Education Slice
Become more informed in minutes...
Education Slice Logo
Florida
18th September 2026
Together with


THE HOT STORY

Federal judge overturns Education Department policy targeting DEI-related grants

A federal judge has struck down a U.S. Department of Education policy requiring the termination of grants supporting diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives, ruling that the directive was arbitrary and capricious. U.S. District Judge Angel Kelley found that the policy lacked clear criteria for determining which programs constituted DEI and failed to consider the impact of cancellations on teachers and teacher-training programs. The department announced in February 2025 that it was canceling more than $600m in grants, with more than 90% of awards under two K-12 teacher preparation programs ultimately terminated. The ruling came in a lawsuit brought by eight Democratic-led states, although separate claims seeking to recover terminated funding would need to proceed in the U.S. Court of Federal Claims.

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

 

STATE NEWS

Funding crisis hits Florida teachers hard

Despite claims of "historic" education funding in Florida, teachers are feeling the financial strain as state funding fails to keep pace with the rising cost of living. Laura Hine, a member of the Pinellas School Board, said: “When you hear teachers say they are doing more with less, it's true.” An analysis revealed that per-student funding has decreased by nearly 12% when adjusted for inflation, with Hillsborough County experiencing a 14% drop. The state's voucher program, which allocates over $4.5bn this school year, further complicates the funding landscape, as it diverts resources from public schools. Bruce Baker, a professor at the University of Miami, emphasized that dwindling funding leads to larger class sizes and staff retention issues, which negatively impact academic outcomes. As districts struggle to maintain competitive salaries, many teachers are leaving the profession due to financial constraints.

Florida expands Pell Grants for students

Gov. Ron DeSantis announced an expansion of Pell Grants for workforce training programs during a press conference at Eastern Florida State College on September 17. The grants, which can provide up to $7,400 annually, are now available for various technical fields, including HVAC/R, welding technology, and public safety programs. DeSantis emphasized that this funding will help Florida attract industries seeking a skilled workforce, stating: "These companies are learning that Florida can produce a strong workforce." Florida Commissioner of Education Dr. Henry Mack noted that these grants are essential for the state's economy, aiming to ensure that education funding leads to good-paying jobs. The new rules also allow students with previous degrees to access training grants for career changes. Lynda Weatherman, president and chief executive of the Economic Development Commission of Florida's Space Coast, highlighted the need for swift workforce development to meet economic demands.

WORKFORCE

Paid leave could retain teachers

Schools and states could help retain teachers by expanding paid parental leave and providing stronger workplace accommodations for employees returning after childbirth, according to experts. Fewer than a third of states require districts to offer teachers any paid parental leave, and Arkansas and Delaware are the only states providing at least 12 weeks of fully paid leave, leaving many educators dependent on accumulated sick days and unpaid leave. Postpartum teachers can face physical recovery challenges, anxiety, depression, difficulties with lactation, and burnout as they return to demanding classrooms, while schools are required under the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act to provide reasonable accommodations for pregnancy, childbirth, recovery, and postpartum conditions. Suggested support includes time for medical appointments, assistance with physically demanding duties, additional classroom help, and longer paid leave, which research has associated with lower postpartum depression rates, stronger mother-child bonding, and better infant health. California is set to expand support by providing educators with 14 weeks of paid pregnancy disability beginning January 27.

ENROLLMENT

Enrollment drops: teachers voice concerns

Recent findings from the sixth annual NBC6 teacher survey reveal a significant decline in school enrollment, with over 75% of teachers reporting drops in their schools. Yvonne Poldo, a kindergarten teacher at Devon Aire K8, noted: “Our school used to be incredibly overcrowded, and now it's not.” Factors contributing to this trend include taxpayer-funded vouchers for private school tuition and decreased immigration, which has historically bolstered enrollment. Marlene Lanza, a teacher at Howard Drive Elementary, said: “I think that the vouchers are playing a huge role in that.” The survey also highlighted that 71% of teachers believe immigration enforcement has directly impacted their students, with many expressing fear about their safety. Roberta Braxton, a guidance counselor, emphasized that fear is preventing some students from attending school, despite assurances from school districts that campuses are safe spaces.

GOVERNANCE

Broward schools face referendum challenges

In Broward County, school district officials are navigating legal restrictions while discussing an upcoming ballot measure. Superintendent Howard Hepburn emphasized the district's role to "educate the public on this ballot measure" without advocating for or against it. The Broward Education Foundation, led by James Knapp, faces similar limitations, stating: "We can only inform. We're not able to advocate either." Despite these constraints, the district is utilizing its website and social media to share information and has scheduled town halls to engage the community. Union president Anna Fusco expressed optimism about public support for the referendum, highlighting the potential impact on teacher salaries. However, concerns about public trust linger due to past controversies, with some community members expressing skepticism about the measure's approval. Hepburn countered these doubts, asserting that "parents trust our teachers to teach their students."

Brevard school board eyes policy change

The Brevard County School Board is contemplating revisions to its public comment policy to enhance transparency and community trust. Proposed changes would allow public comments on agenda items before votes and move non-agenda comments earlier in the meeting. Board member John Thomas emphasized the need for increased public engagement, stating: "We just want to make sure we are giving the maximum amount of exposure and voice to the public." The board's previous policy faced legal challenges, resulting in a $568,000 settlement with Moms for Liberty over First Amendment violations. The board plans to revisit the proposal in an upcoming work session.

