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Florida
5th October 2026
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THE HOT STORY

Florida schools may drop vaccine mandates

The Florida Department of Health is advancing its initiative to eliminate the requirement for four vaccines for children entering PreK-12 schools, while retracting its effort to broaden exemptions for immunization mandates. In August, the department removed the phrase “sincerely held moral or ethical belief” from a proposed rule, which would have allowed parents to opt out of vaccinations based on personal beliefs. Currently, exemptions are limited to religious grounds. Surgeon General Joseph Ladapo has been advocating for the repeal of all vaccine mandates, which could impact immunization rates and public health. The Florida chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics expressed concern, stating: “Florida's pediatricians will continue to make their voices heard in opposition to this proposed rule that would undermine the health of Florida's children and communities.” The repeal could also have significant economic implications, with an estimated GDP reduction of $74m in the first year and nearly $9bn over a decade.

FLDOE-APPROVED MATH CURRICULA

HMH Florida Math Programs Approved by Florida Department of Education

HMH announced that the Florida Department of Education has approved HMH math programs for the state's 2026–2027 K–12 Mathematics instructional materials adoption. Approved programs include Florida's B.E.S.T. Go Math! K–5, HMH Florida's B.E.S.T. Into Math 6–8, Florida's B.E.S.T. Into Algebra 1, and Math 180. Designed specifically for Florida classrooms, the programs provide educators with a connected pathway of high-quality instructional materials that support students from foundational skills through Algebra 1, helping teachers deliver rigorous, standards-aligned instruction while supporting conceptual understanding, procedural fluency, and targeted intervention.

You'll also find information on FLDOE-approved mathematics programs from HMH, including solutions for Grades K-8, Algebra 1, and intensive intervention designed to support Florida schools.

Access Free Math Resources and FLDOE-Approved Programs

 

NATIONAL NEWS

Diesel costs squeeze school transport

School districts across the U.S. are facing growing transportation costs as diesel prices approach record highs at about $6.40 per gallon, putting pressure on budgets and prompting some districts to consider more efficient routes or cuts to activities such as field trips and sports transportation. Jefferson County, Colorado, operates nearly 400 buses covering more than 20,000 miles daily, and officials said diesel spending has risen dramatically compared with last year. Some districts that previously diversified their fleets are less exposed to the increase. Boulder’s school district, which uses mostly propane and unleaded-fuel buses alongside some electric vehicles, has seen diesel spending fall 12% from last year after beginning its shift toward alternative fuels about a decade ago. However, transitioning fleets is expensive and takes time, with many districts relying on federal support, including funding from the 2021 Infrastructure Law’s $5bn clean school bus program, which the Trump administration is reviewing.

STATE NEWS

Dandiya's past under scrutiny in campaign

Pia Dandiya, a congressional candidate, faces criticism regarding her portrayal as an educator. Critics argue her background as a high school principal and teacher is overshadowed by her wealth, with a net worth of up to $12.7m and a $4.5m mansion. Evan Power, Chair of the Republican Party of Florida, said: "Pia Dandiya likes to act like she's one of us, but she is against the policies that have saved the average American family over $3,200 a year." Dandiya's campaign emphasizes her decade-long experience in education and her role at Apple, where she focused on integrating technology into classrooms. However, her financial ties to data centers have raised questions, with a super PAC launching a website, PiaExposed.com, to highlight these concerns. Dandiya aims to represent Florida's 22nd Congressional District, emphasizing her commitment to lowering costs and effective representation.

School closures spark real estate talks

Jim Rigg, superintendent of education for the Archdiocese of Miami, highlighted the pressing need for school capacity amid declining public school enrollment. The discussion arose during the South Florida K-12 Real Estate Summit, where educators and real estate professionals examined the implications of school closures. With public schools losing students and private institutions benefiting from the universal preK-12 private school voucher, which averages over $8,000 per child, the landscape is shifting. Broward County Superintendent Howard Hepburn noted the challenges of closing schools, stating: “Parents don't want to close schools.” Meanwhile, innovative ideas for repurposing closed school properties are emerging, such as affordable housing developments and specialized private schools. The summit emphasized the need for strategic partnerships between school districts and developers to maximize land use.

