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Florida
15th July 2026
 

THE HOT STORY

Anthropic expands education push with Claude for Teachers

Anthropic has launched Claude for Teachers, a free artificial intelligence (AI) platform for K-12 educators in the U.S. that provides classroom planning tools, curriculum-aligned resources, and instructional support. The platform includes assistance with creating math practice problems, lesson plans, interactive activities, classroom-ready teaching materials, and progress insights, while offering content mapped to academic standards across all 50 states. Teachers who sign up by June 30, 2027, will receive one year of free access, with a version for schools and districts planned for a later release. The launch comes as AI adoption continues to grow in education. According to a Gallup survey, 60% of teachers used AI tools during the 2024-25 school year, with regular users reporting time savings of nearly six hours per week. The rollout also comes amid ongoing concerns about AI's impact in schools. Research from the Center for Democracy and Technology found that half of students felt AI use in classrooms reduced their connection with teachers, while 70% of teachers expressed concerns that the technology could weaken essential learning skills.

NATIONAL NEWS

Florida eyes Bible reading mandate

Following Texas' recent decision to mandate Bible passages in public schools, Florida officials are contemplating similar policies. The Florida Department of Education stated: “It would be nearly impossible for students to have a complete understanding of the Founding Fathers without being familiar with the great books and writings that inspired many of their principles and ideals — and that includes the Bible.” Currently, Florida lacks such mandates, and the Department has not prioritized this issue. Texas' new curriculum, which includes Biblical stories and New Testament excerpts, will impact 5m students starting in the 2030-31 school year. Critics argue that public schools should not teach religious stories, while supporters believe it reflects the Judeo-Christian values foundational to the U.S. Florida has previously mirrored Texas' educational policies, raising questions about the future of religious instruction in its schools.

WORKFORCE

Teachers and district clash over pay

Orange County Public Schools (OCPS) and the Orange County Classroom Teachers Association (OCCTA) are in negotiations over a new contract as the school year approaches. The district's latest proposal includes a 2.65% salary increase for Highly Effective teachers and a 1.98% increase for Effective teachers, totaling over $43m in compensation investments. However, OCCTA officials argue that the proposed salary increases are insufficient and that health care costs are unsustainable. OCCTA President Clinton McCracken said: “What is the use of health insurance if educators avoid care because they can't afford to use it?” The OCCTA is requesting a 3% raise for Effective teachers and a 4% raise for Highly Effective ones, totaling $131.7m. With a deadline of July 22, both parties must reach an agreement to avoid significant financial strain on the district's health care plan.

Volusia County schools partners with Kelly Education

The Volusia County School Board has approved a contract with Kelly Education for the recruitment and support of substitute teachers and paraprofessionals for the next three years, effective until June 30, 2029, with a potential five-year renewal. Tina Mosley, vice president of Florida Operations at Kelly Education, said, "This partnership connects Volusia County residents with meaningful, flexible work in local classrooms while ensuring students have consistent, qualified educators." The district currently faces challenges with a fill rate of 86%, particularly in middle schools, where the fill rate is below 75%.

FINANCE

Grant aims to boost student success

The Leon County School Board is set to vote on the FLP Achieve Grant, which aims to enhance tutoring, teacher training, and college readiness at Rickards and Godby high schools. Dr. April Knight, Director of Federal and Title 1 programs, emphasized the need for additional support, stating: "We want to provide supports to them so that they not only finish the course but they finish strong." The grant would also offer college entrance exam assistance and professional development for teachers, addressing the needs of students who may lack access to private tutoring. Board Chair Dr. Marcus Nicolas highlighted the importance of this funding for families who cannot afford extra academic resources. The implementation of the grant depends on approval from both Palm Beach State College and the Leon County School Board.

Wakulla County votes on school tax

The Wakulla County School Board is asking voters to approve an additional mill of ad valorem taxes in the upcoming November election. This tax, if approved, will fund teacher salaries, free meals, and support for arts and athletic programs over the next four years, starting July 1, 2027. County Commissioner Ralph Thomas emphasized that the commission's role is limited to placing the measure on the ballot, stating: "Our job is simply to allow it to be placed on the ballot, and the citizens in November will decide." Superintendent Richard Myhre highlighted the importance of the funds for maintaining salaries and enhancing existing programs, noting: "Students who are able to eat are able to learn." Community members expressed support but called for accountability in spending.

DISTRICTS

Broward schools launch student recruitment war

Broward County Public Schools is actively competing for students amid declining enrollment by sending 24,000 postcards to families in Miami-Dade and Palm Beach counties. Superintendent Dr. Howard Hepburn stated: “Right now we're not at capacity as a school district, and we need to do our due diligence and compete and market ourselves.” The postcards promote open seats at 24 schools in southern Broward, targeting families in northern Miami-Dade. Miami-Dade's Superintendent Dr. Jose Dotres acknowledged the competition, saying: “What it says is we have to be really competitive and recruit.” Palm Beach County has also initiated similar recruitment efforts, indicating a growing trend of competition among school districts in the region.

