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School districts across the U.S., including Miami-Dade County Public Schools, are ending universal free meals at some campuses as declining enrollment in federal assistance programs reduces eligibility for the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP). Miami-Dade, the nation’s third-largest school district, will no longer provide universally free breakfast and lunch to all of its more than 300,000 students, with only 121 of its more than 500 schools remaining eligible for CEP. Schools qualify when at least 25% of students participate in programs such as SNAP or Medicaid, but tighter federal eligibility requirements, administrative changes, and other enrollment trends are reducing those numbers. SNAP participation has fallen by nearly 6m people since January 2025, and advocates expect more schools to lose CEP eligibility as they recertify. More than 49,000 public schools participated in CEP in 2024-25, providing free meals to more than 25m students. Students from low-income households can still receive free or reduced-price meals outside CEP, but families must apply, potentially creating additional financial and administrative burdens.

 

Education Week News

With federal ESSER funding exhausted in early 2026, K–12 school districts are reassessing technology spending and looking for sustainable ways to maintain the digital infrastructure, devices, and programs expanded during the pandemic. Experts recommend prioritizing technology directly tied to teaching, learning, security, and essential operations, while evaluating products based on their cost per student and measurable value. Districts can supplement their budgets through programs such as E-rate for broadband and Wi-Fi infrastructure, Title IV funding for technology training, and state-level technology grants. Managed services and device lifecycle programs could also help schools control costs, particularly as pandemic-era devices require replacement and smaller IT teams face resource constraints. The broader challenge is shifting technology from dependence on one-time grants to predictable, recurring budgets. IT leaders are being encouraged to demonstrate technology’s role not only in classroom learning, but also in critical operations such as networks, security systems, transportation, and cafeterias, while showing measurable returns on technology investments.

 

EdSource

Dayna Marie Foster, a former math teacher at Fort Lauderdale High School, is running for governor of Florida, motivated by her experiences with students facing hardships. Her progressive platform includes increasing teacher pay, boosting public education funding, and opposing censorship in schools. Foster criticizes Governor Ron DeSantis' policies, which she believes have negatively impacted teachers and students. She aims to represent the voices of educators and students, stating, “What you hear from us is the people's voice.” Foster's campaign reflects a growing trend of teachers entering politics, advocating for educational freedom and democracy.

 

The Miami Herald

The Pasco County School Board District 1 race features four candidates vying to succeed Al Hernandez, who is not seeking reelection. Dr. Gino Collura emphasized that "protecting our students and educators is the board's most fundamental responsibility," advocating for proactive school safety measures. Christopher King highlighted the need for stronger collaboration among educators, families, and community partners, stating that "these successful partnerships should be expanded districtwide." Brian Perras focused on practical skills, proposing partnerships with local farmers to teach students about food production and life skills. Each candidate presented unique visions for improving education in Pasco County, addressing issues like school choice, teacher retention, and curriculum transparency.

 

Hernando Sun

Hunter Miller, a math teacher at Howard Bishop Middle School, is running for the District 1 seat on the Alachua County School Board, with a primary focus on closing the literacy achievement gap between white and Black students. He described the current 38% gap as “unacceptable,” stating: “I'm seeing students getting to my class and they're reading at a third-grade level.” Miller advocates for better support for teachers and increased pay, emphasizing the need for a safe and supportive school environment. He also supports purchasing and rebuilding Citizens Field, arguing it is a more cost-effective solution than other proposals. Miller's opponents include Gabriel Lopez and Janine Plavac, the latter appointed by Gov. Ron DeSantis.

 

The Gainesville Sun

Seven candidates are competing in the August primary election for three open seats on the Orange County School Board. Incumbents Angie Gallo and Alicia Farrant are stepping down, while Maria Salamanca is not seeking re-election, creating the vacancies. The candidates include Melissa Lopez Marantes, who emphasized the need for immediate solutions for teacher pay, and David Shepard, who called for transparency in budget management. Diana Moore, a former teachers' union president, highlighted the importance of accountability in the district's finances. “I am a person that believes in solutions, not excuses,” Moore said. The election is crucial as the winners will help address challenges like declining enrollment and budget deficits, and will be responsible for hiring the next superintendent by next year.

