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Florida
31st July 2026
 

THE HOT STORY

Florida's new test: a diploma shortcut?

The Classic Learning Test (CLT), touted by Pentagon chief Pete Hegseth as the new "gold standard" for college admissions, is primarily being used in Florida as a remedial graduation test. A USA TODAY investigation revealed that the CLT has become a substitute for traditional graduation exams, allowing students to earn diplomas without demonstrating essential skills, particularly in math. Anna DeJarnette, a University of Cincinnati professor, noted, "I can conceive that they would have more success on the CLT because there's a higher proportion of items that come in everything before algebra." While the test has reportedly boosted graduation rates, concerns remain about its effectiveness in preparing students for college and the workforce. Critics argue that the CLT's easier math section may mislead students into believing they are adequately prepared. As Florida raises the passing score, the debate continues over the test's true rigor and its implications for educational standards.

NATIONAL NEWS

Bipartisan Senate bill pushes back on Education Department restructuring

A U.S. Senate committee has advanced bipartisan legislation aimed at reversing key elements of the Trump administration's plan to dismantle the Department of Education, keeping oversight of K-12 education, special education, Title I, the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), the Office of Postsecondary Education, and the Office of Indian Education within the department. The bill represents the strongest congressional challenge yet to the administration's restructuring efforts, although it still requires approval from the full Senate and faces an uncertain path in the House. The legislation also requires the Department of Education to provide quarterly reports on the cost of implementing the agency transfers, following concerns that the administration has already spent $1 million relocating one office and requested an additional $9 million for the transition. While the administration defended the changes as improving efficiency and delivering "measurable results," critics argued the reorganization weakens protections for students with disabilities and civil rights enforcement by shifting responsibilities to other federal agencies. 

DISTRICTS

Screen time limits for young students

The Broward School Board voted to limit screen time for pre-K through first-grade students to "only what is necessary for state-mandated testing and/or accommodations for students with special needs." Board Chairwoman Sarah Leonardi emphasized the need for balance, stating: "This item is about balancing what I think has swung to one end of the pendulum." The board also restricted AI chatbot use for elementary students and directed Superintendent Howard Hepburn to implement monitoring software for district-issued devices. While some parents supported the restrictions, citing concerns over technology's impact on young learners, others, including principals, argued that technology aids in preparing students for assessments. Board member Adam Cervera expressed a desire for more traditional learning methods, holding up a notebook and pencils, while voicing concerns over the i-Ready program amid a lawsuit against its provider, Curriculum Associates. Despite the controversy, the board approved the i-Ready contract with a 6-2 vote.

Volusia schools' grades under scrutiny

Volusia County School Board member Donna Brosemer has raised concerns about the district's methods for calculating high school grades, particularly regarding the impact of Richard Milburn Academy (RMA), a charter school. Brosemer said: "The core claim was never about the district overall grade; it was about district efforts to protect individual high schools' grades." The district argues that RMA's results still count towards overall accountability, but Brosemer highlights that students from RMA are excluded from the grades of their home-zoned schools. The district's response claims that no RMA students carry codes that would remove them from accountability, but Brosemer insists that the district's assertions are misleading.

Collier County schools kick off with energy

Collier County Public Schools Superintendent Leslie Ricciardelli launched the new school year with an enthusiastic kickoff event, emphasizing four key commitments for the upcoming year. "This year, the power of we continues, and it's strengthened by four commitments that define who we are," she said. The commitments focus on delivering proven excellence, creating limitless opportunities, ensuring every student belongs, and preparing students for their futures. Ricciardelli highlighted the district's achievements, including maintaining an A grade for nine consecutive years and ranking sixth among 67 districts in the state.

Hillsborough School Board delays expansion

In a recent meeting, Hillsborough County School Board members decided to postpone the addition of Turkey Creek Middle School to their long-range work plans due to financial uncertainties. Board member Lynn Gray emphasized the importance of including the school in the district's five-year plan, highlighting the potential for a federal grant and existing partnerships with local businesses. "The district is likely to receive a federal grant," Gray said, underscoring the need for agricultural education at the Plant City campus. The decision reflects ongoing concerns about the district's financial stability, particularly following the closure of Pizzo K-8.

FINANCE

Tough budget decisions ahead for schools

Superintendent Rocky Hanna's proposed budget for the 2026-27 school year, totaling $615m, was approved by the Leon County School Board with a 4-1 vote, despite significant teacher discontent. Board member Alva Smith, the sole dissenting vote, expressed concerns about prioritizing teacher salaries, stating: "If we don't plan now for next year, I will be sitting right here at this dais having these exact same feelings I was having last year." Teachers are currently negotiating contracts, but many are disappointed as only 42% are expected to receive a $1,554 pay increase due to changes in the Teacher Salary Increase Allocation. Hanna acknowledged the budget's challenges, saying: "None of us are happy about this budget situation." The board is considering tax initiatives to support salary increases and other educational needs, with a referendum set for November 3, 2026.