FINANCE

Hillsborough school district faces downgrade

The Hillsborough County School District has received a negative credit rating outlook from Fitch Ratings, shifting from “stable” to “negative.” This change is attributed to declining public school enrollment and rising inflation, which have led to a significant drop in reserves. The report stated: “Given the sizable enrollment declines and the nature of the state funding formula, the model's demographic and economic strength metrics provide an incomplete view of pressures affecting the district's revenue.” Despite the downgrade, the district maintained an A+ rating on its Community Investment Tax sales tax revenue refunding bonds. Hillsborough spokesperson Tanya Arja noted that this outlook reflects broader challenges faced by many Florida districts due to changes in school choice policies. The report suggests that operations could stabilize if planned expenditure reductions and cost-control measures are effectively implemented.

Martin County School Board boosts funding

The Martin County School Board unanimously voted on September 15 to increase its state funding request for a proposed flex campus at the former Stuart Learning Center to $4m, up from the initial $3m. This campus aims to consolidate various educational programs, including career and technical education, adult education, and virtual school programming, allowing students to earn industry certifications alongside their high school diplomas. Vice Chair Brian Moriarty emphasized the need for a higher request, stating: "If we ask for four [million], we're probably going to get half.” The total project budget could reach approximately $7.8m if the state grants the full amount. The initiative aligns with ongoing job-training efforts in the area, such as the $10.3m training facility by nonprofit Project LIFT.

DISTRICTS

Students to shape school policies

Orange County Public Schools is developing an Intra-County Student Council that would bring elected representatives from every district high school together to debate issues and make recommendations to the School Board. Students could address school policies, safety, curriculum and other concerns while receiving training in deliberative dialogue. Board member Angie Gallo said student perspectives could reveal “what’s working well, what’s not working well.” Some parents support greater student involvement but want more details about operations and potential budget implications.

SAFETY & SECURITY

Experts urge simpler, age-appropriate lockdown drills

School safety experts and research distinguish routine lockdown drills from more intense active shooter simulations, despite the terms often being used interchangeably. Lockdown drills generally involve locking doors, turning off lights, and moving out of sight, while active shooter simulations can include actors, simulated gunfire, fake blood, and nonlethal projectiles. In a piece for The Conversation Emily Greene-Colozzi, assistant professor of criminology and justice studies at UMass Lowell cites studies that suggest lockdown drills may improve preparedness, reduce fear, and potentially limit casualties. She also notes that evidence on high-intensity simulations is mixed, and that concerns remain about psychological harm. Experts recommend age-appropriate, neutral approaches, particularly for younger children, but inconsistent terminology, policies, and practices across states make it difficult to assess the overall benefits and risks of school preparedness drills.

FURTHER EDUCATION

Florida bans undocumented students from programs

The Florida Board of Education has enacted a rule prohibiting students without legal immigration status from enrolling in postsecondary career and technical education programs. This decision affects various programs, including career certificates and apprenticeships, impacting around 8,000 students who graduate from Florida high schools annually without legal status. Ashley Meros, chancellor for the Florida Department of Education's Division of Career and Adult Education, said, “What we're doing today is carrying that same very clear standard into district postsecondary education.” Additionally, the State Board has introduced restrictions on artificial intelligence use in public schools, aiming for a balanced approach.

HIGHER EDUCATION

FSU Senate budget slashed by $400k

The Florida State Student Government Association has announced a significant budget cut for the 2026-27 fiscal year, reducing the FSU Senate's discretionary budget from approximately $1.9m to $1.5m, a decrease of nearly $400,000. Deputy Student Body Treasurer Vince Nucatola said: "Obviously, the process was stressful," highlighting the challenges faced during budget planning. The budget is primarily funded through Activity and Service fees, which have also seen a decline from $15.4m to $14.6m. Despite the cuts, some areas, such as the Medical Response Unit and leadership institutes, received increased funding. Finance Committee Chair Riley Perantoni emphasized the need for transparency and equitable distribution of funds, stating: "Going forward, I'd like to see [SGA] prioritize making sure funding is distributed as equitably as possible." The upcoming budget cycle may benefit from a 5% local fee increase approved by the FSU Board of Trustees, potentially providing more financial stability for student leaders.

INTERNATIONAL

U.K. teens ranked unhappiest in Europe

U.K. teenagers have recorded the lowest life satisfaction among 29 European countries for the second consecutive PISA survey, according to analysis by The Children's Society. Almost one in five 15-year-olds reported low life satisfaction, while 11.1% said they were unhappy with school, and 43% worried about achieving good grades at school or college. Wider concerns also affected well-being, with four in 10 young people worried about rising prices, and 38% concerned about crime. Girls reported lower satisfaction than boys in several areas, including school, family, appearance, and life overall, with 21.2% unhappy with how they looked. The findings highlight the pressures affecting students both inside and outside the classroom, and the need for greater support for young people's well-being. Mark Russell, chief executive of The Children's Society, said: "This isn't a one-off. It's a pattern, and it should be a wake-up call."
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