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Florida
13th August 2026
 

THE HOT STORY

Florida expands student record sharing

Florida school districts are now required to transfer high school students’ disciplinary records to the in-state colleges and universities they enroll in, under a new school safety measure adopted following the April 2025 mass shooting at Florida State University. The records, which must be transferred within five school days, can include verified reports of serious or recurring behavior, threat assessments, psychological evaluations, treatment plans, and certain therapy or progress notes maintained by school staff. Supporters, including state Sen. Don Gaetz, argue that sharing information about threats, weapons, or past violence could help prevent campus attacks. However, the policy has also raised concerns that behavioral or disciplinary issues from childhood could follow students into adulthood and affect their college experience.

STATE NEWS

Florida's vaccine mandate controversy heats up

Florida's unelected attorney general, James Uthmeier, has threatened Catholic schools with ineligibility for taxpayer-funded vouchers if they require vaccinations. Uthmeier's stance contradicts Pope James, who stated: "There is no religious basis" for enforcing such mandates in church-run schools. This inconsistency highlights Florida's policy allowing religious schools to discriminate against LGBTQ students while mandating acceptance of anti-vaccine beliefs.

DISTRICTS

Florida schools face enrollment crisis

The largest school districts in Florida, including Miami-Dade and Broward, have lost approximately 67,000 non-charter students from the 2023-2024 to the 2025-2026 school years. Miami-Dade Public Schools reported a loss of 6,947 non-charter students in the first year and 15,288 in the second, while Broward lost 9,512 and 6,955 respectively. This decline has led Miami-Dade to consider closing or repurposing nine schools for the 2026-2027 academic year. Superintendent Dr. Howard Hepburn of Broward noted that the district could close over 10 schools by 2027-2028 due to ongoing enrollment declines. "If what we are trying to do is to create the most efficient and effective school district possible," he said, indicating the need for significant changes. The drop in enrollment is attributed to factors such as Florida's expanded voucher program and fewer immigrant families moving to the area.

Catholic schools see enrollment surge

As the Archdiocese of Miami kicks off the 2026-2027 school year, approximately 37,000 students are returning to its 65 Catholic schools across South Florida. The archdiocese reports a steady increase in enrollment, prompting schools to expand classroom space, renovate facilities, and introduce new academic programs. At St. Theresa Catholic School in Coral Gables, students will benefit from new STEM classrooms designed to enhance opportunities in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Additionally, the school is set to break ground on a new multipurpose center, the first new building in over 70 years, which will include dedicated spaces for art, music, a gymnasium, and a performing arts stage. These initiatives reflect the archdiocese's commitment to meeting the growing demand for Catholic education.

Pasco schools embrace diversity surge

Nearly half of Pasco County's students are now Hispanic, Black, or Asian, marking a significant demographic shift in the district. Just six years ago, white students comprised 60% of the population, but that figure has dropped to around 50%. The growth of Hispanic students increased from 24% to 28%, while Asian students rose from 3% to 5%. David Engel, Pasco County's director of planning and economic growth, said: “There's a lot of different ethnicities moving into Pasco. Things are changing, and it's going to be reflected in our school population.” As the county's population diversifies, Pasco is set to join 31 other districts in Florida with majority-minority populations. The trend reflects a broader national shift, with the white non-Hispanic population declining since 1970. District spokesperson Jessica Meek emphasized the commitment to support all students, stating, “We welcome every child who walks through our doors.”

Overcrowded schools turn to portables

Five elementary schools in northeast Polk County are grappling with significant overcrowding, operating at 39% over capacity. With an expected influx of 3,200 new students over the next decade, district leaders are planning to build more schools. School Board member Lisa Miller emphasized the need for proactive measures, saying: “We can’t complain about portables if we’re not proactively seeking ways to build new schools.” However, the district also faces a shortage of teachers, with over 500 instructional vacancies, which Stephanie Yocum, president of the Polk County Education Association, noted could hinder the learning experience.

CYBERSECURITY

Schools strengthen cybersecurity strategies

U.S. schools are increasingly moving from reactive cybersecurity measures toward longer-term resilience strategies as ransomware attacks begin to stabilize, although threats remain significant. Confirmed ransomware attacks on U.S. educational institutions declined 9% from 2024 to 2025, while average ransom amounts fell 33%, according to Comparitech, giving IT teams more scope to focus on proactive planning. Schools such as Cityscape Schools in Dallas are adopting structured cybersecurity frameworks, using resources from the Center for Internet Security, and emphasizing executive support, staff training, and data governance. With AI creating new risks around sensitive information, Cityscape has introduced live AI awareness training for employees, while schools are also being urged to regularly review cyber insurance requirements and use state and national cybersecurity resources.

