Education Slice
Become more informed in minutes....
Education Slice Logo
Florida
23rd July 2026
 

THE HOT STORY

Florida names new education commissioner

The Florida Board of Education has unanimously appointed Henry Mack as the new education commissioner. Mack, who previously served as a senior chancellor at the Department of Education and the U.S. Assistant Secretary of Labor, was recommended by Gov. Ron DeSantis. “It is an honor beyond words to be entrusted with stewarding Florida schools at this pivotal moment,” Mack said. He succeeds Anastasios Kamoutsas and interim commissioner Paul Burns, who praised Mack's commitment to parental rights and school choice. DeSantis expressed confidence in Mack's ability to enhance Florida's educational success, emphasizing shared values in eliminating radical ideologies from classrooms. Mack, who has a doctorate in education, has been a proponent of classical education and has criticized diversity, equity, and inclusion programs. His appointment is supported by various educational leaders across the state.

NATIONAL NEWS

Growing movement pushes for longer daily recess

Parents across the U.S. are campaigning to expand school recess, arguing that reduced playtime is contributing to student burnout and limiting children's social, emotional, and physical development. The movement has gained momentum in several states, with Tennessee and Oklahoma passing laws requiring at least 40 minutes of daily recess in elementary schools, while parents in states including Michigan, New Hampshire, and New York continue to push for additional reforms. Supporters cite growing medical and educational evidence that regular, unstructured play improves learning, mental health, and social skills. Advocacy groups are calling for up to 60 minutes of daily, screen-free recess, while researchers argue that broader access to play can boost academic performance without significantly reducing classroom learning time. 

Field trips on the chopping block

Field trips, once a cherished part of education, are increasingly at risk due to budget constraints and a shortage of school bus drivers. According to BusesForSale.com, rising gas prices and tight school budgets have led to field trips being among the first expenses to be eliminated. A 2015 survey by the School Superintendents Association revealed that 10% of districts cut field trips that year, with many more doing so during economic downturns. The Economic Policy Institute reported a 12% shortage of school bus drivers compared to 2019, with drivers earning 43% less than the median wage for all workers. Jay Greene's 2011 study found that students who participated in field trips showed significant gains in critical thinking and empathy. However, schools are increasingly opting for less enriching trips, such as amusement parks, instead of cultural experiences. "Schools are increasingly choosing to take students on trips to reward them," Greene noted, highlighting the disparity in opportunities for students from different backgrounds.

FINANCE

Tampa Bay faces property tax crisis

A report from the Revenue Estimating Conference warns that Tampa Bay could face significant property tax revenue losses if voters approve Florida's proposed property tax amendment in November. The amendment could lead to nearly $12bn in annual losses for local governments by 2031, with Tampa Bay cities and counties projected to lose hundreds of millions each year. Hillsborough County Commissioner Harry Cohen said: “These are not small changes in the way we do business,” highlighting the potential for budget cuts and service reductions. The amendment aims to increase the homestead exemption and cap assessment increases, but local leaders fear it will jeopardize essential services. Tampa is expected to lose $128.5m by fiscal year 2032, prompting city officials to prepare for severe budget constraints. St. Petersburg and Clearwater also anticipate significant revenue losses, raising concerns about the impact on public services.

Osceola County Schools seek funding boost

The School District of Osceola County is urging the Board of County Commissioners to place a one-millage referendum on the November ballot. Superintendent Mark Shanoff emphasized the need for this measure to maintain competitive salaries and retain staff, stating: “What stands to be in jeopardy if the property tax referendum goes through is that we will lose the opportunity to have school resource officers on our campuses.” If approved, the referendum could generate approximately $62.5m, which would support teacher salaries, school resource officers, and various student programs. Shanoff noted a projected $100m budget shortfall over the next four years, exacerbated by enrollment declines and federal funding cuts. The district aims to preserve essential services and activities that attract students, highlighting the importance of community support in the upcoming vote.

WORKFORCE

Teachers demand better pay amid negotiations

The Pinellas Classrooms Teachers Association is currently negotiating with the Pinellas County school district, focusing on the need for better compensation. Association president Tracey McConnell stated: “We want the district to recognize the referendum comes from the voters. The voters are helping teachers while the state is letting them down.” The association is requesting a 1% raise funded by the district, alongside concerns about rising healthcare costs. The district's current offer includes a nonrecurring payment of about $406 per teacher, which many teachers feel does not adequately address their financial struggles. If an agreement is not reached by the July 31 deadline, the negotiations may reach an impasse, a situation not seen since 2009. McConnell emphasized, “I can't sign off on something that leaves teachers in the red.”

DISTRICTS

Pine Crest school expands in West Palm Beach

West Palm Beach city commissioners have approved the sale of 57 acres of undeveloped land to Pine Crest School for $6.6m, allowing the prestigious institution to establish its largest campus in South Florida. The new campus will cater to students from pre-K through high school and is seen as a vital addition to the city's educational landscape. Deputy City Administrator Armando Fana noted: "I believe right now we're in a deficit of close to 600 seats just at the moment without anything being constructed," highlighting the demand for elite educational options. The land sale, which has been in the works for over a year, will also benefit from a donation from billionaire Stephen Ross, who emphasized the importance of quality education for attracting businesses. The city plans to restrict 55 of the 57 acres for educational use, with proceeds from the sale directed to Roosevelt Elementary School for academic programs.

