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Florida
24th September 2026
 

THE HOT STORY

Schools weigh AI risks carefully

AI poses significant risks in education, prompting calls for caution from experts. Justin Reich, executive director of MIT's Teaching Systems Lab, emphasized: "You don't have to speculate about future harms," highlighting current concerns such as student data privacy and deepfakes. Dario Amodei, chief executive of Anthropic, advocated for a slowdown in AI development, stating that "fully addressing the risks requires even more prudence." The growing anxiety surrounding AI may lead school districts to reconsider the adoption of AI tools, with some, like Florida's state board of education, suggesting parental opt-in for generative AI use. Rebecca Winthrop from the Brookings Institution noted that a pause could allow districts to evaluate AI's benefits and risks more effectively. As educators navigate these challenges, they must prepare students to use AI responsibly while fostering critical thinking skills.

STATE NEWS

AI rules reshape Florida schools

The Florida Board of Education has approved new regulations for the use of artificial intelligence in K-12 public schools and state colleges, set to take effect in the 2027-28 school year. Ryan Deising, Flagler Schools Chief of Technology, stated, "We feel fortunate to have been part of that conversation as it moved through," highlighting the district's involvement in the state's AI Taskforce. Key requirements include parental consent for AI use and the provision of alternative instructional tools. Teresa Phillips, Flagler Schools instructional technology coordinator, emphasized the district's proactive approach, saying: "As we've rolled [AI instructional tools] out, we've taken a really cautious approach in making sure safety is paramount." The new rules also mandate training for teachers and administrators on AI risks and safety.

NATIONAL NEWS

School bonds reach record scale

Voters will decide on 373 school district bond measures this November, representing nearly $53bn in proposed borrowing for construction, facility upgrades, safety improvements, and other capital projects. Districts are asking for larger sums than before the COVID-19 pandemic, partly because of higher construction costs and a shift toward larger, more comprehensive projects, while voter approval rates have fallen from 82% in 2018 to 75% in 2024. Safety and security spending has become increasingly common, with the number of bond measures proposing such investments roughly doubling between 2018 and 2024, and secure entrance projects rising sharply. However, smaller and lower-wealth districts can face greater difficulty using bonds because borrowing capacity depends heavily on local property values, making major capital projects harder to finance without state or federal support.

FINANCE

Brevard School Board takes on debt

The Brevard School Board approved a $100m short-term loan to address cash flow issues until property tax revenue arrives later in the fiscal year. Board member Megan Wright opposed the decision, stating: “I don't agree with our district taking on debt.” However, board member Katye Campbell defended the move, calling it “just good financial practice.” The funds will support the district's general fund for daily operations. Additionally, the board discussed potential changes to public comment policies, including livestreaming non-agenda comments. In other news, the district's safety compliance report showed that 86% of inspected schools had no deficiencies, a 20% improvement from the previous year. The board also passed the 2026-2027 Code of Student Conduct, which includes new provisions for student discipline.

Indian River County's budget boost

The Indian River County School District has approved a fiscal 2027 budget of $434.3m, reflecting a 3.2% increase from the previous year's budget of $420.5m. District officials have meticulously refined revenue projections and assessed spending needs to ensure a balanced budget. The proposed aggregate tax rate for 2027 is set at 5.6740 mills, a decrease from 5.7530 mills in 2026. Colleen Wixon, the government watchdog reporter for TCPalm and Treasure Coast Newspapers, reported that the final public hearing for the budget took place on September 8.

WORKFORCE

Teacher fights back against district

Hope McMath, a Jacksonville teacher, is suing the Duval County school district after being removed from her position due to a Facebook post. Her lawsuit challenges the constitutionality of a state law and the district's social media policy. An administrative law judge previously recommended against revoking her teaching license, stating there was no evidence of misconduct. McMath's updated lawsuit, filed on September 21, seeks to declare the district's social media regulations and the law allowing the Florida Education Practices Commission to revoke licenses as “unconstitutional on their face.” During a news conference, McMath expressed her hope that the lawsuit would inspire young people, saying, “when wrong things happen, and people stand up and push back, right can win.” The case could have significant implications for teachers and school systems across Florida.