 

Bradenton.com

Orlando Sentinel

As the new school year approaches, Broward County Public Schools are preparing to welcome students back today. Superintendent Howard Hepburn expressed excitement, stating: “We're excited to welcome all our students back.” However, the district faces challenges with declining student enrollment, which impacts funding. To address this, school leaders are introducing specialized programs, such as the space and aviation technology program at Miramar High School. Additionally, nearly 150 schools qualify for free meals, although lunch prices will increase by $1. Elizabeth Seeley from Broward County Public Schools noted: “We had a surplus amount of money because of grants we received from COVID, and then we were able to have all of our students eat for free,” but acknowledged that this surplus is now diminishing. Despite the changes, breakfast will remain free for all students.

 

Local10

As Lee County public schools prepare to reopen tomorrow, significant changes are on the horizon. "We are excited to build off the tremendous success our students demonstrated in the 2025-2026 School Grades report," said Rob Spicker, spokesperson for the School District of Lee County. This year, the district will introduce a dual enrollment agreement with the University of Florida, allowing eligible high school students to earn college credit. Additionally, three new schools will open, including Hector A. Cafferata Jr. K-8, which replaces an elementary school lost to Hurricane Ian. Other updates include expanded facilities at Bayshore K-8 and Bonita Springs Elementary. The district will also enforce a no cell phone policy during school hours, in line with state law. "It is critical we continue to send a message that student safety is our first priority," Spicker emphasized.

 

Naplesnews

News-Press.com

Hillsborough County is entering a new school year with significant momentum, having earned an A grade for the first time in over a decade. Superintendent Van Ayres highlighted the district's achievements during a press conference, stating: “For the first time in our history, all of our transformation schools got an A, B, or C. Zero schools earned a D or F.” The district plans to reduce students' screen time, focusing on printed books and active learning. Florida's new education commissioner, Dr. Henry Mack, emphasized the need for "choice, optionality, parental empowerment" in education. The district is prepared to welcome over 200,000 students, enhancing communication and introducing a full-day VPK program.

 

News 13

In Seminole County the number of homeless students in public schools has surged, doubling over the past seven years. To address this, five new resource centers will open, providing food, toiletries, and access to counselors for the county's 20,000 homeless students. Funded by Addition Financial Foundation, these centers aim to support students facing difficult home situations, allowing them to focus on their education. “It's a safe, comfortable space,” noted Cristina Lehman, executive director of the Addition Financial Foundation. The centers will also help combat the stigma associated with homelessness, offering a discreet location for students to access essential resources.

 

Orlando Sentinel

A record 55,362 U.S. schools participated in the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) during the 2025-26 school year, allowing 27.6m children to attend schools offering free meals to all students regardless of family income. Participation increased by 1,128 schools and 368,019 students from the previous year, although growth has slowed following a major expansion after the USDA lowered the program’s eligibility threshold in 2023. The Food Research and Action Center warned that cuts to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) under H.R. 1 could reverse that growth. Because schools’ CEP eligibility is partly determined by the share of students whose families participate in federal benefit programs such as SNAP, reduced SNAP eligibility could push some schools below the 25% threshold required to participate, potentially leading to nationwide declines in CEP adoption beginning in the 2026-27 school year.

 

FoodService Director

Abra Seay, the assistant principal at Rymfire Elementary School in Palm Coast recently dealt with a unique situation as students prepared to return to school. On August 4, she encountered a small alligator named "Snappy" hiding under a teacher's car. Seay quickly took action, using a broom handle to gently nudge the gator back toward the nearby retention pond. "I knew he wanted to get back to the water," Seay said. Despite the gator hissing at her, she remained calm and successfully guided him away from the school area. This isn't Seay's first wildlife encounter; she has previously dealt with snakes and turtles on campus. The first day of school for Flagler County and Volusia County is set for August 10, 2026.

 

Bradenton.com

The Miami Herald