GOVERNANCE

Cervera's bold bid in Broward

Adam Cervera, the only Republican on the Broward County School Board, is running for re-election against four opponents in a predominantly Democratic area. Despite the challenges, Cervera has gained significant support, including an endorsement from the Broward Teachers Union, which has not endorsed a Republican since 2016. He has raised $340,000 for his campaign, showcasing his financial backing. Critics, however, warn that he may face difficulties in the upcoming election, especially if a runoff is necessary. His opponents, including Jessie Bastos, emphasize their local ties and business experience as assets. Cervera aims to address the district's $100m budget deficit and secure raises for teachers, asserting that “in the school board, we're in the business of educating kids, and that is a nonpartisan issue.”

O'Neal earns teachers' endorsement

Gloria Reina O'Neal has received the endorsement of the Orange County Classroom Teachers Association for her candidacy in the upcoming District 2 election. The association praised her dedication to enhancing public schools, supporting educators, and ensuring that every student has access to quality education. O'Neal is competing against Marisol Lugo for the seat currently held by Maria Salamanca, who is not seeking re-election. O'Neal has also garnered support from several Democratic leaders, including U.S. Rep. Maxwell Frost and Rep. Anna Eskamani.

Margi Nanney aims for school board

Margi Nanney, a 72-year-old retired educator and community volunteer, is running for the District 2 seat on the School Board of Manatee County. With a rich background as a mother, teacher, and administrator, she believes her experiences equip her to advocate for academic excellence. “It's an extension of what I've been doing my whole life,” Nanney said, emphasizing her commitment to improving education.  

EXAMS

Florida teen sparks GPA debate

In Florida, a recent article highlighted the case of Vaibhav Bhaskar, a Hillsborough County teen who achieved an unprecedented GPA of 11.99, sparking discussions about grading systems statewide. In contrast, the Palm Beach school district employs a capped honors point system, limiting students to a maximum GPA of 6.0. Local educators emphasized that such regulations help prevent excessive competition among students for valedictorian status. "Having such rules in place prevents students from overworking themselves," they noted. Other topics include ongoing construction projects in Leon County, the upcoming Orange County school board elections, and new laws requiring high school students to undergo electrocardiogram evaluations for sports participation.  

LEGAL

OpenAI faces lawsuits over shooting

Two victims of the April 2025 Florida State University mass shooting are suing OpenAI and its chief executive, Sam Altman, claiming that ChatGPT failed to act on critical information from the accused gunman, Phoenix Ikner. Elizabeth Mall and Madison Askins filed their lawsuits in federal court, seeking damages for "medical expenses, pain and suffering, mental anguish, emotional distress (and) disfigurement." Their complaints follow other lawsuits from victims and the Florida Attorney General, who is investigating OpenAI's ties to the shooting. The plaintiffs allege that ChatGPT had information indicating Ikner's mental health struggles and interest in extremist ideology but "failed to connect the dots" and take necessary actions. Morgan & Morgan, representing the plaintiffs, stated, “OpenAI's alleged negligence... is the latest example of a company valuing growth and profits over public safety.” Mall and Askins hope their lawsuit will compel OpenAI to improve safety measures.

Sisters sue school over abuse claims

Two former students, identified as "Jane Doe," are suing Miami-Dade County Public Schools, a teacher, and school officials for their alleged mishandling of sexual abuse claims. The sisters, who were 12 and 13 at the time, assert that the school counselor and principal at Campbell Drive K-8 Center failed to respond appropriately when they reported abuse by physical education teacher Joseph Edward Tolliver. The lawsuit claims that officials suggested the girls were lying and discouraged their mother from pursuing the matter.

HIGHER EDUCATION

Florida funds major engineering expansion

The State of Florida has approved the final $91.98m for Building C at the FAMU-FSU College of Engineering, marking the first significant expansion since 1998. This funding completes a total investment of approximately $152m for a new 164,000-square-foot facility at Innovation Park. The expansion aims to accommodate the growing enrollment, which has surged by 22% for undergraduates and 44% for graduates over the past five years, now totaling over 3,700 students. Suvranu De, Dean of the FAMU-FSU College of Engineering, said, "This new building will give our students the classrooms, teaching laboratories, and collaborative spaces they need to learn by doing — the hallmark of an engineering education." The new facility will enhance hands-on learning and address Florida's increasing demand for engineers.

INTERNATIONAL

Teacher neutrality dispute highlights growing political tensions in German schools

Schools have emerged as a key political battleground ahead of Saxony-Anhalt's regional election in September, after a teacher was formally reprimanded for telling a student he had not voted for the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) because the party had been classified as extremist by security authorities. The case has sparked a wider debate over political neutrality in classrooms, with the teacher saying he has since faced online abuse, threats, and vandalism, while challenging the warning. The AfD, which is polling at around 40% ahead of the vote, says it would overhaul the education system to eliminate what it describes as political influence in schools, arguing that teachers should remain strictly neutral. The party has proposed a broader curriculum focused on German history and patriotism, while scaling back integration programs and social support measures. Mainstream parties argue such reforms would undermine Germany's post-war commitment to democratic education and reject any cooperation with the AfD under the country's longstanding political "firewall."
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