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Florida
26th August 2026
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THE HOT STORY

Florida schools may drop vaccine mandates

The Florida Department of Health is proposing to eliminate four immunizations—Hepatitis B, varicella, Hib, and pneumococcal conjugate vaccines—from the entry requirements for PreK-12 public and private schools. The initiative follows Surgeon General Joseph Ladapo's announcement to abolish all vaccine mandates in the state. The proposed rule, approved on August 20, allows for public input before final approval and expands religious exemptions to include moral and ethical beliefs. Ladapo stated, “Who am I to tell you what your child should put in their body? I don't have that right.” However, Dr. Susan Kressly, President of the American Academy of Pediatrics, warned that this move could jeopardize children's health, emphasizing that “every family should have access to immunizations to keep their community healthy.”

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STATE NEWS

Florida approves Math Nation statewide

Math Nation Florida from Accelerate Learning has been approved for statewide K–12 mathematics adoption for the 2026–2027 cycle, including accelerated and honors courses. Aligned with Florida’s B.E.S.T. Standards, the program combines print and digital instruction, practice, assessments, collaborative tools, teacher resources, and English- and Spanish-language videos. Research cited by Accelerate Learning found participating schools averaged 2.9 points higher on Florida mathematics assessments, while longer use was associated with stronger Algebra 1 results and nearly a 3 percentage point increase in students meeting proficiency standards.

NATIONAL NEWS

USDA unveils new funding push to bring more freshly prepared meals to schools

The U.S. Department of Agriculture has launched its Harvest to Hallways initiative to increase the use of scratch cooking and locally sourced ingredients in school meals. The program includes an education and outreach campaign to encourage local food procurement, up to $25m in new Patrick Leahy Farm to School Grants for fiscal 2026, and $50m for cafeteria infrastructure, including cold storage, stoves, food safety improvements, and support for School Breakfast Programs. The initiative also promotes the voluntary Pledge for Healthier School Meals, while the Department of Health and Human Services will invest $30m in research into practical, cost-effective ways to improve school meal nutrition. Separately, the USDA has announced additional National School Lunch Program Equipment Assistance Grants, allowing states to award funding to school districts for equipment costing more than $1,000. The measures come as the federal government pushes schools to increase access to whole foods and reduce reliance on ultra-processed products, while school nutrition operators continue to report widespread concerns about food, labor, and equipment costs.

NCES overhaul proposed as staffing losses disrupt critical school data

The National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) needs a major overhaul after severe staffing and budget cuts left the federal education data system increasingly unstable, according to a new framework from the American Statistical Association (ASA). Since 2025, NCES has lost $900m in funding, roughly three-quarters of its contracts and grants, and 97% of its staff and leadership, disrupting longstanding data collections and leaving some key education statistics years out of date. The ASA argues that simply restoring funding and staff would not address broader problems with outdated collections and slow reporting. Instead, it proposes that NCES take a more collaborative role in a national education data ecosystem, helping states, districts, federal agencies, and private organizations standardize, maintain, and safely use data. Reliable statistics are critical not only for tracking student outcomes and school conditions, but also for determining billions of dollars in federal funding, including Title I and career and technical education aid.

Voters demand action on AI in schools

As students return to the classroom, a new study by The Century Foundation reveals that a significant majority of U.S. voters are worried about the effects of AI on education. Julie Margetta Morgan, TCF President, said: “Every type of concern that we tested related to technology... they all tested at 80% or more.” The research indicates that 77% of voters support stricter regulations on AI use in schools, with bipartisan agreement on the need for government intervention. Teachers and students acknowledge the prevalence of AI tools, with high school teacher Angela Hardin stating: “Students are using AI whether I like it or not.” The Trump administration has largely encouraged AI adoption in education, but the need for regulations is becoming increasingly urgent as concerns grow.

