials say outside organizations play an important role in identifying potential violations of federal law, while critics argue the investigations are being used to advance an ideological agenda and roll back protections for LGBTQ students. Defending Education President Nicole Neily said the organization is working to protect women's spaces based on biological sex and ensure schools comply with federal law. She said the group is focused on helping parents understand education issues and pursue policy changes through legal channels, rather than through confrontation.  

Budgets pressured by employee health care costs

Rising employee health care costs are placing growing pressure on school district budgets, forcing leaders to make difficult financial tradeoffs that could affect classroom investments, facilities, staffing, and employee recruitment, according to a recent survey by AASA, The School Superintendents Association, and the Association of School Business Officials International. The survey of 767 superintendents, conducted in March and April, found that 98% said rising health care costs are having a measurable impact on their district budgets. While the findings are not nationally representative, they reflect the views of members of both organizations. Nearly half of respondents said they had already shifted funding away from other priorities to cover higher health insurance costs. According to the survey, prescription drug costs were the leading driver of higher insurance premiums, cited by 60% of respondents. 

FINANCE

Gadsden County faces financial crunch

Gadsden County is facing a financial challenge as district leaders report a fund balance of approximately 3.5%. If this reserve dips below 2%, state intervention may occur. Marleni Bruner, Gadsden County School Board financial director, emphasized the need for a "very aggressive" approach to budgeting, stating: "We will just have to be aggressively conservative on our budget for next year." The district is under pressure due to over $1m in state budget cuts, which has affected revenue. Employee compensation constitutes about 85% of the budget, leaving limited flexibility for adjustments. The district aims to stabilize its finances and avoid state involvement, with a budget workshop scheduled for next Tuesday to discuss further strategies.

GOVERNANCE

Incumbent faces write-in challenger

In the upcoming November 3 General Election, incumbent Donna Mills is vying for a fifth term on the St. Lucie County School Board District 3 against write-in candidate Ben "Zag" Zagrobelny. Mills, who has a long history of community involvement and educational initiatives, stated: "I have been a child activist and have successfully helped educate children throughout this county for over 40 years." She emphasizes her commitment to improving educational outcomes and ensuring student safety. Meanwhile, Zagrobelny has not provided responses to candidate questionnaires, leaving voters with limited information about his platform. The election is open to all registered voters in the county, regardless of their district of residence.

Anderson aims for school board comeback

In the upcoming Martin County School Board District 4 election, former board member Anthony "Tony" Anderson is challenging incumbent Amy Pritchett and candidate Milly Blanco. Anderson, who lost his seat in 2022, attributes his defeat to backlash over his support for mask mandates during the COVID-19 pandemic. Pritchett, who has increased the number of B-rated schools in the district from 47% to 82%, is focused on maintaining progress.

TECHNOLOGY

Teachers key to preventing excessive reliance on AI

AI has the potential to enhance education, but it also poses a significant risk to student learning if it encourages learners to outsource too much of the cognitive effort needed to build lasting knowledge and critical thinking skills, according to a new report. The University of Technology Sydney report argues that excessive reliance on AI can create a "false mastery" effect, where students complete tasks more easily but fail to develop the deep understanding and long-term memory needed for future learning. The authors warn that novice learners are particularly vulnerable if they use AI as a substitute for thinking rather than as a learning aid. The report also highlights equity concerns, suggesting that students with strong subject knowledge and metacognitive skills are better positioned to benefit from AI, while those with weaker foundations are more likely to become dependent on the technology and miss essential learning opportunities. Rather than limiting AI use, the authors advocate integrating it through evidence-based teaching practices.

HEALTH & WELLBEING

Heartfelt hoops: a life saved

Jeremiyah Shepeard, a young basketball player, faced a life-threatening heart condition after collapsing during a game. His parents, Shyree and Fred Shepeard, recalled the moment he expressed feeling unwell before the incident. Following an emergency room visit, Dr. Anjlee Patel diagnosed him with an anomalous right coronary artery, a congenital defect that can lead to sudden cardiac arrest in athletes. After considering the risks, Jeremiyah opted for open-heart surgery, a decision supported by his parents. In light of similar tragedies, such as the death of Antonio Hicks from hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, Florida has enacted the Second Chance Act, mandating ECG screenings for high school athletes starting July 1. Dr. Patel believes these screenings will save lives, stating: "I am so glad that this law was passed, and it will keep kids safer." Jeremiyah is now cleared to play basketball again and actively promotes ECG screenings through the organization Who We Play For.

HIGHER EDUCATION

UF leadership reaches truce amid tensions

The leaders of Florida's higher education system reached an agreement on governance after a contentious meeting regarding the University of Florida (UF). The discussion centered on the authority of Mori Hosseini, chair of UF's Board of Trustees, and concerns about his extensive power over university operations. Board of Governors chair Alan Levine expressed worries that Hosseini's influence could create a "parallel reporting structure" for the new president, Stuart Bell, who was nominated amid political tensions. Levine emphasized that the governance issues are not personal but stem from the delegation of authority to the board chair. The board ultimately decided to conduct an independent review of governance rules, with Chancellor Ray Rodrigues overseeing the process. Board member Ashley Bell Barnett expressed hope for collaboration, stating, "I really, truly hope that we can pass the baton, move forward together." The meeting concluded with a handshake between Levine and Hosseini, signaling a potential path forward.

New rule targets undocumented students

The State University System Board of Governors in Florida is reviewing a proposal that would prohibit undocumented students from enrolling in public universities starting in the 2027-28 academic year. This rule change would not impact current students but aims to clarify eligibility for future applicants. Board chair Alan Levine said: “I don't think it would be the intent of this board to preclude somebody who lives overseas to access online programs,” indicating that international students may still be able to enroll in online degrees. Additionally, the state Board of Education is set to discuss similar policies that would bar undocumented students from state colleges and adult education programs. Proposed rules would require applicants to prove U.S. citizenship or lawful presence before admission. These changes could significantly affect students under 18, as the GED exam can be taken by younger individuals.

INTERNATIONAL

Jamaica's teachers warn damaged schools remain unsafe eight months after Hurricane Melissa

The Jamaica Teachers' Association (JTA) is calling for urgent government action after reporting that students and teachers in parts of western Jamaica are still working and learning in unsafe conditions more than eight months after Hurricane Melissa. Following visits to schools in Westmoreland, St. Elizabeth, and St. James with representatives from the American Federation of Teachers, JTA President Mark Malabver said students remain in overcrowded tents that are hot, poorly ventilated, and unsuitable for learning, with mold found in some locations. He described the conditions as unacceptable and said the slow pace of repairs raises doubts that schools will be ready for the start of the new academic year. Malabver also expressed concern that Jamaica has entered another hurricane season while many repairs remain unfinished, leaving schools vulnerable to future storms. The JTA has written to the Ministry of Education, Skills, Youth, and Information for a second time, urging immediate action and insisting that no student or teacher should be expected to learn or work in conditions that compromise health, safety, dignity, or educational outcomes.
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