DISTRICTS

Parents push back against school closures

In a recent meeting, parents from Tarpon Springs urged the Pinellas County School Board to reconsider proposed school closures. Megan Delgado, a member of the Tarpon Springs Fundamental Elementary PTA, emphasized: “We can build something together.” Parents presented a counterproposal to merge Tarpon Springs Fundamental and Tarpon Springs Middle into a K-8 campus. Meanwhile, parents from Sexton Elementary also sought alternatives to consolidating under-enrolled schools. Board chairperson Caprice Edmond expressed the need for more information on the impact of closures, particularly regarding Woodlawn Elementary and Tarpon Springs campuses. Superintendent Kevin Hendrick noted the district's financial realities but acknowledged the “excellent suggestions” from the community. The board plans to discuss these issues further in a workshop on Oct. 6, with a final vote scheduled for Oct. 13.

Marion County School Board votes 4-0

The Marion County School Board unanimously approved a plan to transfer Wyomina Park Elementary students to Oakcrest Elementary for the next school year. This decision is part of the Future-Focused Operations Plan, which aims to address various issues such as "aging infrastructure, deferred maintenance, enrollment shifts, operational efficiencies, and educational opportunities." The plan, covering the years 2026-27 to 2030-31, will see individual projects presented for board approval as funding becomes available. Despite some community opposition voiced at previous meetings, the board, led by Chair Sarah James and Vice Chair Lori Conrad, decided to proceed with the current plan. The Future-Focused Operations Plan also includes relocating Belleview Elementary and constructing a new north-end elementary school by 2029-30, with an estimated $150m in deferred maintenance savings and $2m in annual operating savings.

Dreamers Academy expands with new campus

Dreamers Academy is set to open a new 10-acre middle school campus in 2027, featuring a 42,000-square-foot building designed by Suárez Architecture. Founder Geri Chaffee noted the demand for a second campus was evident even during the opening of the K-5 campus in 2023, as parents expressed interest in a middle school. The new facility, costing $42.79m, will accommodate 400 to 500 students and include athletic facilities, classrooms, and a community center.  

GOVERNANCE

Wilson vs. Cothiere: the District 1 showdown

Katrina Wilson and Linda Cothiere are vying for the District 1 seat on the Miami-Dade County School Board in a runoff election. Wilson, a former principal and councilwoman, has over 30 years of educational leadership experience and emphasizes the importance of small class sizes and teacher retention. “I think we have to sit down and go on a listening tour to really make a connection with what the parents and our stakeholders are looking for,” Wilson said. Cothiere, a current teacher with firsthand classroom experience, highlights declining enrollment as a major issue, linking it to the rising cost of living in Miami. Both candidates have strong ties to Miami-Dade County Public Schools and face significant challenges, including competition from charter schools. The Miami Herald endorses Wilson for her preparedness and understanding of the educational landscape.

HIGHER EDUCATION

New College of Florida shines bright

New College of Florida has achieved significant recognition in national college rankings, being highlighted by Washington Monthly, The Princeton Review, and U.S. News & World Report. Richard Corcoran, President of New College, said: “These metrics prove the positive outcomes New College is creating.” The college ranked No. 1 among public liberal arts colleges in the U.S. according to Washington Monthly and was recognized as one of the 50 Colleges That Create Futures by The Princeton Review. U.S. News & World Report noted improvements in financial resources, academic profiles, and faculty composition. Provost David Rohrbacher emphasized the importance of hands-on research, stating: “Our response to a shifting economy is to lean into the rigorous, hands-on research that defines this institution.” New College continues to invite families and educators to explore its campus and academic offerings.

Florida's first reduced-hour degree launched

Saint Leo University is set to launch Florida's first reduced-hour bachelor's degree in Business Analytics, allowing students to complete their education in just three years instead of the traditional four. Starting in January, the program requires only 93 credit hours, making it approximately 25% cheaper than a standard four-year degree.

AND FINALLY...

Meme school is in session

High schoolers and middle schoolers are sharing social media posts that showcase how memes influence classroom discussions. Among the trending memes is "La Peace," a phrase popularized by Twitch streamer Kai Cenat, which has become a humorous reference in classrooms. Another viral sensation, "Gucci Morty," features the character from "Rick and Morty" in fashionable attire, confusing teachers with its unexpected appearances in student projects. "Verity," a character from a YouTube short, has also made its way into educational settings, with teachers incorporating its catchy song into lessons. These memes reflect the evolving culture of education, as students engage with humor and creativity in their learning environments. "I can't do Nathan" has emerged as a humorous expression of student frustration, encapsulating the challenges of school life.
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