DISTRICTS

Enrollment dip hits Florida schools

Florida's education system is grappling with declining enrollment, with Hillsborough County reporting 165,330 students, a decrease of 2,650 from last spring. Spokesperson Tanya Arja said: “We are seeing a modest decrease in enrollment, but not at the levels many districts throughout the state are currently facing.” Other districts, like Pinellas and Pasco, have seen drops of 3,800 and 2,518 students, respectively. Superintendent Van Ayres noted the challenge of competition from voucher programs, stating: “For us in this competitive choice environment, we got to stay on our game because there's other options.” While no schools closed this year, consolidations are anticipated for the next year due to enrollment issues.

Miami-Dade schools face potential closures

The Miami-Dade school district's Attendance Boundary Committee is evaluating 27 public schools for potential closure, as revealed in a list released on Tuesday. This includes 12 schools labeled as “reassessed” and 15 “under review,” indicating possible closures due to declining enrollment. Superintendent Jose Dotres and incoming Superintendent Rafael Villalobos have emphasized the need for quicker closures to align with the district's strategic goals. The district's enrollment has dropped, with traditional public school membership at around 232,000, leading to budget constraints. “Reassessment indicates that a decision has been made to align with the district's long-term strategic goals and capital plan,” a committee statement said. The schools listed have utilization rates of 50% or less, raising concerns among teachers and community members about their future.

Parents rally to save schools

In Fort Lauderdale, concerned parents Alberto Estrena and Jenna Williams attended a Broward County School Board meeting to discuss potential school closures due to declining enrollment. Estrena urged: “Please keep Hollywood Park open,” highlighting the impact on local children as the district considers closing six elementary and three middle schools. Superintendent Howard Hepburn reported a drop of about 11,000 students, stating: “We can no longer afford to fund these empty seats as enrollment continues to decline.” With over 60,000 empty seats in Broward County Public Schools, the board is exploring options, including the potential use of underused facilities for charter schools.

Manatee County hits record graduation rate

The School District of Manatee County achieved a historic 90% graduation rate for the 2025-2026 school year, with Superintendent Laurie Breslin emphasizing the importance of parental engagement in student success. "If it matters to you, it will matter to them as well," Breslin said, highlighting her commitment to improving educational outcomes. The district aims to surpass the state average of 92.2% in the future. Graduation rates vary by school, with Lakewood Ranch and Parrish leading at 97%. Breslin noted the significance of accurate data tracking to avoid misclassifying students as dropouts. The district's "Showing Up Matters" campaign aims to improve attendance, as Breslin said: "Every single day...has an effect on your success in school." The focus on early education and parental involvement is seen as crucial for long-term success.

FINANCE

Budget workshop clears misconceptions

The Volusia County School Board held a workshop on August 25 to address budget misconceptions and clarify state funding requirements. Chief Financial Officer Deidra Whittenberger emphasized that the district's $1.095bn budget is not entirely available for discretionary spending, as many funds are restricted by laws and grants. "It is factual," Whittenberger said: "However, it's misleading because not all money in the budget can be used for any purpose." Despite an overall increase in state funding, the district will receive $6.6m less for traditional and virtual schools. School Board member Donna Brosemer, who was absent from the workshop, expressed concerns about the board's approach to budget scrutiny, stating: "There's never any real examination of how we're spending our money." The workshop aimed to foster a deeper understanding of budget allocations and encourage creative financial strategies.

Top administrators on leave amid review

Two top administrators from the Foundation for Leon County Schools have been placed on administrative leave while financial records are reviewed. Michelle Gayle, the Deputy Superintendent, and Margaret Farris, the executive director, were notified of their leave via an email to the foundation's board on August 21. Chris Petley, a spokesperson for LCS, said: "Administrative leave should not be interpreted as a presumption or finding of wrongdoing," emphasizing the need for a thorough review. The reasons for the financial review remain unclear, and further information will not be provided at this time. Gayle has been with the district for over 35 years and is the second highest-paid employee, while Farris leads the foundation, which has supported the district since 1986.

