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A new analysis from the American Federation of Children has found that nearly 92% of U.S. K-12 students could qualify for scholarships under the Trump administration's new federal school choice tax credit program, although the number of students who ultimately receive awards will depend on state participation, taxpayer contributions, scholarship availability, and forthcoming federal regulations. The program, created under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, allows taxpayers to claim federal tax credits of up to $1,700 for donations to scholarship-granting organizations that can fund private school tuition, certain homeschooling expenses, and approved educational services for public and charter school students. The analysis highlights that 31 states have already opted in or indicated they will participate, while 19 states have yet to decide. Additional uncertainties include how many taxpayers claim the credit, how scholarship organizations distribute funds, and whether homeschooled students qualify in states that do not legally define homeschooling as a form of private or religious schooling. Congressional projections estimate the program will generate $500m in tax credits during its first year, rising to $4.4bn by 2034.

 

Education Week News

Florida school districts are finalizing agreements to increase salaries for teachers with over 10 years of experience, following a state deadline. The new funding, part of a $200m allocation in the state budget, aims to address Florida's ranking of 50th in average teacher salaries. The Pasco district has agreed to raise pay by $1,400 to $3,000 for approximately 1,960 eligible teachers. However, challenges remain, including negotiations over health insurance costs and compensation for non-classroom teachers. Nora Light, lead district negotiator, emphasized the need to ensure all teachers are included, remarking: "The board deeply, deeply, deeply wants to ensure that our teachers are not left out." Districts must ratify agreements by October 1 and distribute funds by January 1.

 

Tampa Bay Times

Lee County Schools has significantly reduced its teacher vacancies from over 230 to about 40 ahead of the school year starting on August 11. Superintendent Dr. Denise Carlin attributed this success to a substantial pay increase, with the district offering the highest percentage raise in the state at around 7%. Additionally, the district introduced bonus incentives of up to $10,000 for teachers willing to work in high-need schools and teach core subjects. "I want to reward teachers that want to teach our highest need children in our highest need schools and that's a secret to our success," said Dr. Carlin. The district aims to have a certified teacher in every classroom and plans to continue recruiting and providing incentives for long-term retention.

 

WINK News

In Tallahassee, a Leon Circuit Court judge is deliberating whether a proposed property tax cut for the November ballot is misleading. Three plaintiff groups, including former officials and a Republican ex-legislator, argue that the title and summary of the amendment, "Save Our Homes from Excessive Property Taxes," employs biased language to influence voters. Attorney Jamie Cole emphasized, "The ballot question... has to be fair and it has to be accurate," referencing a 1994 Florida Supreme Court ruling on misleading amendments. State attorney Benjamin Gibson countered that the plaintiffs must prove the summary's defects and defended the title as clear about excessive taxes. The amendment, backed by Governor Ron DeSantis, aims to raise the homestead exemption significantly but excludes school taxes.

 

Sun Sentinel

The race for the Orange County School Board Chair is heating up as candidates Gallo and Farrant prepare for the August Primary. With current Superintendent Maria Vazquez retiring at the end of the 2026-27 school year, the new chair will play a crucial role in selecting her successor. Gallo emphasized the need for a competent leader, stating: “Putting a bad Superintendent in there could just create chaos.” The candidates, representing opposing political views, have differing priorities: Gallo focuses on teacher recruitment and innovative educational models, while Farrant aims to improve student literacy and promote traditional values in education. The election, which is officially nonpartisan, reflects the broader political tensions in Florida's educational landscape. Voters will decide on August 18.

 

Florida Politics

The Columbia County School District is set to receive additional revenue, yet faces challenges due to declining enrollment. During a recent meeting, the Columbia County School Board approved measures to address these financial concerns. Despite the revenue boost, the district's future remains uncertain as enrollment continues to drop. "The future is still in question with declining enrollment," said a board member, highlighting the ongoing issues that could impact the district's stability.

 

Lake City Reporter

Miami-Dade County students are set to return to school on August 13, with preparations underway at the Betty T. Ferguson Recreational Complex, where families picked up supplies and uniforms. Incoming Miami-Dade Schools Superintendent Rafael Villalobos discussed important changes, including the federal reassessment that allows free breakfast and lunch at 121 qualifying schools. “The other families that are not part of the 121 schools, we did reach out to them directly, letting them know and encouraging them to apply,” Villalobos said. The district is also facing declining enrollment, leading to the closure or repurposing of nine schools this year. Villalobos urged parents to keep their contact information updated and wished everyone a successful school year.

 

Local10

Polk State College and Florida Polytechnic University have established a new joint STEM program, enhancing educational opportunities for students. The agreement, signed by Polk State President Anastasios Kamoutsas and Florida Poly President Devin Stephenson, allows Polk State students to complete their Associate in Arts Degree and transfer to one of 10 bachelor's programs at Florida Poly. Kamoutsas said: “By guaranteeing acceptance to 10 high-demand programs at Florida Poly, we are removing barriers and providing our students a clear, confident path to their bachelor's degrees.” The “Eagle to Phoenix Pathway” program aims to increase access to quality education and address the demand for skilled STEM professionals in various industries. The signing ceremony was attended by students, community supporters, and institutional leaders, celebrating this significant partnership.

 

Florida Politics

West Riviera Elementary School is set to welcome students back on August 10 for the 2026-27 school year after a significant $52m renovation. The school, originally built in 1966, has undergone extensive modernization, now featuring a soundproof television studio, new smart boards, and expanded facilities totaling 85,000 square feet. The school will now serve pre-K through second grade, a change aimed at enhancing reading focus without the pressures of high-stakes testing for older grades. Palm Beach County School Board Member Edwin Ferguson believes this shift will lead to improved educational outcomes, stating, "There's just a positive energy." The transformation reflects broader changes in Riviera Beach's educational landscape.

 

Bradenton.com

An assignment at Alcorn State University has ignited a national discussion on artificial intelligence after Dr. Jason Gibson, a history professor, revealed that many students unknowingly submitted AI-generated work. “Thirty-two of my 35 students between two classes failed a portion of their midterm because they all used AI to generate their entire response,” Gibson said. The assignment involved embedding the word “Madagascar” in white font within an essay prompt, which students overlooked when using AI chatbots. Alcorn State is actively investing in AI education, partnering in a $500,000 National Science Foundation grant to prepare over 700 students for careers in AI-driven fields. The incident highlights the importance of personal accountability in academic work, emphasizing that while AI can be a useful tool, it should not replace critical thinking.

 

The Miami Herald