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Florida
29th September 2026
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THE HOT STORY

Florida's book censorship crisis deepens

A new directive from Florida's Education Commissioner Henry Mack is raising concerns about increased book censorship in the state. In a recent memo, Mack mandated that school superintendents and charter leaders continuously audit books for sexually explicit content, shifting the responsibility from parent complaints to proactive removals. PEN America and the Florida Freedom to Read Project warned that this could lead to a "statewide dragnet" of book removals, limiting choices for students and families. William Johnson, director of PEN America's Florida office, said: "The result could be more books disappearing from Florida schools." The directive follows a state report indicating that public schools have already removed hundreds of titles, with significant removals concentrated in Clay and Escambia County. Critics argue that the new process undermines local decision-making and imposes state preferences on communities. Stephana Ferrell from the Florida Freedom to Read Project emphasized that most parents do not seek broad restrictions on reading materials.

INSTRUCTIONAL COHERENCE

No More Patchwork Literacy: FL Teachers Need Cohesive Resources

How can you spend more time teaching instead of countless hours scouring the internet looking for engaging, authentic texts, supplemental worksheets, foundational skills support, standards-aligned activities, or assessments that pinpoint student progress? Piecing together fragmented resources isn’t just exhausting; it creates inconsistent learning experiences for students who need steady, structured growth. When instructional tools lack alignment across grade levels, critical skills fall through the cracks during key transitions. You shouldn't have to act as a curriculum designer on top of everything else you do. 

Florida educators deserve a unified, evidence-based instructional approach that meets every learner at their precise point of need. Consistent, high-quality materials free teachers to focus on what matters most: delivering impactful, engaging instruction.

Discover how a unified, B.E.S.T.-aligned 6-12 literacy strategy empowers teachers and elevates student reading outcomes.   

 

NATIONAL NEWS

School closures spark community outrage

Driven by declining birth rates and other factors, school closures are causing significant concern among parents and students. Marguerite Roza, director of Georgetown University's Edunomics Lab, described the situation as “the big shrink,” noting that fewer young people are reshaping public education. As districts face financial pressures, including the end of federal pandemic relief, many are considering consolidations. In the 2025-26 school year, over 1,000 public schools closed, marking a trend that has continued for four consecutive years. David Steiner, executive director of the Johns Hopkins Institute for Education Policy, warned that this “demographic time bomb” creates financial challenges, stating, “Just because your number of students goes down, doesn't mean that your fixed costs go down.” As enrollment continues to decline, states are exploring various strategies to manage the impact on education.

Too much spent, too little learned

Erika Sanzi, communications director at Defending Education, argues that U.S. K–12 spending has become disconnected from enrollment and academic outcomes. Public-school enrollment fell 2.84% from 2019 to 2024, while per-pupil spending rose 33.8% to $17,644. Staffing also increased despite fewer students, including substantial growth in administrative positions. Meanwhile, 2024 reading and math scores remained below 2019 levels. Sanzi points to states such as Florida, where comparatively lower spending coincided with above-average fourth-grade math results, arguing that targeted academic reforms may matter more than larger budgets. She concludes: "The United States spends too much on K-12 education and gets too little in return."

LEGISLATION

Senators propose school corporal punishment ban

Five U.S. senators have introduced legislation that would prohibit schools receiving federal funding from deliberately inflicting physical pain on students as a form of discipline. The Protecting Our Students in Schools Act, introduced by Sens. Tim Kaine (D-VA), Chris Murphy (D-CT), Dick Durbin (D-IL), Alex Padilla (D-CA), and Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), would apply to school personnel, law enforcement officers, and school security guards in covered programs. Schools would be required to notify parents, state education agencies, and local law enforcement within 24 hours of an incident, with additional notification requirements for students with disabilities. Students or parents could bring civil lawsuits over alleged violations, while complaints would also be referred to the Education Department’s Office for Civil Rights. Enforcement measures could include withholding federal payments, compliance agreements, and cease-and-desist proceedings, while the bill would provide grants for positive behavioral interventions and require states to report on disciplinary practices and staff training.

WORKFORCE

Teacher's political clash sparks outrage

The recent intervention by Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier into a classroom dispute has raised significant concerns. Uthmeier accused Pine View School history teacher Elizabeth Ballard of labeling an eighth-grade student a misogynist and disparaging his father due to the student's political views. Uthmeier stated: "If true, the allegations warranted firing her and revoking her teaching certificate." The situation escalated after the student's grandfather, Lon Deckard, a DeSantis appointee, became involved. Although an investigation found no clear evidence of ill intent from Ballard, it noted that the student's family could reasonably view her actions as disproportionate. Ballard received a three-day suspension, and the case highlights the intense scrutiny teachers face amid political tensions. Superintendent Terry Connor emphasized that "every student deserves a classroom where they feel safe, respected, and free to learn."

