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Florida
28th August 2026
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THE HOT STORY

STEM programs grow, gaps remain

STEM learning has become increasingly common in after-school programs, with 92% of parents whose children participate reporting access to science, technology, engineering, or math activities, up from 73% in 2020 and 69% in 2014, according to an Afterschool Alliance survey of 30,000 parents and guardians. About 6.4m of the 7m children enrolled in after-school programs now have regular STEM opportunities, including hands-on activities designed to build curiosity, problem-solving, and collaboration skills. However, another 22.6m children whose parents want after-school programming cannot access it because of barriers including cost and limited capacity. The report calls for expanded funding, particularly in underserved and rural communities, and recommends including after-school providers in legislation designed to promote STEM education.

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.

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  • B.E.S.T.-aligned next steps you can act on
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STATE NEWS

Gun violence: a tragic toll on children

An alarming analysis by KFF Health News and The Trace reveals that hundreds of children in Florida are hospitalized each year due to gunshot wounds, primarily from a small number of ZIP codes. From 2018 to 2024, over 4,000 children aged 17 and under were treated for firearm injuries, averaging about 1.5 cases daily. Jacksonville, in particular, has been identified as one of the most dangerous cities for children, with three ZIP codes ranking among the worst for firearm injuries. “You see it day in and day out,” said Firas Madbak, chief of acute care surgery at UF Health Jacksonville, highlighting the ongoing crisis. Despite the rising toll of gun violence, state and local leaders have largely failed to address the root causes, such as poverty and lack of opportunity, leaving communities devastated and families grieving.

NATIONAL NEWS

Parental rights in focus

The U.S. Department of Education has reiterated the importance of parental rights in schools. In a “Dear Colleague” letter, the department highlighted concerns regarding parental consent for student surveys and access to educational records. Frank Miller, director of the Student Privacy Policy Office, said: “Parents know what is best for their children,” emphasizing the need for schools to involve parents in their children's education. The letter comes amid reports of schools withholding information from parents. 

ENROLLMENT

OCPS enrollment drop raises concerns

Orange County Public Schools reported 7,672 fewer students than last year, more than twice the state’s projected decline. Officials attributed the drop to historically low birth rates, immigration policy changes, limited housing turnover and Florida’s taxpayer-funded voucher program. District 1 School Board member Angie Gallo said: “Elementary was really the hardest hit,” pointing to lower pre-K and kindergarten enrollment. Despite the decline, leaders do not expect major layoffs or school closures and are developing strategies to attract families back to district schools.

DISTRICTS

Broward schools face tough decisions

The Broward School Board is grappling with the potential closure of 10 schools, including William Dandy Middle in Fort Lauderdale, as part of efforts to right-size the district. Superintendent Howard Hepburn proposed these closures during a recent workshop. Complicating matters, KIPP Legacy School, a charter school, is set to occupy part of Dandy Middle starting in the 2027-28 school year, following Florida's expanded "Schools of Hope" law. Board member Jeff Holness emphasized the significance of this transition during the meeting, stating: "Schools of Hope charters moving into their facilities" adds another layer of challenge for the board.

Lee County school plan sparks controversy

The School District of Lee County is proceeding with plans to relocate students from Buckingham Exceptional Student Center to Royal Palm Exceptional Center by August 2027, following a four-month pause due to protests from parents and teachers. Chuck Vilardi, regional associate superintendent, said, "We heard from our families what they want," indicating that feedback was incorporated into the new plan. The consolidation aims to address facility capacity issues, with Buckingham operating at 56% to 60% capacity and Royal Palm at 50.8% to 52%.

Polk County Schools rethink vals and sals

The Polk County School District is evaluating its criteria for selecting valedictorians and salutatorians, also known as "vals and sals." Currently, academic rankings are based solely on weighted grade-point averages, with students needing to be enrolled at their high schools from the start of their senior years. Ann Everett, senior director of acceleration and innovation, presented a “decision tree” suggesting potential changes, including requiring students to attend their school for two or four years. She also proposed adopting a traditional Latin honors system and revising the tie-breaking process for rankings. “Should students be required to take a minimum number of courses at the high school their senior year to be eligible for Val/Sal?” Everett asked, prompting further discussion among board members.

FINANCE

Budget cuts and rising revenues collide

Monroe County School District officials announced that the preliminary budget for the 2026-2027 fiscal year will lower the millage rate while increasing revenues due to rising property values. The tentative millage is set at 2.817 mills, down from 2.947 mills, marking a 4.41% reduction. The district must levy the required local effort to qualify for $24,041,091 in state funding. Overall assessed property values in Monroe County increased by 0.49%, raising the county's gross taxable value to $59.3 bn. The district reported a total fund balance of $36.1 m, with an unassigned fund balance of $32.6 m, representing 21.73% of revenue. School board members will continue budget discussions on Aug. 25, with a final hearing scheduled for Sept. 8.