WORKFORCE

Brevard welcomes new teaching class

Brevard Public Schools welcomed 270 educators to its annual New Teacher Academy at Viera Middle School, offering training, policy guidance, and opportunities to build professional support networks. The district had filled 99% of more than 4,800 classroom positions, leaving about 50 vacancies. Superintendent Mark Rendell thanked attendees for entering a rewarding but demanding profession, urging them to rely on colleagues during difficult periods. Newly certified teacher Mae Jesse said helping children grow “means the world to me.” The event also exposed tensions between the district and Brevard Federation of Teachers after officials rejected the union’s traditional lunch sponsorship over disputed campaign literature. The union distributed prepaid meals outside, while both sides accused the other of unnecessarily involving new teachers in their disagreement.

Teachers demand better pay solutions

The Leon Classroom Teachers Association and the Leon County School District have agreed on a state-mandated teacher pay increase, but 58% of instructional staff still lack a path to higher pay. Scott Mazer, president of the association, emphasized the need for a "comprehensive salary package" to ensure all educators are recognized. Superintendent Rocky Hanna expressed optimism about presenting a memorandum of understanding regarding a proposed millage increase to the school board, which could facilitate future pay increases. Sarah Flammer, a speech-language pathologist, highlighted the importance of retaining experienced teachers, stating: "We already have a shortage of individuals coming into our classrooms and staying in our classrooms." The final budget vote by the school board is scheduled for September 8.

GOVERNANCE

Woltanski aims for school board re-election

Dr. Sue Woltanski, a retired pediatrician and advocate for public education, is running for re-election to the Monroe County School Board. Since her election in 2018, she has contributed to the district achieving an A rating while focusing on student opportunities and teacher support. Woltanski stated: "I want to build on that success by continuing to put students first in every decision we make." Her priorities include recruiting and retaining quality teachers, expanding academic and extracurricular opportunities, and ensuring a safe learning environment. Woltanski emphasizes the importance of a transparent budget that reflects the district's commitment to students and educators.

Broward police union backs Bastos

Jessie Bastos, a Democratic candidate for the Broward County School Board, has received the endorsement of the Broward Fraternal Order of Police (FOP), which represents around 3,500 law enforcement professionals. The FOP expressed its support in a letter, stating: “The Broward FOP is proud to support your campaign,” emphasizing a commitment to enhancing school safety and fostering positive relationships between schools and law enforcement. Bastos, a mother of three and a tech industry professional, has prioritized student safety in her campaign, advocating for “smart security measures” and improved mental health services.

CONSTRUCTION AND RENOVATION

Okeechobee High School opens doors

Okeechobee High School has unveiled a new 250,000 square foot facility, accommodating up to 1,700 students, funded entirely by $107m in federal COVID-19 relief. Superintendent Dylan Tedders highlighted the advantages of the new building, stating: "Now we have 9-12 together at the high school," which consolidates all grades on one campus for the first time. The school features 85 classrooms, modern science labs equipped for advanced coursework, and flexible learning spaces designed for student engagement. Tedders noted the inclusion of various furniture options to enhance the learning experience. The community has expressed excitement about the new facility, with plans for a public event midway through the school year once the parking lot is completed.

SCHOOL TRANSPORTATION

Bus route consolidation saves big bucks

The Martin County School District has approved a consolidation of bus routes, saving $255,000 without impacting students or eliminating driver positions. The school board unanimously voted to reduce the number of routes from 58 to 55 ahead of the new school year, ensuring all bus stops remain unchanged. Michael Skinner, President of the local AFSCME labor union chapter, expressed worries about the impact on bus drivers, but Transportation Director Ruth Spires reassured that no drivers were let go and that the district will maintain service levels with fewer buses.

SAFETY & SECURITY

Cameras catch drivers passing school buses

Lake County Public Schools is enhancing safety by equipping 240 school buses with exterior cameras to capture drivers who illegally pass stopped buses. During a state audit last year, the district recorded 375 violations, ranking among the highest in Florida for stop arm violations. Drivers will initially receive warnings during a 30-day grace period, after which fines could range from $100 to $200. 

LEGAL

Father of Apalachee High School shooter receives 15-year prison sentence

Colin Gray, the father of the teenage gunman who killed two students and two teachers at Apalachee High School in September 2024, has been sentenced to 15 years in prison after being convicted of second-degree murder and involuntary manslaughter for negligently providing his son with the rifle used in the attack. The sentence follows his son, Colt Gray, receiving life without parole after pleading guilty to murder and other charges. Prosecutors argued that Colin Gray ignored repeated warning signs about his son's deteriorating mental health and fascination with mass shooters, despite giving him the firearm and leaving it accessible. The case is one of a small but growing number in which U.S. prosecutors have successfully held parents criminally liable for their role in enabling school shootings, following the convictions of the parents of the Oxford High School shooter in Michigan. 

INTERNATIONAL

Indonesia's free meals program faces funding overhaul after court ruling

Indonesia's Constitutional Court has ruled that President Prabowo Subianto's free nutritious meals program can no longer be financed from the country's education budget, finding that the initiative does not qualify as an educational expense under the Constitution. The court said the change must take effect by 2028, while encouraging the government to separate the program's funding from education spending as early as the 2027 state budget. The ruling increases pressure on a program that has already faced budget cuts, corruption allegations, and public criticism over food poisoning incidents. The free meals budget has been reduced to around Rp229tn ($12.7bn) from an initial allocation of Rp335tn, while public approval has fallen to 33.8% from 62.5% in November 2025, according to an SMRC survey.
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