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Florida
10th September 2026
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THE HOT STORY

Florida families flock to private schools

In Southwest Florida, more families are utilizing state scholarships to enroll their children in private schools, leading to significant growth in local Catholic schools. The Diocese of Venice reported a 40% increase in enrollment over the past six years, with Father John Belmonte, superintendent of Catholic education, stating: “We’ve really been able... to increase enrollment more than the demographic increases.” Approximately 95% of families now participate in school choice, with many relying on scholarships to afford private education. The Diocese has seen a year-over-year enrollment growth of about 10% and has invested in teacher salaries and educational programs as a result. Belmonte noted that the shift from a traditional tuition model to one based on actual educational costs has allowed for better compensation and resources. Despite rising tuition, some families now pay little to nothing out of pocket due to additional scholarship funding.

MATH INTERVENTION IN FLORIDA

What Florida's Latest Math Results Mean for Student Intervention

Florida's Spring 2026 assessment results show continued growth in mathematics achievement, but many districts remain focused on helping students who are still performing below grade level accelerate progress. As educators review data and plan next steps, effective intervention remains a key priority.

To support these efforts, we've created a free Math Intervention Resource Guide featuring research-based strategies, classroom-ready approaches, a downloadable intervention handbook, and Florida-specific success stories. You'll also see how schools across Florida are using Math 180 to support student growth and strengthen FAST Math outcomes.

Explore the Free Math Intervention Resource Guide

 

STATE NEWS

Enrollment drop hits food stamp program

Enrollment in Florida's Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program (SNAP) has dropped by over 22% since the One Big Beautiful Bill Act was enacted, affecting approximately 647,000 individuals. "You can feel the people are tired," said Samantha Richardson-Hardy, co-founder of the Gathering of Women food bank, highlighting the exhaustion among families facing reduced benefits. The legislation has imposed stricter eligibility requirements and cut funding, leading to a significant decline in benefits for children, with 247,000 fewer kids receiving assistance. Sky Beard, director of No Kid Hungry Florida, emphasized that the loss of benefits directly impacts children's access to food and school meals. Experts warn that the situation may worsen, as future requirements could further strain the program.

Florida's vaccination rates hit new lows

Florida's vaccination rates are concerning, with the state ranking No. 41 in WalletHub's analysis of vaccination coverage. The CDC reported that about 89% of kindergartners were vaccinated for the 2025-2026 school year. John Grabenstein, a pharmacist, said, "It's continuing a long trend in the wrong direction," highlighting the increasing number of measles cases in Florida, which reached 158 this year, surpassing the state's average of 3.6 cases over the past 25 years. Florida is also proposing to drop some vaccine requirements for public and private school students, which could further impact vaccination rates. The proposed changes have drawn criticism, with Surgeon General Joseph Ladapo stating that parents should have the ultimate say in their children's vaccinations.

NATIONAL NEWS

Special education chief steps down as Ed. Dept. transfers get underway

Kelly Rogers, the U.S. Department of Education’s top special education official, has unexpectedly resigned after four months in the role, as the agency begins transferring more than 100 Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services (OSERS) employees to the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). Rogers had previously indicated that she would continue supervising OSERS staff from the Education Department following their move, but officials have not said who will replace her or how oversight will now work. The transfers are part of a wider restructuring that will also move 57 Office for Civil Rights employees to the Department of Justice. Disability advocates have criticized the changes, arguing that splitting responsibilities among federal agencies could increase bureaucracy, disrupt coordination, and create uncertainty for educators, families, and people with disabilities. The Education Department is proceeding despite congressional efforts to halt the changes. A Senate committee has advanced legislation that would prevent OSERS from being transferred to another agency, while a similar bipartisan proposal has been introduced in the House.

Microsoft, teacher unions set new AI data protections for Schools

Microsoft, the American Federation of Teachers (AFT), and the United Federation of Teachers (UFT) have introduced a National AI Safety and Privacy Standard giving U.S. school districts greater control over student and educator data used by AI products. Districts can add the safeguards to Microsoft agreements, making them contractual requirements rather than voluntary guidelines. The standard prohibits covered data, including prompts, AI-generated responses, and uploaded files, from being sold, used for unrelated purposes, or used to train general-purpose AI models. It also restricts behavioral tracking, requires human oversight for significant AI-driven decisions, and requires providers to notify affected education customers within 72 hours of a confirmed or reasonably suspected data breach. Districts can terminate agreements or pursue other available remedies for unresolved material violations. Other AI providers working with AFT’s National Academy for AI Instruction can also adopt the standard if they agree to its full set of protections.

