Education Slice
Become more informed in minutes....
Education Slice Logo
Florida
27th August 2026
Together with

THE HOT STORY

Preparing teachers for the AI era

Teacher-education programs are being urged to move beyond tool-specific AI training and develop a broader approach covering ethics, pedagogy, professional judgment and classroom practice. A new AACTE framework calls for explicit preparation on AI literacy, equitable access, evaluating AI-generated student work, bias, hallucinations, critical thinking and teacher-student relationships. Anne Tapp Jaksa said: “AI forces us to reconsider what counts as evidence of learning,” particularly when candidates can use AI to produce polished academic work. The framework also argues that aspiring teachers with legitimate ethical, privacy, accessibility, cultural or pedagogical objections should be able to decline AI use without losing access to licensure. However, that principle could become difficult to implement as federal teacher-training funding increasingly prioritizes AI preparation.

F.A.S.T CAMPUS REPORT

2026 F.A.S.T: 62% Math Statewide - Your Campus?

On the 2026 Florida F.A.S.T (G3–G8), math proficiency rose to 62% (from 59%) and reading improved in nearly 9 of 10 districts, but a state or district average won't tell you how your building did, or how it stacks up against schools like yours.

That's what we'll show you, free: we'll build your campus a leadership-ready F.A.S.T report from your own (publicly available) data, including:
  • Grade-level trends across reading and math
  • Subgroup gaps behind your campus numbers
  • Peer school comparisons - where you lead and lag
  • B.E.S.T.-aligned next steps you can act on
We've already done it for 100+ schools. Walk into your PLCs and school-improvement planning knowing exactly where to focus before 2026–27.

Get Your Free F.A.S.T Campus Report

 

ENROLLMENT

Enrollment plunge hits Palm Beach schools

This year, Palm Beach County experienced a significant decline in student enrollment, with nearly 7,000 fewer students in traditional and charter schools than anticipated. The K-12 enrollment at district-operated schools fell by 5,990 students, or 3.78%, while charter schools saw a decrease of 969 students, or 4.51%. Superintendent Mike Burke had initially predicted a drop of about 2,900 students, but the actual figures exceeded expectations. The district's funding is directly tied to enrollment numbers, and last year's drop resulted in a $66m loss, with potential losses exceeding $100m this year. Burke noted: “Every young person has a right to a free and appropriate education,” emphasizing the district's commitment to providing education despite challenges. The district is taking steps to address the situation, including realigning staffing levels and implementing a hiring hold.

Miami-Dade schools face closure crisis

As enrollment declines, the Miami-Dade School District is evaluating the future of over 20 schools. The Attendance Boundary Committee has categorized these schools into "reassessed" and "under review." Schools that are "reassessed" will be evaluated based on factors like student enrollment and financial sustainability. "A decision has been made" to align with the district's goals, according to the committee. Lissette Fernandez, co-founder of Moms for Libros, highlighted the impact of closures on high-poverty communities, stating: "The state has underfunded public schools to the point where this district is closing the schools that serve children who have the least." The district has lost approximately 13,000 students since the previous year, attributed to the expanded voucher program and fewer immigrant families moving to South Florida.

Osceola County schools see enrollment boost

The School District of Osceola County has partnered with Caissa K12 to reconnect with families who have left the district, resulting in 60 verified enrollments over five months. Angela Burdue, coordinator for Student Services, noted, “We’ve definitely seen a decline in overall enrollment,” attributing it to factors like the rise of homeschooling and private schooling options. The district's enrollment dropped from approximately 76,000 students at the start of the 2022-23 school year to 72,257 by the end of the 2025-26 school year. Assistant Superintendent Gabriel Berrio emphasized the importance of understanding why families leave, stating, “When we look at enrollment... we do see a decline in enrollment overall.” Some families, like Darsy Munoz Sansores, have opted for homeschooling, citing concerns about their children's previous school experiences.

Broward schools face potential closures

The Broward County School District is contemplating the closure or repurposing of an additional 10 schools as part of its "Redefining our Schools" initiative for the 2026-2027 academic year. Currently, 10 schools are already under consideration for closure. Superintendent Howard Hepburn noted: "Following that trend, we may see another dip in the spring as well," referring to the district's ongoing enrollment decline. The district has lost approximately 13,475 students, a decrease of 5.6%, compared to the previous year. This trend reflects a broader issue in Florida, where the five largest school districts have collectively lost around 67,000 non-charter students. The situation raises concerns about the future of public education in the region.

DISTRICTS

Flagler County School Board approves health plan

The Flagler County School Board has approved a new School Health Services Plan for the next two years, as mandated by Florida statutes. The plan, discussed during the board's August 25 meeting, includes a Plan for Urgent Life-Saving Emergencies (PULSE) to address cardiac emergencies. John Fanelli, Chair of the School Health Advisory Committee, emphasized the importance of monitoring students with food allergies, stating: “We are a peanut-free school district.” Additionally, the board approved a stop-loss insurance contract with Ryan Specialty to protect against high individual health claims exceeding $250,000. Danielle Boyle from Brown and Brown Insurance Services noted that the rise in high-cost claims has led to 11 carriers declining to quote the district. The stop-loss premiums will increase by 24.35%, approximately $128,000.