DISTRICTS

Empowering students through community partnerships

As the 2026-27 school year progresses in Southwest Florida, the United Way of Lee, Hendry, and Glades is focused on enhancing educational success through the Community Partnership School (CPS) model. Developed by the University of Central Florida, this model emphasizes four core pillars: expanded learning, collaborative leadership, wellness, and family engagement. Schools must undergo a rigorous certification process to demonstrate proficiency in these areas. Recently, Franklin Park Elementary became the first CPS-certified school in Lee County, showcasing the model's effectiveness. Jarrett Eady, chief partnership officer for United Way, highlighted the importance of community support, stating: "By removing barriers, strengthening connections and expanding opportunities, we help Southwest Florida communities thrive." The initiative aims to create a sustainable ecosystem that supports both students and their families, ultimately fostering a stronger school community.

Students sign contracts for success

Flagler County Judge Andrea Totten has addressed the incoming class of the Peter and Sue Freytag Take Stock in Children program, where 24 students signed contracts to participate in a four-year mentorship program aimed at securing prepaid college tuition scholarships. “This is a gift, but you sign a contract, so you have to uphold your end of the bargain,” Totten said. The program, which has been supporting low-income students for 25 years, boasts a 100% high school graduation rate for those who remain in it. Students will meet regularly with mentors, attend college readiness workshops, and maintain academic standards. Teresa Rizzo, Executive Director of the Flagler County Education Foundation, emphasized the importance of support for students, many of whom are first-generation college attendees. “They have the ability, they just need the access and support,” she said.

FINANCE

Jefferson County School District approves budget

The Jefferson County School District has approved a nearly $24m budget that includes salary increases for teachers with over 10 years of experience and funding for building maintenance, all without imposing additional taxes on the community. Superintendent Jackie Pons expressed pride in the budget, stating: "We feel like it can meet the needs of our students and do what we need to do to continue being a 'B' district here in Jefferson County." The budget aims to retain more local students amid declining enrollment, with a unanimous 5-0 vote from the school board.

CAREER & TECHNICAL EDUCATION

Skilled workers needed in Florida

In Florida, businesses are struggling to find skilled workers, making technical education a vital solution. Taylor Green, an employee at Benson's Heating & Air Conditioning, emphasizes the importance of character over technical skills, stating: "If someone has those traits, we believe we can help them succeed." Partnerships with institutions like Lively Technical College provide students with hands-on training, preparing them for rewarding careers in skilled trades. Graduates often enter the workforce quickly and with less debt compared to traditional four-year paths. As experienced tradespeople retire, the demand for skilled workers will only increase, making technical education a first-choice pathway for many. Supporting these educational opportunities strengthens the workforce and community.

HIGHER EDUCATION

FAMU's DRS faces major overhaul

FAMU's Developmental Research School (DRS) is facing significant challenges following a third-party audit that raised issues regarding leadership, finances, and staff credentials. The Board of Trustees, led by Chair Deveron Gibbons, is demanding immediate reforms, stating: "I want this fixed… if people got to go, they got to go." The audit recommended 15 changes, including improved financial reporting and stronger internal controls. Concerns were also raised about the qualifications of faculty, with only one-third holding professional certifications. Gibbons emphasized the urgency for a response within two weeks, insisting on a plan to address these issues. Meanwhile, an anonymous source claims that DRS has recently achieved Accreditation with Merit from Cognia, indicating progress in its operations.

New College appoints Ronald A. Christaldi

Ronald A. Christaldi, a New College of Florida alumnus and partner at Shumaker, Loop & Kendrick, has been appointed chair of the New College Board of Trustees, succeeding Debra Jenks. "New College has been part of my life for decades, and I care deeply about its students, its faculty, its alumni, and its future," Christaldi said. He emphasized that the board's focus will remain on academic excellence and student success, aiming to create an environment where students can thrive. The college has experienced significant changes in leadership and direction in recent years, and Christaldi is committed to ensuring it continues to grow and provide exceptional education.

Florida tech students explore mars simulation

Six students from Florida Tech participated in a week-long mission at the Mars Desert Research Station (MDRS) in Utah. During the simulation, they donned spacesuits for designated extravehicular activities (EVAs) to experience life as if on Mars. "For one week, a crew from Florida Tech took part in a 'Mars' mission," said Anna Weatherwax, one of the participants. The mission aimed to provide students with hands-on experience in a simulated Martian environment.

AND FINALLY...

Picture imperfect: AI says cheese

As the cost of school photos rises, many parents are turning to AI image generators to create their own portraits at home. Parents are sharing tips on social media, using tools like ChatGPT to regenerate photos or remove watermarks from proofs. However, this practice raises legal concerns, as removing watermarks violates copyright laws, according to Erin Russell, an attorney with The Russell Firm in Chicago, who said: "The moment the image is created, the person who takes the picture owns the rights to the picture." Additionally, uploading children's photos to AI platforms poses privacy risks, as these images may be stored and used for AI training. 
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