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Florida
3rd September 2026
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THE HOT STORY

AI can enhance education, says Donalds

Erika Donalds, a charter school executive and advocate for school choice, believes that AI can significantly benefit Florida students and teachers. Speaking at an event in Miami, she said: "AI will allow kids in places that don't have access to good teaching access to something that is not going to be the same as a great human teacher, but it's going to be the best teacher that they have available to them." Donalds emphasized the importance of balanced rulemaking around AI, advocating for protective measures without stifling innovation. She warned against excessive government regulation, noting that while tragic incidents involving AI exist, "we cannot legislate to those situations." Other panelists, including former Florida governor Jeb Bush, echoed her sentiments, highlighting AI's potential to enhance educational experiences without replacing human teachers. Donalds and her husband, Byron Donalds, are actively involved in shaping Florida's educational landscape as he campaigns for governor.

FREE BTS MATH RESOURCES

Back-to-School Math Resources for Florida Educators

As classrooms settle into the new school year, Florida educators are looking for practical strategies to engage students, support diverse learning needs, and build a strong foundation for mathematical success. To help, we've curated a collection of free math resources and teaching tips featuring classroom-ready activities, intervention strategies, engagement practices, and support for multilingual learners.

You'll also find information on FLDOE-approved mathematics programs from HMH, including solutions for Grades K-8, Algebra 1, and intensive intervention designed to support Florida schools.

Access Free Math Resources and FLDOE-Approved Programs

 

STATE NEWS

Florida's voting law faces legal challenge

A voting rights group is suing Florida authorities in federal court to block parts of a new elections bill that mirrors the federal SAVE Act. The legislation, championed by Gov. Ron DeSantis, imposes stricter citizenship documentation requirements and prohibits the use of student IDs for voting. The Southern Poverty Law Center argues that HB 991 violates federal voting laws and the 14th Amendment, claiming it "purposely manufactures a crisis for people who have done nothing wrong." The group, along with the Black Voters Matters Fund and the League of United Latin American Citizens, contends that the law exceeds federal requirements for proof of citizenship and could hinder voter registration. They also assert that the law's vague provisions violate the Due Process clause of the 14th Amendment. This lawsuit is the third filed against Florida's SAVE Act, following two others on the day the bill was signed.

ENROLLMENT

Enrollment crisis hits Palm Beach schools

The Palm Beach County School District has lost nearly 7,000 students over the past year, joining other South Florida districts facing similar declines. A spokesperson stated that the district will implement a hiring hold to "mitigate" the funding loss from this enrollment drop, with further budget reductions anticipated for the fiscal year 2028. The majority of the decline occurred in traditional public schools, while charter schools also saw a decrease of about 969 students. Overall, the five largest school districts in Florida, including Miami-Dade and Broward, have collectively lost around 67,000 non-charter students from the 2023-2024 to the 2025-2026 school years. This trend has been attributed to Florida's expanded voucher program and a decrease in immigrant families moving to the area, according to officials.

DISTRICTS

Villalobos hits pause on school closures

On his first day, Miami-Dade County Public Schools Superintendent Rafael Villalobos announced a pause on the process that could lead to the closure of over two dozen under-enrolled schools. In a letter to parents, he stated: "The process will be temporarily paused while I conduct this review and ensure that our community has clear and complete information." This decision follows concerns from parents and teachers after the district's previous closure of nine schools. Villalobos aims to reset the administration's approach and increase community input, although he acknowledged that more closures may still be necessary due to declining student enrollment and funding issues. The district has seen a drop of about 15,000 students compared to last year, with some schools operating at less than half capacity. Villalobos plans to resume community sessions in October, with a complete review expected by December.

Top schools in port St. Lucie

In the recent U.S. News & World Report's 2026-27 Best Florida High School rankings, 16 high schools from the Treasure Coast were recognized, with nine located in St. Lucie County. Notably, Lincoln Park Academy and Somerset College Preparatory Academy were among the top-ranked institutions. The report highlighted that charter and magnet schools were included, while private schools were not ranked due to limited data access.

Back to school excitement in Miami

As Miami-Dade County Public Schools welcomed students back for the 2026-27 school year on August 13, Superintendent Dr. Jose L. Dotres visited various schools across the district. At Venetian Parc Academy, he engaged with students, emphasizing the importance of a strong start to the academic year. "It's great to see our students back and ready to learn," said Dr. Dotres. 

Kenneth R. Otero Middle School opens in 2027

Hillsborough County is set to open Kenneth R. Otero Middle School in 2027, named after the former principal and district leader who dedicated 38 years to the district. The school board voted in favor of Otero after receiving over 1,100 name submissions, with 371 supporting him.