School supplies boost for homeless students

The Central Florida Indian Community (CFIC) recently donated school supplies and snacks to Champion Elementary and Osteen Elementary, benefiting the Volusia County Schools' PETALS Program, which assists 2,500-3,000 homeless students annually. "We're so grateful for CFIC's partnership and the kindness they have shown to several of our schools over the past three years," said Volusia County Schools (VCS) in a Facebook post. The PETALS Program provides essential supplies, clothing, and opportunities for students to participate in school activities, including prom and grad bash, while also offering families grocery or gas gift cards.

WORKFORCE

Teachers face pay disparities in Leon County

In Leon County, a select group of teachers is set to receive salary increases, while over half of the district's educators will be excluded. The LCS board approved a memorandum of understanding for the Teacher Salary Increase Allocation (TSIA), which grants a $1,554 raise only to teachers with 10 or more years of experience. LCS board member Laurie Lawson Cox said: “None of us like the stipulations that were put on there and the lack of flexibility.” Approximately $2m will be allocated, with $1.3m designated for classroom teacher raises. However, only about 42% of educators will benefit from this increase, leaving 58% without any raise. Myra Harp, a reading coach, expressed her disappointment, stating: "I became a reading coach without a raise." The teachers' union is advocating for better communication regarding these changes and for all instructional staff to be valued.

GOVERNANCE

New era for Orange County schools

Superintendent Dr. Maria Vazquez, who has dedicated over 30 years to Orange County Public Schools, announced her retirement effective at the end of the current school year. The upcoming School Board meeting will outline the search process for her replacement. Angie Gallo, the new School Board chair, emphasized the need for an innovative leader who can create engaging school environments.

CHILDCARE

Childcare crisis hits Leon County

As the new school year begins, many families in Leon County are facing difficulties securing childcare due to staffing and program challenges. According to Brooke Bruner, the LCS Director of Early Learning and Student Development and Support Programs: "Ten elementary schools currently have waitlists for its Extended Day Enrichment Program," with additional waitlists for before-school care at 6 schools. The district relies heavily on college students for staffing, and with their return, Bruner anticipates that most programs will be adequately staffed. However, some sites remain capped as the district develops quality support plans to ensure proper supervision. While there are strategies to address the waitlists, no specific timelines have been established.

SAFETY & SECURITY

Seniors warned about 'Senior Assassin'

High school seniors in Sebring are organizing a game called "Senior Assassin," where participants use water guns and similar items to "assassinate" classmates. Authorities, including the Highlands County Sheriff's Office, have issued warnings about the dangers of bringing simulated weapons onto school grounds, as it is a crime that can lead to arrest and expulsion. "Brightly colored toy weapons used off campus can still be mistaken for real firearms," deputies said, urging parents to discuss these risks with their children. Similar games in Florida have previously resulted in school lockdowns and police responses.

HIGHER EDUCATION

New federal student loan rules unveiled

Major changes to federal student loans took effect on July 1, following the passage of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) signed by President Donald Trump. These changes affect both undergraduate and graduate students, particularly with the elimination of the Graduate PLUS Loan Program. Sue Vickers, Assistant Vice Provost & Director of the Office of Financial Aid at Florida State University, said: "Undergraduate students must be enrolled in at least 12 credit hours and graduate students in at least 9 credit hours." New borrowing limits have been set, with graduate programs capped at $20,500 per year. Existing borrowers may qualify for an "interim exception" to maintain pre-OBBBA loan rates for up to three academic years. The Unconquered Debt Financial Wellness Program at FSU aims to enhance financial literacy among students, helping them navigate these changes. Vickers emphasized the importance of providing accurate information to support students through this transition.

AND FINALLY...

Professoring beyond his years

Nathan Thomas, at just 20 years old, has been recognized by Guinness World Records as the world's youngest male professor, surpassing a 306-year-old record. He began his academic journey at Miami Dade College, where he excelled in his studies and later taught at the same institution. “I tried to emphasize that like my age is not important... [to] what we're doing here,” he said, reflecting on his teaching experience. Nathan's mother, Merlyn Rani Thomas, played a crucial role in his education, opting for homeschooling after realizing traditional schooling wasn't suitable for him. He accumulated 60 college credits by age 14 and graduated with a bachelor's degree in electrical engineering at 16. Now in law school at the University of Miami, Nathan continues to inspire others while taking a break from teaching. His mother advocates for the opportunities community colleges provide, emphasizing their value in education.
Industry Slice Logo

Education Slice delivers the latest, most relevant and useful intelligence to key educators, administrators, decision makers and teaching influencers, each weekday morning..

Content is selected to an exacting brief from hundreds of influential media sources and summarised by experienced journalists into an easy-to-read digest email. Education Slice enhances the performance and decision-making capabilities of individuals and teams by delivering the relevant news, innovations and knowledge in a cost-effective way.

If you are interested in sponsorship opportunities within Education Slice, please get in touch via email sales team

Follow us on FacebookFollow us on XFollow us on Linkedin

This e-mail has been sent to [[EMAIL_TO]]

Click here to unsubscribe