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Florida
10th July 2026
 

THE HOT STORY

Teachers face contract crisis in Orange County

As schools in Orange County prepare to welcome students, teachers remain without a contract for the new school year. The teachers union and district leaders are currently at an impasse, seeking assistance from a special magistrate. The district recently increased its pay raise offer from 1% to an average of 2.5%, but significant disagreements persist regarding healthcare costs. Tracie Michalski, a teacher with 27 years of experience, expressed her concerns, stating: “27 years of teaching, and I won’t be able to have insurance.” The district's proposed healthcare premiums could rise dramatically, impacting employees' ability to cover their families. District spokesperson Scott Howat emphasized the need for these changes to address a $145m shortfall in the trust fund that covers medical expenses. The hearing before the special magistrate is set to continue today.

GOVERNANCE

Fortune takes the helm at consortium

Rachael Tutwiler Fortune has been appointed as the incoming Board Chair of the Consortium of Florida Education Foundations, highlighting the Jacksonville Public Education Fund's (JPEF) expanding influence in public education across Florida. Established in 2009, JPEF aims to enhance student outcomes by fostering community engagement and collaboration among various stakeholders, including Duval County Public Schools and local organizations. Fortune emphasized the importance of strong public schools, stating: "Strong public schools are essential to a strong workforce and a thriving economy." The Consortium's board members are crucial in connecting communities and businesses to achieve shared educational goals and promote long-term economic growth.

New principals shake up Lee County Schools

The Lee County School District is set to welcome 14 new principals for the 2026-27 school year, following recent administrative appointments. Robert Spicker, the district's communications director, confirmed that these changes took effect on July 1. Notable appointments include Robert Cooper at Edgewood Academy, who previously earned the title of Lee County Principal of the Year in 2020, and Brian Mangan at Oak Hammock Middle School, who brings over 25 years of experience. Thomas Millins, formerly of Edgewood Academy, will take over at The Sanibel School. Other new principals include Danielle Pinkerton at Gateway High School and Ryan Atwood at Mariner Middle School, both bringing diverse backgrounds and leadership experience.

Candidates clash over school funding

Alicia Farrant and Angie Gallo are vying for the position of Orange County School Board Chair, focusing on fiscal responsibility and community involvement. Farrant, a current board member and nonprofit leader, emphasized the importance of maintaining balanced budgets without raising taxes, stating: "Maintaining a balanced budget will be a top priority." Gallo, with over 20 years of service in the district, highlighted the need for strong leadership and collaboration to address growth challenges. Both candidates discussed the implications of a pending property tax proposal that could affect school funding and the necessity for effective communication regarding school rezoning and relief needs in Apopka.

Velardi's bold school board bid

Nancy Velardi, a retired English teacher and former President of the Pinellas Classroom Teachers Association, is running for the Pinellas County School Board, District 2, challenging incumbent Lisa Cane. Velardi has garnered support from notable figures, including St. Petersburg City Council Vice Chair Richie Floyd and former school board members Linda Lerner and Terry Krassner. Velardi aims to prioritize student achievement, teacher retention, and strong parent partnerships. Despite fundraising disparities, with Cane raising over $15,000 and Velardi less than $5,000, Velardi's influential endorsements may bolster her campaign.

DISTRICTS

Kelly Park shines in Apopka schools

Kelly Park School has achieved the highest score among Apopka schools, contributing to Orange County Public Schools (OCPS) earning an 'A' district grade for the third consecutive year. The number of traditional A-graded OCPS schools increased from 96 in the 2024-25 school year to 101 in 2025-26, with no schools receiving a D or F grade. Superintendent Maria Vazquez said: “Earning an ‘A’ district grade for the third consecutive year is a tremendous accomplishment and a reflection of the unwavering dedication of our students, teachers, staff, and families.” Kelly Park scored 715 points, excelling in math and social studies, while Wolf Lake Elementary led in English language arts and science. Melissa Byrd, Orange County School Board District 7 member, expressed pride in the significant gains across all subject areas, highlighting the hard work of local public schools.

Okaloosa County Schools shine again

The Okaloosa County School District has once again achieved an A rating from the Florida Department of Education for the 2025-2026 school year, maintaining its streak since 2014. Destin Elementary School and Destin Middle School both celebrated their 25th consecutive year earning an A grade, with principals Amy Morgan and Mandy Lopez highlighting the dedication of students and staff. Destin High School, which opened in 2021, earned a B rating, with Executive Director Willy Williams noting the school's impressive academic growth. The district continues to focus on student success and plans to expand Destin Elementary for the 2026-2027 year.

Montclair Elementary rises from F to A

Montclair Elementary School in Escambia County has made a remarkable turnaround, achieving an A grade for the 2025-26 academic year after previously receiving an F. Principal Elizabeth Greenberg, who joined in fall 2023, emphasized the importance of hiring "teachers and staff who were committed to change." The school improved from an F to a C in the 2023-24 year, then to a B in 2024-25, before reaching its current A grade. Greenberg noted: "When you earn a grade of an F, there's a lot of morale that needs to improve." The school's success is attributed to a strong focus on culture, accountability, and student engagement, with support from parents and community partners.

CONSTRUCTION AND RENOVATION

Parkland seeks $850k from school district

Parkland is requesting the return of $850,000 it contributed towards a school that was never built, following the $14m sale of the property by Broward County Public Schools to Broward Health. School district officials stated that a resolution passed by Parkland does not require repayment if the property is sold. Valerie Wanza, chief of strategy and innovation, said: “My understanding is that, no, the money does not go back.” School Board member Lori Alhadeff criticized this stance, emphasizing that the funds were taxpayer money and should be returned. Parkland Mayor Rich Walker echoed her sentiments, stating: “I don't see where the residents of Parkland should have to contribute after they decided to sell the land for something other than a school.” The School Board has agreed to delay spending the $850,000 while discussions with Parkland officials are planned.

HEALTH & SAFETY

Cameras to catch reckless drivers

Orange County is set to install speed enforcement cameras in 12 school zones, with plans for an additional 32 over the next two years. The locations were selected based on a comprehensive traffic study. One of the initial sites is Oak Hill Elementary School. Commissioner Mike Scott highlighted the need for these cameras, noting that nearly 40 accidents involving young people have occurred in his district. The automated systems, provided by RedSpeed USA under a $1m contract, will be operational by January 2027.

NUTRITION

Free meals for kids this summer

Children in Broward and Miami-Dade counties can enjoy free nutritious meals this summer through the Broward Schools Summer Feeding Program. “I think it puts a little more at ease for the families that can't afford it,” said Theresa Battie, Triple Manager at Broward County Public Schools. The program, which runs until July 23 in Broward and July 31 in Miami-Dade, serves meals at 69 schools in Broward, including Coral Springs Elementary, where over 1,600 meals were served through June 30. Kids up to 18 can receive two free meals four days a week, regardless of school enrollment. 

SOCIAL & COMMUNITY

Books for all

Aanvi Mathur, a 17-year-old from Windermere, founded the Orlando Book Bank to provide essential resources for students in Central Florida. The initiative began in 2023 when Mathur and her sister recognized that many students lacked access to educational materials and faced additional challenges at home. The organization collects textbooks, hygiene items, and school supplies, and has expanded to include mentorship programs.
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