POLICY

Polk County School Board keeps books

The Polk County School Board voted to retain two challenged books, “Thirteen Reasons Why” by Jay Asher and “Check & Mate” by Ali Hazelwood, during their recent meeting. The board upheld Superintendent Fred Heid's recommendations, with a unanimous vote of 7-0 for “Thirteen Reasons Why” and a 5-2 vote for “Check & Mate.” The challenges were initiated by Cathy Powers, who cited concerns over content suitability. “I just want to say I appreciate us kind of pausing on this and having a chance to review,” said board member Travis Keyes. The district had previously reviewed “Thirteen Reasons Why” in 2022, but updates to Florida Statutes necessitated a new evaluation. Following the board's decision, both books will remain available in school libraries despite the challenges.

HEALTH & WELLBEING

Fitness test makes a comeback

Students at Central Elementary School in Okeechobee are participating in the revived Presidential Physical Fitness Test, following an executive order by President Donald Trump. The test, originally established in 1958, aims to provide students with age-appropriate benchmarks to promote strength, endurance, and healthy habits. Coach Spearow noted: "It is something President Trump, whether you love him or hate him, has brought back." The test includes various physical challenges and recognizes students with Presidential and National achievement levels, encouraging them to set goals and track their progress.

Vaccination rates rise in Collier County

Collier County has seen an increase in kindergarten vaccination rates this year, with 88.5% of the 2,764 kindergartners vaccinated, up from 86.3% last year, according to the state Department of Health. Dr. Danielle Carter, president of the Florida Academy of Family Physicians, said, “Changing a school requirement does not change the clinical evidence physicians use to recommend vaccination.” The state is considering ending requirements for several vaccines, including Hepatitis B and chicken pox, which has raised concerns among pediatricians. The proposed rule change would affect child care settings and students in public and nonpublic schools. The vaccination exemption rate in Collier is currently 4.38%.

CAREER & TECHNICAL EDUCATION

Unlocking careers with high-tech tools

Two Jacksonville nonprofits are introducing youth to skilled trades through a mobile learning lab featuring interactive career simulations. "If we can help a young person move from 'I have never thought about that' to 'I can see myself doing this,' then we have begun to accomplish our mission," said WareWorks CEO Karen Bowling. The initiative aims to bridge opportunity gaps by preparing students for careers that may not yet exist, emphasizing the importance of digital literacy and hands-on experience. The program, which recently toured local Boys & Girls Clubs, aims to expand career pathways in skilled trades, helping students discover their potential and the financial benefits of these careers.

HIGHER EDUCATION

Florida colleges tackle AI policies

The Florida Department of Education is proposing a new rule requiring all public colleges in the state to establish policies regarding AI. This initiative aims to ensure academic integrity and a safe learning environment for students, staff, and guests. "The purpose of this rule is to require Florida College System institutions to adopt policies that provide for the use and limitations of use of artificial intelligence tools," the proposed rule states. Education Commissioner Henry Mack approved the rule, which will be reviewed by the State Board of Education on September 16. Additionally, the DOE is directing K-12 school districts to incorporate AI guidelines into their internet safety protocols, emphasizing parental notification and opt-out options for AI instructional tools. Florida is also pursuing a civil lawsuit against OpenAI, alleging that its ChatGPT product contributed to violent acts. Attorney General James Uthmeier cited incidents where ChatGPT allegedly assisted users in committing serious crimes.

AI classes surge as demand grows

As the job market increasingly demands AI skills, educational institutions in South Florida are rapidly adapting their curricula. Jeffrey Scott Shapiro, a Boca Raton attorney, shared his transformative experience in an AI course at Florida Atlantic University, stating: “After four months of classes, I literally felt like I somehow adopted superpowers.” The number of colleges offering dedicated AI degrees has surged from five in 2021 to over 70 today, according to Northeastern University's Center for Inclusive Computing. Miami Dade College has seen a 150% annual increase in AI course enrollment, with Dean Manny Perez noting: “[Employers] are looking for graduates or individuals to come with that skill set.” As AI continues to evolve, institutions are revising their programs to meet industry needs, ensuring students are well-prepared for the future job market.

INTERNATIONAL

Rising student anxiety strains Ontario mental health providers

Youth mental health providers across Ontario are preparing for a sharp rise in demand as students return to school, with experts pointing to academic and social pressures, increased time online, economic uncertainty, and anxiety about issues such as climate change and artificial intelligence. Eastern Ontario service coordinator 1Call1Click has seen demand increase 69% over four years, while the number of children under six seeking help more than doubled from 502 in 2024 to more than 1,000 last year. Kids Help Phone expects demand to rise 10% as school resumes and has already recorded a 27% increase in overnight demand. Providers say Ontario’s mental health system is struggling to keep pace, emphasizing earlier intervention through schools, primary care, communities, and families to prevent problems from escalating into crises.
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