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Florida
14th September 2026
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THE HOT STORY

School choice program could expand funding

The Trump administration’s federal school choice program, launching next year, could become one of the country’s largest sources of K-12 funding, according to an analysis by the American Federation for Children. The program will offer eligible taxpayers a dollar-for-dollar tax credit on donations of up to $1,700 to scholarship-granting organizations, which can fund expenses including tuition, tutoring, and books for public, private, and home-school students. The AFC estimates that 121.5m taxpayers will be eligible to participate. If 20% contribute, the program could generate $37.6bn annually, rivaling the combined funding of Title I and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, while 5% participation could generate $9.4bn. However, actual participation remains uncertain, with comparable state programs typically attracting only 1%-3% of eligible taxpayers. Potential barriers include limited public awareness, administrative burdens, donors’ ability to contribute, and some states’ reluctance to participate.

ADOPTION WATCH

McGraw Hill Math Programs Approved by Florida Department of Education

McGraw Hill announced that all of its K–12 math programs submitted have been approved by the Florida Department of Education through the state's instructional materials adoption process, making them available for all 67 school districts across Florida to select and implement with their approximately 3 million students. Approved materials include the K–8 Florida Math core curriculum, Grades 6–7 Florida Math Accelerated, Algebra 1, Algebra 1 Honors, Geometry, Geometry Honors, Algebra 2, Algebra 2 Honors, and Precalculus Honors. Florida Math provides schools with comprehensive, research-based solutions that support personalized learning, differentiated instruction, and meaningful student engagement — with instruction in both print and digital formats designed to build conceptual understanding, mathematical reasoning, and confidence.

Learn more and request your samples today

 

NATIONAL NEWS

E-rate review raises funding concerns

Education and technology groups are raising concerns that the Federal Communications Commission’s review of the $3bn E-rate program could restrict or potentially end a critical source of broadband funding for schools and libraries. Established in 1996, E-rate provides discounted connectivity that now supports not only classroom technology, but also essential operations, including security systems, HVAC controls, and school bus tracking. Advocates argue that concerns about student screen time should be addressed through curriculum decisions rather than changes to connectivity funding. Schools and libraries received more than $13bn through E-rate between 2021 and 2025, with higher discounts going to lower-income communities. Aldine Independent School District in Houston, where nearly all 50,000 students are economically disadvantaged, has received about $11m from the program over the past five years. Aldine Superintendent LaTonya Goffney warned that reducing E-rate support would create an immediate budget shortfall that could force the district to redirect money from teachers, programs, and other services.

STEM

Afterschool STEM programs expand, but rural students face access gaps

STEM education has become increasingly common in afterschool programs, with 92% of parents reporting that their child’s program offered science, technology, engineering, or math activities in 2025, up from 73% in 2020, according to the Afterschool Alliance. However, significant geographic disparities remain: only 39% of rural parents said their children participated in STEM activities at least twice a week, compared with 67% of urban parents. Broader access to afterschool programs also remains limited. Parents of nearly 30 million children wanted afterschool programming in 2025, but only 7m were able to enroll. The Afterschool Alliance said rural areas face particular challenges because of fewer programs, staff, funders, universities, and other STEM resources, while 85% of families living more than 30 miles from a metropolitan area reported access to a STEM component, compared with 96% of urban families.

STATE NEWS

Florida fights for U.S. Space Academy

President Trump has proposed a U.S. Space Academy, prompting Florida leaders to advocate for its establishment in the state. Congressman Mike Haridopolos expressed enthusiasm, stating: “We would love to have the Academy right here in Florida.” The Academy aims to combine technical education and leadership development to prepare future leaders in space. NASA plans to have a groundbreaking by 2027 and a permanent location operational by 2031, with the first students potentially starting in 2028. However, experts like Todd Harrison from the American Enterprise Institute caution that the proposal is still in its early stages, noting: “Right now, the U.S. Space Academy is nothing more than a proposal.” Florida faces competition from other states like Texas and Alabama, all vying for this significant investment in the space workforce.

Unifying education for Florida's youth

Dr. Vincent Miller II, executive director of Aces in Motion, emphasizes the need for collaboration in Florida's education system. He argues that "our kids don't need us arguing about education nearly as much as they need us improving it." Miller outlines key areas for improvement: ensuring every child can read and do math, supporting educators, redefining success beyond college, enhancing after-school programs, and maintaining high expectations for all students. He envisions a unified education ecosystem where schools, families, and communities work together to provide meaningful pathways for youth. Ultimately, he calls for a shift in focus from conflict to cooperation, stating that the measure of success should be whether Florida's kids win.

