Education Slice
Become more informed in minutes...
Education Slice Logo
Florida
8th October 2026
Together with


THE HOT STORY

Florida's education gains at risk

Florida's education system is facing significant challenges, as highlighted in a new report from the Foundation for Florida's Future. After achieving notable gains from 1996 to 2011, including a 24-point increase in fourth-grade math scores on the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP), progress has stagnated or declined since then. The 2024 results reveal that fourth-grade reading performance has dropped to its lowest level since 2003, while eighth-grade reading and math scores have also hit record lows. Nathan Hoffman, senior legislative director of the Foundation for Florida's Future, emphasized that "improvement wasn't inevitable" and called for a renewed commitment to high expectations and accountability in education. Other states, like Mississippi and Louisiana, are demonstrating that effective education reforms can lead to recovery and improvement.

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

Superintendent turnover returns to pre-pandemic levels

Superintendent turnover among the nation’s 500 largest school districts has fallen to its lowest level since the pandemic, with just over 17% of districts changing leaders during the last school year, according to ILO Group’s Superintendent Research Project. The rate is similar to pre-pandemic levels, following a 45% increase in superintendent turnover nationally between 2020 and 2023. Despite the recent stabilization, the pandemic has left a lasting impact on district leadership. Of the 500 superintendents leading the surveyed districts when schools closed during the pandemic, only 78 remain in the same positions today. ILO Group chief executive Julia Rafal-Baer warned that frequent leadership changes can disrupt strategies, reset priorities, and prevent initiatives from producing results. The research also found that women now account for 34% of superintendents, an increase of 0.8%.

STATE NEWS

Florida loses top spot in book bans

Florida has lost its position as the leading state for school book bans, with Texas now taking the top spot, according to PEN America's report. Texas recorded nearly 8,100 book bans in public schools during the 2025-26 period, while Florida followed with about 3,200 bans. The report highlighted that the young-adult novel “Sold” by Patricia McCormick was the most frequently banned book, addressing serious issues of sexual slavery. McCormick expressed her frustration, saying, “To hear people, or book banners, say that their accounts are pornographic is so disrespectful to them.” Florida officials have urged schools to remove more materials, with Education Commissioner Henry Mack warning of financial penalties for non-compliance.

HEALTH & WELLBEING

Mr. Measles takes on vaccine mandates

As state leaders in Florida work to eliminate school vaccine mandates, a satirical campaign featuring a fictional character named “Mr. Measles” aims to raise awareness about declining vaccination rates. “My campaign promises are simple: No mandates, no clarity, more measles,” the character's website states. The campaign, organized by the nonprofit Informed Consumer, has utilized ads and leaflets to promote its message. With 3,887 confirmed measles cases reported in the U.S. this year, the campaign highlights the public health crisis stemming from vaccine resistance. Mr. Measles is expected to attend a Department of Health hearing where the state will consider dropping mandates for four vaccines, excluding the MMR shot. The campaign also critiques the stance of Florida's Catholic schools on vaccine exemptions, emphasizing the need for awareness and action regarding childhood immunizations.

Parents seek help for kids' mental health

As the new school year begins, parents are increasingly seeking support for their children's mental health. A Grow Therapy survey revealed that 82% of parents have sought professional help, a significant rise from 62% in 2025. However, this increase has led to more friction, with parents feeling judged for their choices. The U.S. Surgeon General's 2024 advisory highlights that 41% of parents experience daily stress, emphasizing the need for shared responsibility in raising children. Family and friends remain vital support sources, but many parents are also turning to professionals, with 63% including clinical support in their child's network. The survey also noted that 47% of parents reported their child experiencing stress, anxiety, or sadness, with social challenges being the primary concern. "Parents are increasingly aware of the pressures their children face," said the report. Despite the growing awareness, barriers to seeking help, such as a child's resistance and feelings of judgment, have also increased.