ENROLLMENT

Vouchers reshape Orange County Schools

Private school enrollment in Orange County has increased by roughly 8,000 students between 2022 and 2026 as Florida expanded access to school vouchers, while district-run schools have experienced significant enrollment declines. More than 34,000 Orange County students received vouchers last year, an increase of more than 5,000 over four years, with scholarships generally worth about $8,000 to $10,000 per student. Families cited smaller schools, religious instruction, fewer perceived behavioral problems, and less emphasis on standardized testing among their reasons for choosing private education. Orange County Public Schools lost about 8,500 students between the 2022-23 school year and May, and district leaders said enrollment has fallen by another 8,000 students since the spring, contributing to school closures, budget cuts, and plans to lay off about 100 teachers. Officials said vouchers are only one factor behind the decline, alongside lower birth rates, housing trends, and immigration changes.

DISTRICTS

Brevard School Board faces public comment dilemma

Brevard's School Board is reevaluating its public comment policy, which has faced criticism for limiting transparency. Currently, public comments are only recorded during agenda items, leading to concerns about stifling criticism. Board member John Thomas proposed significant changes, including moving non-agenda comments to the start of meetings and streaming them live. “We have to revise what we've been doing because it's not working,” said board member Megan Wright. The board's unusual policy is one of the few in Florida that separates agenda and non-agenda comments, raising questions about accountability. Bobby Block, executive director of the First Amendment Foundation, emphasized the importance of transparency, stating: “There are people in power that don't want government transparency.”

WORKFORCE

Rethinking teacher retention strategies

Dr. Mary Rivers, founder of Teacher Retention Academy, emphasizes the need for educational leaders to adopt a nuanced approach to teacher retention. "Teacher retention is a complex issue, and we have to be willing to look at the unique circumstances within each school and district," Rivers said. She advocates for understanding local contexts rather than applying universal solutions, as different schools face distinct challenges. For instance, a school with high teacher workload may require different strategies compared to one with poor leadership communication. The Academy encourages leaders to ask critical questions about their teachers' experiences, focusing on both retention and the factors that keep teachers engaged. "There is no single teacher-retention formula," Rivers stated, highlighting the importance of recognizing what works in specific environments. By fostering supportive conditions, schools can enhance teacher satisfaction and retention.

CONSTRUCTION AND RENOVATION

New school breaks ground in Jacksonville

Brianna Nelson, a coordinator with Duval County Public Schools, participated in the groundbreaking ceremony for the new Spring Park Elementary school in Jacksonville. The new building will replace the old school, which dates back to the 1940s. During the ceremony, guests and select students ceremonially turned and tossed dirt, marking the beginning of this significant project. "Duval County Public Schools is replacing the old school with a new building," said Nelson, highlighting the importance of this development for the community.

SOCIAL & COMMUNITY

Backpacks for kids: a community effort

The iTHINK Community Foundation successfully supported 640 children in the Treasure Coast area through its annual School Ready Days initiative, providing essential backpacks and school supplies. “Starting a new school year with the right supplies and clothing can make a tremendous difference in a child's confidence and ability to succeed,” said Stephen Johnson, AVP of Administration and Marketing at iTHINK Financial. The initiative, which aims to improve the lives of children and families, set a fundraising goal of $10,000 to cover costs. Overall, the program assisted over 1,500 children across Florida and Georgia, demonstrating the community's commitment to education and support for local youth.

FURTHER EDUCATION

Unlocking potential: CFK's scholarship success

The College of the Florida Keys Foundation recently held its 14th annual Scholarship Social, awarding $229,252 in scholarships to 121 students. The event featured inspiring stories from recipients like Lauryn Robinson, who said, “These scholarships let me focus on the reef instead of worrying about how to pay for school.” Other recipients included Dardell Morin, pursuing nursing, and Markens Dorestant, studying criminal justice. Dr. Brittany Snyder, CFK Interim President, emphasized the importance of community support, stating, “When our students succeed, our Florida Keys community thrives.” Scholarship applications for the spring semester open on October 5, with a deadline of November 1, 2026.

HIGHER EDUCATION

FSU's political scene heats up

As election season approaches, Florida State University (FSU) emerges as a hub for political discourse and civic engagement. Various political Registered Student Organizations (RSOs) are active on campus, each with distinct beliefs and goals. The College Democrats, led by Madalyn Propst, aim to involve students in political discussions, stating: "I'm glad that students are getting involved in their own way." The College Republicans, represented by Riley Perantoni, emphasize a diversity of opinions within their group. Meanwhile, People Power for Florida, founded by Rep. Anna Eskamani, focuses on voter registration and civic literacy. Other organizations, like the Political Discourse Club and Young Americans for Liberty, encourage bipartisan dialogue and individual liberties. With numerous opportunities for engagement, FSU students can participate in protests, tailgate with candidates, and prepare for the upcoming elections.
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