GOVERNANCE

Battle for Martin County School Board

A runoff election for the Martin County School Board District 4 seat will take place on Nov. 3, featuring incumbent Amy Pritchett and challenger Anthony "Tony" Anderson. In the Aug. 18 primary, Pritchett secured 42.76% of the votes, while Anderson followed closely with 41.37%. Pritchett, who previously defeated Anderson in 2022, emphasized her commitment to improving educational standards and supporting school employees. "Our work isn't finished," Pritchett said, highlighting her focus on creating safe learning environments and maintaining fiscal responsibility. Anderson, a retired educator with extensive experience, aims to advocate for public education and address the challenges faced by teachers. Both candidates are vying for the opportunity to lead the school board and shape the future of education in Martin County.

FINANCE

Grants boost career education in Flagler

The Flagler County Education Foundation has awarded $75,000 in Hunter Grants to enhance CTE and practical skill-building in local schools. Funded by the Paul B Hunter and Constance D Hunter Charitable Foundation, these grants support various programs, including specialized equipment for Flagler Palm Coast High School's Fire Leadership Academy and resources for STEM and agricultural programs. Teresa Rizzo, the Ed Foundation's executive director, said: “The Hunter Foundation's continued investment in our students and educators is helping us create meaningful pathways from the classroom to future careers.” Additionally, the grants support the Friends for All Abilities Program, which fosters social engagement for students with disabilities. 

SOCIAL & COMMUNITY

Tax cuts threaten library services

Amendment 3, a proposed property tax reduction in Florida, has raised concerns among library advocates about its potential impact on local budgets. Critics warn that the measure could lead to significant cuts in library funding, jeopardizing essential services. Marylynne Schwartz, president of Friends of the Miami-Dade Public Library, stated: "The library is about so much more than books," emphasizing the importance of libraries as community resources. The Miami-Dade County Library System anticipates a $20m cut in the first year, which could result in branch closures and reduced services. Stephana Ferrell, director of research for the Florida Freedom to Read Project, expressed concern over local control, saying: "I worry about what happens to local control when the state becomes the primary source of library funding." The proposed amendment could severely limit access to books and resources for students and residents alike.

SAFETY & SECURITY

Tallahassee's speed camera program stalls

Leon County may delay its proposed school zone speed camera program due to constitutional challenges in Florida. Initially approved in October 2025, the program aimed to enhance safety around schools. However, following a March ruling by a Broward County judge, which deemed red-light cameras unconstitutional for shifting the burden of proof, county staff now recommends deferring the initiative. Although the ruling does not directly apply to school zone cameras, staff believe they operate similarly. “It is anticipated that alleged violators will continue to raise similar constitutional challenges,” the agenda materials state. The county commissioners are set to discuss this issue on September 15, as support for automated cameras declines across Florida.

FURTHER EDUCATION

Celebrating 60 years of impact

As Tallahassee State College (TSC) celebrates its 60th anniversary, President Jim Murdaugh reflects on the institution's profound impact on over 1m students since its inception in 1966. TSC has evolved from a small college with fewer than 700 students to serving more than 17,000 annually, achieving 12 consecutive semesters of enrollment growth. This year, TSC was named a finalist for the 2027 Aspen Prize for Community College Excellence, highlighting its commitment to measurable student outcomes. Murdaugh emphasized the importance of a "culture of care" and the need for a "culture of innovation" to prepare students for a rapidly changing workforce. He stated: "When our students succeed, our community succeeds," underscoring TSC's role in fostering economic mobility and educational attainment in the region. As TSC looks to the future, it aims to continue making possibilities visible and achievable for its students.

INTERNATIONAL

First Nations school funding gap

Research commissioned by the Assembly of First Nations estimates C$19bn is needed over 20 years to bring on-reserve school infrastructure up to Canadian standards, including C$16.8bn for schools and C$2.2bn for teacher housing. Of 395 schools studied, 77 require immediate replacement and 227 need additions. Saskatchewan faces the largest replacement burden, while Manitoba and Ontario also require multibillion-dollar investment. Separate estimates identify C$1.52bn in school bus replacement needs over five years and about C$1bn in immediate teacher housing deficiencies.

AND FINALLY...

Finley goes fur a ride

In a heartwarming incident, Finley, a 1-year-old golden retriever, made a dash for a school bus in Farmington, New York, as his siblings boarded. Owner Ashley Miller described how Finley "busted through my legs to get the kids," prompting a frantic chase. Fortunately, Finley slowed down and was welcomed aboard by laughing students. Miller had to lift the 83-pound dog off the bus, which she described as "quite the challenge." Finley, known for his friendly nature and protective instincts, is a beloved companion to Miller's children, including her 15-year-old daughter and 13-year-old son. 
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