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Florida
20th July 2026
 

THE HOT STORY

DeSantis taps Labor official to lead Florida education

Gov. Ron DeSantis has recommended U.S. Assistant Secretary of Labor Henry Mack as Florida's next education commissioner, replacing Anastasios Kamoutsas, who is leaving to become president of Polk State College. DeSantis said Mack would continue the state's focus on parental rights, school choice, removing what the administration describes as radical ideologies from classrooms, and strengthening workforce preparation. Mack previously served in senior education leadership roles in Florida, overseeing the state's colleges, career and adult education, vocational rehabilitation, and workforce alignment initiatives, before joining the U.S. Department of Labor. In accepting the nomination, Mack said he aims to further integrate education and workforce development to expand career pathways and strengthen Florida's economy.

NATIONAL NEWS

Education Department targets teacher misconduct

The U.S. Department of Education has launched a new initiative to combat teacher sexual misconduct, issuing guidance that directs school districts to respond promptly to allegations, thoroughly investigate complaints, and prevent educators accused of misconduct from being reassigned or moving to other schools without appropriate disciplinary action. The department has also opened investigations into 20 school districts across 15 states over concerns they may not have adequately addressed allegations of sexual abuse and harassment involving school employees. The guidance reminds districts of their obligations under Title IX and the Elementary and Secondary Education Act, warns that federal funding could be withheld for noncompliance, and encourages schools to strengthen reporting, data collection, and hiring practices. The initiative follows reports highlighting cases in which educators accused of sexual misconduct retained teaching licenses or continued working in schools, while education leaders urged districts to review their policies to ensure student safety and compliance with federal law.

Federal judge blocks Trump administration's use of budget rule to cut grants

A federal judge has ruled in favor of a coalition of Democratic-led states, finding that the Trump administration unlawfully used an Office of Management and Budget termination clause to cancel billions of dollars in federal grants that had already been approved by Congress. U.S. District Judge Indira ​Talwani held that the administration overstepped its authority by retroactively withdrawing funding, ruling that while the executive branch may set priorities for future grants, it cannot rescind awards that have already been authorized by Congress. The lawsuit challenged grant cancellations affecting a range of public services, including disaster preparedness, medical research, clean water projects, unemployment system upgrades, and hate crime prevention programs. The ruling grants the states a final victory in the case, reaffirming Congress' constitutional authority over federal spending, while the Justice Department has not yet commented on the decision.

TECHNOLOGY

Labor Department looks to China's AI education model for U.S. schools

The U.S. Department of Labor is working with the Department of Education and the National Science Foundation to develop an artificial intelligence curriculum for American students, drawing on China's approach to AI education as part of a broader effort to strengthen U.S. competitiveness and workforce readiness. Acting Labor Secretary Keith Sonderling told lawmakers the administration wants students to develop baseline AI skills from an early age, while a planned AI workforce hub will work with technology companies to ensure education keeps pace with rapidly evolving industry needs. Sonderling also said the Bureau of Labor Statistics will play a larger role in measuring AI's impact on employment, including exploring new data collection on AI use in the workplace. Lawmakers supporting the initiative argued that expanding AI education is essential to reducing concerns about job displacement, preparing students for future careers, and ensuring the U.S. remains competitive in emerging technologies.

Florida's AI dilemma: Innovation vs. safety

Florida lawmakers are grappling with the challenge of regulating AI while fostering innovation. During the Build American AI panel in Tampa, panelists emphasized the need for clear and stable regulations to protect residents from AI's dangers, such as deepfakes and child sexual abuse material. Adam Basford, Vice President of Government Affairs at Associated Industries of Florida, stated: “Companies aren't scared of regulation... What they're scared of is inconsistency.” The panelists also highlighted the importance of distinguishing between different AI applications and avoiding conflicting state standards. Nathan Leamer, Director of Build American AI, noted the necessity for a national baseline to prevent a patchwork of rules that complicates compliance for businesses. The discussion underscored the need for transparency and community engagement in AI initiatives to build public trust and ensure equitable access to technology.

AI school opens in Miami Beach

Alpha School, a billionaire-backed institution with no traditional teachers, is set to open a new K-8 campus in Miami Beach this August, charging an annual tuition of $65,000. The school, funded by billionaire Joe Liemandt, aims to reshape private education in South Florida. Liemandt, worth $6bn, has committed $1bn to develop an AI learning platform intended to reach 1bn children globally. Students at Alpha will spend two hours daily on core academics with AI tutors, while “guides” facilitate workshops on various life skills. However, the school has faced scrutiny from The Wall Street Journal, WIRED, and 404 Media regarding its academic claims and data security, which Alpha has publicly disputed.

