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The Florida Department of Education is set to instruct all school districts to integrate artificial intelligence regulations into their internet safety protocols. A workshop on August 5 will discuss this proposed rule change, which aims to comply with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) and safeguard student privacy. Florida law prohibits operators of K-12 websites from knowingly collecting and sharing student data, including sensitive information like biometric data and political affiliations. Although the state Senate attempted to pass an AI Bill of Rights this year, it was blocked by the House. The proposal sought to establish parental rights over children's AI interactions and restrict state contracts with certain AI firms. "The proposal called in part for establishing parents' rights to control children's interactions with AI chatbots," highlighting the ongoing debate over AI's role in education.

 

Sun Sentinel

Public school closures across the U.S. have increased 35% over the past four years, with more than 1,000 schools closing during the 2025–26 school year as districts grapple with declining enrollment, shrinking budgets, and the expiration of pandemic-era federal relief funding. Demographic trends, including lower birth rates and changing migration patterns, combined with growing enrollment in private schools, charter schools, and homeschooling, have further reduced student populations in many districts. School systems in Houston, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, and Broward County are among those planning additional closures to address excess capacity and rising operating costs. While district leaders argue consolidating schools is necessary to maintain financial stability and redirect resources to remaining campuses, educators and community groups warn that closures can disrupt students, displace families, and weaken neighborhoods where public schools have long served as community anchors. Researchers expect the trend to continue as enrollment declines over the coming years, although uncertainty remains over the impact of immigration patterns and the growing number of students outside the traditional public school system.

 

The Washington Post

Moms for Liberty, a conservative group advocating for parental rights in education, has seen a significant decline in influence in Florida. Initially gaining traction by opposing mask mandates and promoting political candidates, the organization has struggled to maintain its momentum. "School boards are ground zero in the fight for parental rights," said CEO Tina Descovich, yet recent campaign finance records indicate a drop in financial support for local candidates. In 2022, the group backed 54 candidates with $13,500, but by 2024, this dwindled to just over $2,000 for eight campaigns. Experts suggest that the shift towards national politics may reflect a loss of local support, as many parents prefer to focus on community issues rather than broader culture wars. The organization faces challenges as 89% of Florida families continue to enroll their children in public schools, indicating a disconnect with the community's needs.

 

The Miami Herald

The Miami-Dade School Board has selected two finalists to replace Superintendent Jose Dotres, narrowing the list from six semifinalists during a special meeting. The finalists are Ernie Lozano, chief human resources officer at Broward County Public Schools, and Rafael Villalobos, the south region superintendent of Miami-Dade County Public Schools. Lozano received “yes” votes from six board members, while Villalobos garnered unanimous support from all eight members. Board Member Roberto Alonso proposed naming Villalobos as “superintendent designate,” but no one seconded the motion. Alonso also suggested Deputy Superintendent Michael Lewis as a potential candidate, although he did not apply. Board Member Luisa Santos expressed disappointment over the limited number of finalists, stating: “At this point, the public has not seen any of the candidates respond to public questions.”

 

The Miami Herald

For the 2026-27 academic year, Sarasota County Schools will welcome six new principals across various educational levels. Brooke Teal, previously the assistant principal at Triad Alternative School, will take the lead there with a salary of $110,632.26. Charles Elsey, moving from Booker Middle School, will become the principal of Venice Middle School, earning $117,497.00. Jamal Crook, formerly at Buchanan Middle School, will lead Booker High School with a salary of $130,066.99. Sean Donovan, transitioning from Oak Park School, will take over Sarasota High School at $129,050.16. Dustin Coleman, who has been an assistant principal at Oak Park, will now lead that school with a salary of $131,892.84. Lastly, Michelle Anderson, the district's former director of Secondary Curriculum, will become the principal of Riverview High School, earning $148,548.13, the highest among the new appointees. 