WORKFORCE

Broward School Board budget sparks outrage

The Broward County School Board approved a $4.7bn budget for the 2026-27 school year, but it did not include the salary increases that teachers had sought. The budget passed with a 6-2 vote, despite objections from board members advocating for raises. Anna Fusco, president of the Broward Teachers Union, criticized the board, saying they were “weak and uneducated.” Melissa Sherman, an educator, expressed frustration, stating: “At some point, ‘we value our teachers’ has to show up somewhere other than a slogan.” Florida ranks last in teacher pay, with the average salary at $56,600, significantly lower than the national average of $74,400, according to a National Education Association report. The board is looking to a referendum on the Nov. 3 ballot, which could provide over $230 million for public schools, primarily for salaries. Fusco warned that without the referendum's renewal, “there will be a catastrophe.”

Veteran teachers to see pay boost

Teachers in Florida with over 10 years of experience will soon receive salary increases starting at $1,800, pending ratification of an agreement. The Volusia County School Board has reached a memorandum of understanding with the Volusia United Educators union regarding state-funded salary increases. The district will allocate over $4m from the state, supplemented by $611,000 from the district, to support these raises. Andrew Langenbach, the district's ESE/ADA compliance attorney, explained that the Classroom Teacher and Other Instructional Personnel Salary Increase (CTOIPS) was deemed a financial urgency by the Legislature. "This year, the Legislature determined that the CTOIPS was a financial urgency," Langenbach said. The ratification by Volusia United Educators is scheduled for September 30, with a deadline for approval set by the Florida Department of Education before October 1.

FINANCE

Budget cuts loom for Orange County Schools

The Orange County School Board has approved a budget that is $400m smaller than last year's, leading to potential layoffs as the district copes with declining enrollment. Despite an increase in per-student funding from Florida, the loss of nearly 8,000 students has resulted in a significant drop in state funding. Superintendent Maria Vazquez stated: “It is a very trying time. It is a very difficult time for our district.” The district plans to cut $42m from elementary school budgets and $16m from middle school budgets. Clinton McCracken, president of the teachers' union, urged the district to focus on cutting spending at headquarters rather than impacting schools. The budget also relies heavily on a one-mill referendum tax, projected to generate $255m, which is up for renewal in November. If it fails, significant reductions in staffing and programs may be necessary.

Flagler School Board approves budget

The Flagler County School Board approved a budget of $353.1m for the 2026-27 fiscal year, with a total millage rate of 5.312. The decision was made unanimously by board members Christy Chong, Janie Ruddy, and Lauren Ramirez on September 8. Patty Wormeck, Flagler Schools chief financial officer, said: “We are in the unfortunate situation where our revenues are not keeping up with the costs.” The budget includes a discretionary operating millage rate of 1.500 and a local capital improvement millage rate of 0.748, both unchanged for 17 years. The estimated general fund revenue is $167.1m, with expenditures of $161.1m, leaving an estimated fund balance of about $6m at the fiscal year's end. The board has been without a fifth member for nearly a year, with Cathy Moon set to fill the position in November.

DISTRICTS

Leon County Schools tackle key issues

During a recent meeting, the Leon County School Board addressed various topics, including teacher compensation and GED programs. Student representative Rylee Gautney emphasized the growing interest in GEDs as a "fast track to start their life." Superintendent Rocky Hanna discussed the need to reconsider how students leaving high school without diplomas are labeled, suggesting terms like "withdrawing" for those pursuing technical education. Concerns about teacher pay and staffing were raised by Scott Mazur, President of the Leon County Classroom Teachers Association, who questioned if the budget adequately supports educators. Hanna acknowledged these concerns and stated, "We now understand that it's become an issue and are looking to address that issue." On a positive note, district leaders celebrated significant grade improvements across schools, marking the 2025-2026 school year as a milestone for academic progress.

SOCIAL & COMMUNITY

Citizens field debate heats up

The ongoing debate over Citizens Field in Gainesville has intensified, with Alachua County School Board Chair Thomas Vu expressing concerns about costs and future plans. The city recently approved a deal to sell the stadium for $500,000, but Vu warns that renovation costs could soar to $40m-50m. “To me, that money is better invested in making sure that we have just more reasonable like stadiums for our students,” Vu said. He criticized Mayor Harvey Ward's negotiation tactics, claiming threats were made to school board members regarding alternative developments. Ward, while acknowledging the need for renovations, stated: “If the school board doesn't want to be a part of the process, then of course we will find other things to do with that property.” The fate of the nearly 80-year-old stadium remains uncertain as the school board prepares for its next meeting on October 6.

INTERNATIONAL

Students voice concerns as Ontario puts greater weight on exams and attendance

Ontario high school students are adjusting to a new grading system for the 2026-2027 school year that places greater emphasis on final exams, attendance, and classroom participation. For Grades 9 and 10, classwork accounts for 65% of the final grade, final evaluations for 20%, and attendance and participation for 15%. For Grades 11 and 12, the breakdown is 65%, 25%, and 10%, respectively. Several students said the heavier weighting of final exams could increase anxiety and argued that schools should provide more support as they prepare for higher-stakes assessments. Reactions to attendance grading were mixed: some students questioned whether attendance should affect grades when work is completed, while others said the policy could discourage skipping. Excused absences, including illness and cultural days, will not negatively affect students’ grades.
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