FINANCE

Truth matters in school budget debates

Krista Goodrich, a Volusia County School Board member, emphasizes the importance of accurate public statements regarding the district's billion-dollar budget. In response to misleading claims made by fellow board member Mrs. Brosemer, Goodrich stated: "When we make public statements about a billion-dollar school system, those statements matter." She highlighted that the board has multiple opportunities throughout the year to discuss the budget, contradicting Brosemer's assertion that a recent budget meeting lasted only 14 minutes. Goodrich pointed out that Brosemer has not engaged with the CFO regarding budget concerns and has made several inaccurate public claims about the district. She urged the community to conduct their own research and emphasized the responsibility of elected officials to provide accurate information, stating, "Educating nearly 60,000 children is not a talking point." Goodrich advocates for transparency and accountability in school finance.

WORKFORCE

Support staff salaries spark debate

The Flagler Educational Support Personnel Association (FESPA) is advocating for better salaries for support staff, who rank 52nd in Florida for average pay. FESPA president Lisa Torres stated that the union proposed a one-step advancement and a 94 cents hourly raise, which the district deemed financially unfeasible. The district's chief of operational services, Lauren Johnston, emphasized the financial distress the district is facing. Despite last year's contract including a step increase and a 25 cents raise, Torres noted that "that 25-cent increase by itself did not keep pace with the cost-of-living increase." The next bargaining session is set for September 15, as the district continues to evaluate compensation and benefits for its employees.

HEALTH & WELLBEING

Sleep loses ground to routines

A new American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM) survey has found that work, school, and family responsibilities frequently take priority over adequate sleep, raising concerns as families transition from summer schedules to more structured school-year routines. About 32% of U.S. adults said work and school schedules take precedence over sleep, while 42% prioritized family or household responsibilities, and others cited screen time, entertainment, social activities, and exercise. The AASM recommends that families establish consistent bedtimes, prepare lunches, clothing, and backpacks in advance, and set aside 30 minutes to an hour to wind down before bed. The organization recommends at least seven hours of nightly sleep for adults, nine to 12 hours for children ages 6 to 12, and eight to 10 hours for teenagers ages 13 to 18.

SPORTS

New law changes Florida athlete transfers

Florida's new law, State Bill 538, signed by Gov. Ron DeSantis, restricts high school athletes from transferring schools after participating in preseason practice. The law aims to prevent athletes from switching schools mid-season or playing different sports at multiple schools. Exceptions exist for family relocations or if a school lacks a specific sport. However, the Florida High School Athletic Association (FHSAA) allows appeals for exemptions, as seen with Orlando-area players Phillip Prioleau and Tamauri Collins, who successfully transferred and participated in games. “We went through the appeals process and did everything that (FHSAA executive director) Craig Damon and (FHSAA administrator of eligibility and compliance) Malcolm Pollock told us to do,” said Tavares coach Gavin Jones. The FHSAA confirmed numerous successful appeals statewide, indicating that the new rules are not absolute.

FURTHER EDUCATION

Endowments drained: colleges in crisis

Many colleges are facing financial difficulties, leading them to draw from their endowments to survive. Hiram College, for instance, borrowed over $47m from its $56m endowment, even using funds designated for specific purposes. David Haney, Hiram's former president, expressed concern about this trend, stating: "What a lot of these small colleges do is they think that things are going to turn around." Nearly 200 private colleges borrowed from restricted endowment funds in 2025, a significant increase from previous years. While some institutions have successfully navigated financial challenges by tapping into their endowments, others, like Martin University, have closed despite these efforts. Hiram is now working on a repayment plan and aims to stabilize its finances while maintaining its role in the community.

HIGHER EDUCATION

FSU and FAMU shine in rankings

Ford State University (FSU) and Florida A&M University (FAMU) have excelled in Niche's 2027 College Rankings, with FSU being named the No. 1 party school in America and an A+ institution. FAMU, graded A-, continues to hold its position as the top historically Black college or university (HBCU) in the nation. “This ranking carries particular weight for us because Niche's methodology is built on the voices of students themselves,” said FAMU President Marva Johnson. The rankings, released on August 31, 2023, consider factors like academics, value, and student life, with new measures on institutional success and student wellness. FSU also ranked highly in various academic categories, including No. 2 for accounting and finance. Meanwhile, FAMU has maintained its top HBCU status for several years, further solidifying its reputation in higher education.

INTERNATIONAL

Cuba's schools face dire challenges

As Cuba begins its new school year, families face significant challenges due to ongoing crises. The Barroso family, for instance, relies on a borrowed horse for transportation after thieves stole their own. Education Minister Naima Trujillo Barreto described the reopening of schools as a “heroic act,” highlighting the scarcity of teachers, with coverage dropping to 73% due to low salaries and emigration. Parents are now expected to provide meals, as many schools report only a 15-day food supply. Leanete Barroso, a mother of two, lamented, “This academic year has been the most disastrous one.” The situation is exacerbated by shortages of uniforms and supplies, forcing students to wear “comfortable clothing” instead.
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