Polk County pushes for teacher pay tax

In Haines City, Polk County leaders are advocating for a property tax referendum on the November 3 ballot to increase funding for teacher and employee salaries. The proposed tax of one mill, costing homeowners between $150 and $200 annually, aims to generate approximately $80m each year for Polk County Public Schools. Ryan DelliVeniri, chair of Citizens for Quality Education Polk, emphasized the need for competitive pay, stating: “Polk County is competing for talented educators in a labor market that does not stop at the county line.” The initiative comes as over half of Florida's counties have adopted similar measures to enhance educational funding. Polk Schools Superintendent Fred Heid noted that the district cannot rely on other funding sources to raise salaries, highlighting the importance of this referendum for attracting and retaining quality teachers.

Leon County Schools' funding plan unveiled

Leon County Schools has outlined a plan for utilizing an estimated $32.3m from a half penny sales tax extension, pending voter approval in the November 3 election. This funding is projected to cover about 45% of the district's revenue for the 2026-27 fiscal year. Superintendent Rocky Hanna mentioned that significant upgrades are planned for schools like Griffin Middle School and RAA Middle School. Board member Rosanne Wood emphasized: "There is something for everybody," highlighting the broad impact of the funding. However, concerns were raised by board member Alva Smith regarding the timeline for Montford Middle School's $5m expansion, suggesting the possibility of borrowing funds to expedite projects. Hanna noted that while Godby High School has undergone extensive repairs, he believes it can wait for further upgrades.

WORKFORCE

Teacher's license revoked after outrage

Sarah Seado, a former language arts teacher at Gateway High School, has voluntarily surrendered her teaching license, making her ineligible to teach in Florida again. This decision follows widespread outrage over her social media comments regarding the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk. Seado's educator certificate was permanently revoked by the Florida Department of Education after she resigned in lieu of termination in October 2025. "I stand by my decision to move forward with my life," Seado said. The case is part of a broader trend of disciplinary actions against educators in the wake of Kirk's death, with many facing similar consequences for their online remarks. The Florida Education Association has emphasized the importance of protecting teachers' rights to free speech.

STEM

Empowering students through 3D design

Xander Dattolico, a 14-year-old ninth grader, designed and led the 3D Model Makers program, a pilot initiative in Flagler Schools aimed at empowering students through technical education. The week-long camp introduced six rising sixth graders to computer-aided design, engineering principles, and 3D printing. "This CTE pilot program would never have started if Xander hadn't come to me with the idea," said Martin Evans, CTE Curriculum Specialist. The students engaged in hands-on projects, culminating in a challenge to design a tool to retrieve a rubber duck from a pool. The program aims to expand access to STEM learning and foster a cycle of mentorship among students.

INTERNATIONAL

South Korea targets wearable technology in new anti-cheating rules

South Korea is preparing to revise national exam regulations after five candidates were caught using or wearing smart glasses during technical qualification exams in May and June. All five candidates were sanctioned for cheating, and three cases were referred to prosecutors. The Human Resources Development Service of Korea added smart glasses to its list of prohibited devices in May, but existing enforcement rules do not explicitly cover them. The Labor Ministry is now considering broader language that would allow authorities to restrict emerging electronic devices without updating regulations whenever new technology appears. The revision process is expected to begin around September and be completed by year-end. Administrators have installed radio-frequency and metal detectors at all domestic testing centers and plan to expand their use to overseas locations next year.

AND FINALLY...

Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library to carry her literacy mission forward

Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library is set to continue her decades-long campaign to improve childhood literacy following the country music star’s death at 80. Launched through the Dollywood Foundation in 1995 and inspired by her father’s inability to read or write, the program sends participating children a free book every month from birth until age five. It has distributed more than 330m books across the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia, and the Republic of Ireland, with more than 3.6m families registered globally. The initiative began in Parton’s home county in Tennessee before expanding across the United States and internationally, operating through a shared funding model between the Dollywood Foundation and local partners. Its influence has also inspired other literacy programs, including Washington, D.C.’s Books From Birth initiative, which has distributed 4m books to roughly 100,000 children over 10 years. The Dollywood Foundation has pledged to continue Parton’s mission, with president Jeff Conyers saying she deliberately built programs capable of continuing their work beyond her lifetime.
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