NUTRITION

Free meals cut for Miami-Dade students

Miami-Dade County Public Schools is ending universal free lunch for students who do not qualify for free or reduced meals, while maintaining free breakfast for grades K-8. This decision follows a significant drop in the number of "direct certified" students, from 64% in 2022 to 45.1% this year, as noted by Chief Operating Officer Luis Diaz. He attributed this decline to factors such as family migration due to living costs and changes in federal welfare guidelines. Nancy Vega, Vice President of Advocacy and Legislation for the Miami-Dade County Council of PTAs, emphasized the importance of ensuring that "no child should ever go hungry at school." The district plans to implement a 30-day grace period for students and will provide outreach to inform families about the changes.

SOCIAL & COMMUNITY

Honoring pioneers in education and rights

The Florida Civil Rights Museum, in collaboration with Leon County Schools, will unveil historical markers on August 27 at the Aquilina Howell Center. These markers honor individuals who significantly contributed to Florida's education and civil rights history. "This event represents far more than the unveiling of historical markers. It is a celebration of remarkable men and women whose determination, integrity, and service strengthened their communities," museum representatives said. Honorees include Christine F. Knowles, who challenged discriminatory practices, and Cecil H. Walker, who promoted civic pride as principal of Lincoln High School. Other honorees include Gilbert L. Porter, B.L. Perry Jr., Robert Frank Nims, and Freeman D. Lawrence, all of whom played vital roles in advancing educational opportunities and civil rights in the community.

Back-to-school costs hit families hard

As the new school year approaches, families in South Florida are preparing for a costly back-to-school season, with the National Retail Federation estimating an average spendi of nearly $850 on supplies, clothing, and shoes. Diana De Leon, a mother of two, emphasizes the importance of reusing items from last year, stating, "You can tell they're in great condition and they haven't been used." A WalletHub survey reveals that nearly 40% of parents are seeking better deals online, while many express concerns about excessive supply lists from schools. Chip Lupo, a WalletHub analyst, noted that rising costs are particularly evident in electronics and clothing, largely due to overseas production. De Leon suggests buying in bulk and avoiding brand names to manage expenses, saying, "You have to, because the cost of living is going higher and higher."

HEALTH & WELLBEING

Leprosy cases rise in Brevard

As of July 11, Brevard County reported only one case of leprosy this year, part of a total of 17 cases in Florida. Despite being rare, Brevard has seen nearly half of the state's cases over the past decade, with 85 infections from 2012 to 2021. Jeffrey Greenwald, a dermatologist, said: "From our data, it's probably an increasing health problem." The rise in cases, particularly in Central Florida, is puzzling scientists, as many recent patients lack traditional risk factors like exposure to armadillos. Researchers suggest environmental factors may play a role, as the region's outdoor activities could expose individuals to the leprosy pathogen. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's report indicates that leprosy is becoming endemic in Florida, with a call for further research into its transmission.

HIGHER EDUCATION

Education Department opens admissions probes into five medical schools

The U.S. Department of Education has opened civil rights investigations into admissions practices at five medical schools over alleged racial discrimination, marking the latest step in the Trump administration’s broader effort to dismantle diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives in higher education. The investigations target Dartmouth College’s Geisel School of Medicine, East Carolina University’s Brody School of Medicine, St. Louis University School of Medicine, Western University of Health Sciences, and William Carey University College of Osteopathic Medicine, while the administration continues wider scrutiny of universities over admissions, campus policies, and federal funding.

TSC proposes new application fees

Tallahassee State College (TSC) is considering implementing a $30 application fee and a $10 transcript fee, aimed at covering administrative costs and aligning with other institutions in the Florida College System. TSC noted that "23 of the state's 28 colleges charge an application fee," indicating a trend among state colleges. However, dual enrollment students and those with financial need would be exempt from the application fee. The proposed fees are subject to approval by the TSC District Board of Trustees during their meeting on August 17.

INTERNATIONAL

Seoul boosts support for Korean language education across the U.S.

South Korea’s Ministry of Education has expanded support for Korean language education in the United States by increasing the distribution of textbooks and teaching materials to 185,000 this year, up from 179,000 in 2025. The initiative, announced with the International Korean Language Education Foundation, also introduces customized resources for toddlers and preschoolers, addressing a longstanding gap in materials for early learners. The program includes new digital teaching tools designed for interactive classroom displays, reflecting growing demand for technology-based instruction. More than 600 nonprofit weekend Korean language schools across the U.S. will receive support, with eight regional Korean Education Centers coordinating textbook distribution, reallocating surplus materials, and providing teacher training as part of South Korea’s broader effort to strengthen cultural and language ties with its overseas Korean communities. 

AND FINALLY...

Trump promotes child savings accounts during first school visit of second term

On Wednesday, President Donald Trump visited Wheeler High School in suburban Atlanta to promote the administration’s Trump Accounts program, which provides a $1,000 government-funded savings account for children born during his current term if their parents enroll, with families able to contribute up to $5,000 annually until the child turns 18. Joined by several Cabinet officials, Trump described the initiative as a major investment in children’s financial futures, while critics questioned its fiscal impact, whether lower-income families will benefit, and the appropriateness of using a public school to host what opponents characterized as a politically charged event that also featured campaign appearances and prompted local protests. 
Industry Slice Logo

Education Slice delivers the latest, most relevant and useful intelligence to key educators, administrators, decision makers and teaching influencers, each weekday morning..

Content is selected to an exacting brief from hundreds of influential media sources and summarised by experienced journalists into an easy-to-read digest email. Education Slice enhances the performance and decision-making capabilities of individuals and teams by delivering the relevant news, innovations and knowledge in a cost-effective way.

If you are interested in sponsorship opportunities within Education Slice, please get in touch via email sales team

Follow us on FacebookFollow us on XFollow us on Linkedin

This e-mail has been sent to [[EMAIL_TO]]

Click here to unsubscribe