GOVERNANCE

Candidates reject Schools of Hope

During a recent forum, eight candidates for the District 1 seat on the Miami-Dade School Board expressed strong opposition to Florida's "Schools of Hope" law, which allows low-performing schools to be occupied by charter operators. Erhabor Ighodaro, a former vice mayor, said: "If we continue to go this route, we're going to destroy public education as we know it." Candidates proposed various solutions, including increasing magnet programs and focusing on high-quality education. Joy L. Jackson, a retired teacher, emphasized the urgent need for reform, saying: "Public schools are in trouble." While there was consensus on the challenges facing the district, opinions varied on the concept of school choice, with some candidates advocating for it and others expressing concerns about its impact on public schools.

Sarasota's education under threat

Tom Edwards, a member of the Sarasota County School Board, emphasizes the importance of prioritizing academic achievement and respect for educators amidst political distractions. He stated: "Our students deserve role models who provide serious leadership," urging the community to reject extreme politics that threaten public education. Edwards highlights recent successes, with Sarasota County Public Schools earning an overall "A" rating, but warns against complacency. He calls for a public schools renaissance that focuses on lifting every student and ensuring that schools are places of opportunity, not political battlegrounds.

Dalusma aims for Collier County School Board

Ford Dalusma, a newcomer in politics, is vying for a seat on the Collier County school board, promising to do his "absolute best" for students. A proud graduate of Collier County Public Schools, he aims to provide an "excellent education" that stands out nationally. His key priorities include increasing vocational training by 25%, enhancing school safety with a simple check-in system, and advocating for affordable teacher housing.

Making waves at Beachside Elementary

Christina Donohue has taken the helm as the new principal of Beachside Elementary, aiming to foster a collaborative environment that enhances student success. With a background in education since 2005 and recognition as Brevard County's Teacher of the Year in 2010, Donohue is committed to building on Beachside's academic excellence. She noted the positive momentum in Volusia County Schools, which earned an A rating, and expressed her desire to make Beachside "the heart of our community."  

Moshier aims for school board reelection

Tim Moshier is running for reelection to the Collier County School Board, emphasizing his commitment to keeping local schools among the "very best in the state." First elected in 2022, Moshier's priorities include student achievement, fiscal responsibility, and ensuring safe and supportive schools.  

DISTRICTS

Martin County schools need a comeback

The Martin County School District, once a top performer in Florida, has seen its state ranking drop from the top 10 to 21st over the past two decades. Key issues in the upcoming school board elections include student achievement, leadership, and preparing students for life. The TCPalm editorial board questions whether the board's focus on non-academic issues, such as book removals, has contributed to this decline. Sara Wilcox, the former school superintendent, emphasized the community's high standards for student achievement, stating: “You have set the highest standards for student achievement, recruitment and retention of excellent teachers.” Candidates for the board include Christia Li Roberts, Cherie White, and Chuck Winn, among others, each bringing different experiences and perspectives to the table. The board's future direction will be crucial in addressing the challenges facing Martin County schools.

WORKFORCE

FPL fuels teachers with generous donation

The Escambia County Public Schools Foundation received a $12,500 donation from Florida Power & Light Company (FPL) to support the Tools for Teachers supply warehouse. This initiative provides free classroom materials to teachers, helping them avoid personal expenses for essential supplies. "FPL has proudly supported the Pensacola Blue Wahoos Education Days for the last four years," said FPL, emphasizing their commitment to connecting learning with real-life experiences. Additionally, FPL offers various education grants, including the Classroom Makeover Grant and EmPOWERing STEM Grant programs. The donation will benefit hundreds of teachers in the community.

SCHOOL TRANSPORTATION

Broward County faces bus driver crisis

Broward County Public Schools is facing a significant shortage of bus drivers, having recently lost 30 due to Florida's refusal to reissue licenses to employees losing Temporary Protected Status. With the school year starting in just three weeks, the district aims to hire 100 drivers. The job offers $21 per hour and benefits, including the opportunity to obtain a commercial driver's license.

HIGHER EDUCATION

FSU Civil Rights Institute faces transition

Ted Ellis, the inaugural director of Florida State University's Civil Rights Institute, has stepped down, marking a significant transition for the initiative. Ellis, who served since 2023, is returning to his hometown of New Orleans. He emphasized the importance of sustaining the institute amid challenges posed by Florida's law affecting DEI programs, stating: "We've done everything we could to sustain (the institute) and to make sure the voices of the students are heard." The institute, founded in 2018, aims to promote civil rights and social change through various programs. 

INTERNATIONAL

Japan tightens safety rules for school club travel after deadly bus crash

Japan's education and transportation ministries have introduced new safety measures for school club road trips following a fatal bus crash in May that killed one high school student and injured 17 others. Investigators found the trip had been arranged using an unlicensed rental minibus without a formal contract or school staff on board, prompting concerns over unsafe transportation practices used by schools across the country. The new guidance calls for public transportation or licensed charter buses to be used wherever possible, while requiring schools to verify drivers' qualifications, use proper contracts, and strengthen crisis management procedures when rental vehicles are necessary. Local governments have also revised safety policies, increased oversight, and allocated additional funding to help schools meet the higher costs of safer transportation, although educators warn affordability remains a significant challenge, particularly in rural areas.
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