 

Bradenton.com

In an exclusive Q&A, Angie Gallo, a candidate for Orange County School Board Chair, emphasized her extensive experience and commitment to public education. "I have spent eight years doing this job, not just talking about it," Gallo said, highlighting her role as a two-term board member and President of the Florida School Boards Association. She aims to address critical issues such as teacher recruitment, mental health support, and protecting public school funding from legislative threats. Gallo criticized her opponent's alignment with political agendas that threaten educational diversity, stating: "I believe in public schools that welcome every child." Her vision includes increasing teacher pay, restoring mental health funding, and ensuring that school libraries provide diverse literature.  

 

Orange Observer News

Teresa Jacobs, who has served in public office for 24 years, is set to retire after her term as chair of the Orange County School Board ends in November. Her tenure included fostering collaboration among board members with differing views and addressing funding shortfalls in the district.

 

Bradenton.com

Brevard Public Schools has implemented a new policy regarding the use of AI in classrooms, emphasizing responsible usage among students and staff. The policy mandates that teachers must obtain administrative approval before using AI tools, ensuring they align with state curriculum standards and protect student privacy. "You can use AI for organizational skills for certain things," said School Board Chair Matt Susin, highlighting its supportive role in education. However, he cautioned against relying on AI for lesson planning or assignments, stating: "Those kids aren't going to pass those final tests." The district plans to create a web portal for parents to track AI applications in use and will form a committee to oversee AI developments as guidelines evolve.

 

Fox 35 Orlando

Challenger 7 Elementary in Port St. John has welcomed over 400 students back for its new year, despite summer break for most other schools. Principal Danielle Kraus, who recently transitioned from Sunrise Elementary, emphasized the community's support as vital to the school's success, describing the first day as a "warm hug." She stated: "It's like 'Cheers.' Everybody knows your name." Challenger 7 operates year-round, with breaks called intersessions to combat the "summer slide," a common learning loss during long breaks. The school is currently the only year-round institution in Brevard County, having joined a pilot program initiated by a 2023 Florida law. The school board approved the plan in March 2024, and discussions are ongoing about expanding this model to other schools.

 

Florida Today

Since 2018, the Juvenile Welfare Board's Book Bus has been a vital resource for children in Pinellas County, helping them combat summer reading loss. The program, which began on July 6 and runs for three weeks, will make 81 stops from St. Petersburg to Tarpon Springs, allowing children to select two free new books. Last year, the initiative distributed 10,000 books to 5,000 children. Brianna Ray, community collaboration coordinator for the Juvenile Welfare Board, mentioned that the bus also offers bilingual Spanish books and a selection of braille books, including titles that focus on mental wellness. "We want to ensure every child has access to reading materials," Ray said.

 

Tampa Bay Times

The Orange County School Board is set to vote on revised regulations for micromobility devices on July 28. The new rules prohibit elementary school students from using devices such as bicycles, e-bikes, scooters, and hoverboards on school property. E-bikes must not exceed 750 watts and a maximum speed of 28 mph, with modified and Class 3 e-bikes banned. Middle and high school students are allowed to bring micromobility devices but must walk them on campus and park them in designated areas. "Students are prohibited from bringing or operating modified and Class 3 e-bikes," the regulations state.

 

News 13

Bradenton.com

Orange Observer News

Orlando Sentinel

In Charlotte County, over 4,100 speeding incidents were recorded in school zones within 91 days, according to new data presented at a county commissioner meeting. The speed detection program, which ran from February 27 to May 29, revealed that Peace River Elementary School had the highest number of violations, totaling 824. Following a grace period, citations began on April 1, resulting in 2,344 tickets issued.

 

WINK News

According to a recent survey by Talker Research, commissioned by Lysol, 39% of parents have missed significant moments with their children due to depleted paid time off (PTO). The survey, which included 2,000 employed parents of children aged 0-10, revealed that half of the respondents missed important school events because they had to use their PTO for their sick children. On average, parents allocate 41% of their PTO for their kids, with only 11 days available annually. Mike Hartman, vice president at Lysol, said: “For parents, some of the most meaningful moments happen in the classroom, on the sidelines and at school performances, but unexpected illness can sometimes get in the way.” The survey also highlighted that 38% of parents are concerned about illness spreading in classrooms, with many adopting proactive measures to combat germs. Despite their efforts, 64% of parents struggle to recall a month without illness in their household.

 

Bradenton.com

Keys News