TECHNOLOGY

Claude enters education race

Anthropic has launched Claude for Teachers, an AI-powered assistant designed to support educators in lesson planning and personalized instruction. Drew Bent, education lead for Anthropic, said that the tool can analyze a student's past assessment data to create tailored lesson plans, allowing teachers to save time. The product, available for free to verified educators in the U.S., will be piloted in Detroit Public Schools Community District to study its impact on educator well-being. While AI adoption in classrooms is encouraged by figures like Randi Weingarten, president of the American Federation of Teachers, concerns about student privacy and the potential for diminished academic outcomes persist. Weingarten emphasized the importance of AI tools designed for educators, stating, "It's important that Anthropic is committing to these principles in their new Claude for Teachers."

GOVERNANCE

Escambia County votes on superintendent

Escambia County voters will decide on August 18 whether to elect the Public Schools superintendent, a question that has resurfaced after eight years. If approved, the election will take place in November 2028. Concerns have been raised about the timing of the referendum, as voter turnout is typically low during off-year elections. The referendum follows a previous decision in 2018 to switch to an appointed superintendent, which was supported by a political committee advocating for the change. Malcolm Thomas, a former superintendent, emphasized that the effectiveness of the position depends more on the individual selected than the method of selection, saying: "It’s more about the individual who is there."

Candidates gear up for school board elections

The upcoming school board elections in Lake and Sumter counties feature several candidates vying for key positions. In Lake County's District 1, Pat Kelley, a former mayor with 35 years in corporate finance, emphasizes fiscal conservatism and educational choice, while Eric Schwalbach, a veteran math educator, focuses on student-centered initiatives and workforce development. Kelley said he supports a "developer-funded infrastructure" to manage growth without burdening taxpayers. In Sumter County, Sally Moss seeks re-election against Leslie Russell, who opposes mandatory COVID measures and advocates for increased teacher pay. Gerald Loomer and David Williams are also running for positions, with Loomer prioritizing fiscal responsibility and Williams focusing on funding and student engagement. The elections are set for August 18, with a general election in November.

WORKFORCE

Empowering teachers through innovative programs

The School District of Palm Beach County, in collaboration with BloomBoard, has introduced the Palm Beach Associate Teacher Program, a two-year, portfolio-based pathway for non-instructional or temporary employees with an associate's degree or 60 college credits. Participants work as full-time teachers while completing their coursework, ultimately earning a bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education, Elementary Education, or Exceptional Student Education. Graduates Cindy Mendez-Lopez and Rachelle Jean Louis, who are starting their first full-time teaching roles at Lantana Elementary School, emphasized the program's importance. Mendez-Lopez said, "I didn't have to take off for work... being able to have my bachelor's degree now, while still being able to work and get my experience was very, very great." The program is designed for current employees who commit to teaching in the district for at least four years post-graduation.

CONSTRUCTION AND RENOVATION

Smarter cafeterias improve school dining

Modernizing school cafeterias can improve the student experience while making food preparation more efficient, expanding menu choices, and reducing waste, according to Design Collaborative architect Molly Schultz. Wayne High School’s recent cafeteria and kitchen renovation illustrates the approach, combining a more college-style dining environment with upgraded equipment and a redesigned serving system intended to give students greater choice and reduce time spent waiting in line. Behind the scenes, the Fort Wayne, Indiana school introduced multifunction RATIONAL ovens capable of steaming, roasting, air frying, and baking, along with iVario skillets that provide precise cooking controls. An IRINOX blast chiller can function as a refrigerator, freezer, or holding unit, while additional storage allows staff to prepare food further in advance and make better use of unused ingredients.  

SAFETY & SECURITY

Creating safe school communities

Roneet Edrich, the executive director of inSIGHT Through Education, emphasizes the importance of creating a school community where every student feels safe and valued. As students return to school, the focus should extend beyond supplies to fostering belonging, especially in a world marked by social media and rising antisemitism. Edrich stated: "Education is about more than academic achievement. It is about shaping character." Through Holocaust and Jewish Studies programs, inSIGHT has reached over 100,000 students and educators in South Florida, investing more than $1m in educational programming. These initiatives aim to instill empathy and encourage students to stand against hatred, reinforcing the idea that every individual can make a difference.
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