ENROLLMENT

Pasco County parents shape school plans

In Pasco County, parents are set to influence the school district's strategies to address declining enrollment. Superintendent John Legg emphasized the importance of community input, stating: “We are working on a plan to address under-enrolled schools holding true to the themes outlined in our thought exchange.” A recent survey involving nearly 1,500 participants highlighted priorities such as strong neighborhood schools and expanded academic options. The district aims to align its offerings with community needs, particularly focusing on schools with less than 65% capacity. Legg noted that West Pasco schools are a priority, and recommendations will be presented to the school board soon. Meanwhile, other districts like Pinellas and Broward are also grappling with school closures and enrollment challenges.

Enrollment shake-up in St. Petersburg

Pinellas County School District is reassessing its strategy to address declining enrollment, particularly regarding the proposed closure of Sexton Elementary in St. Petersburg. Superintendent Kevin Hendrick decided to withdraw the closure proposal after school board members expressed concerns. The board will discuss six other school closures on October 13.

DISTRICTS

Broward School Board workshop sparks debate

During a recent four-hour workshop, the Broward School Board discussed potential school closures but made no final decisions. Superintendent Howard Hepburn's proposal, which includes closing several schools due to declining enrollment and financial issues, will be reviewed by a district boundary committee on October 26. The board is expected to finalize decisions by December 15, with closures effective in the 2027-28 school year. Schools under consideration include Banyan Elementary and Coral Springs Elementary, among others. Crina Browne, a teacher at Sheridan Park, expressed concerns about fairness in the process, stating: “Why is it that Hollywood Park gets to complain and then they get an option put on here that puts us at a disadvantage?” Community feedback has largely been negative, with many parents opposing the closures and expressing concerns about safety and academic quality. Board chair Sarah Leonardi acknowledged the passion of the community, saying: “People are passionate about their schools, and I think that's a good thing.”

Unlocking the world through reading

In a bid to enhance literacy, the Tuscaloosa County School System (TCSS) has revamped its reading instruction methods. Lillie Lewis, the coordinator of elementary curriculum and instruction, emphasized the importance of reading, stating: "Reading is the foundation for everything that we do." The initiative involves reading specialists like Ashley Davidson, Beth Channell, and Emily Glasgow, who have developed comprehensive lesson plans aligned with the Core Knowledge Language Arts curriculum. Their efforts aim to standardize instruction across the district and alleviate teachers' workloads. As a result, reading scores in TCSS have risen to 86.01% sufficiency, just below the statewide average, marking a significant improvement from 75% in 2023. Lewis noted positive feedback from teachers, highlighting the program's effectiveness in enhancing classroom instruction.

New athletic code of conduct unveiled

The School District of Lee County is implementing a new athletic code of conduct following two investigations that highlighted issues regarding supervision and oversight in athletic programs at Mariner High School and North Fort Myers High School. 

FINANCE

Leon County Schools face cash crunch

The Leon County School Board is set to vote on borrowing up to $30m at a fixed interest rate of 3.95% to manage payroll while awaiting property tax revenue. Superintendent Rocky Hanna explained that the district receives only about 29% of its revenue in the first half of the school year, with payroll costs reaching $21 to $22m monthly. "We've never borrowed money since I've been in office over the last 10 years," Hanna said, highlighting the district's need for this temporary solution. Other counties, like Brevard and Escambia, have also resorted to similar short-term borrowing to address cash flow issues. The board's decision is expected on Tuesday, October 13.

GOVERNANCE

Hillsborough votes on superintendent's fate

The Hillsborough County School board has unanimously passed a resolution advocating for the appointed status of its superintendent, urging voters to reject Referendum 1 in the upcoming election. The referendum, which emerged from a state legislature bill, proposes making the superintendent position elected and partisan. Board members expressed concerns about the potential consequences of this change, emphasizing that it could undermine accountability rather than enhance it. 

SCHOOL TRANSPORTATION

Rising fuel costs strain school transportation

U.S. school districts are facing growing transportation pressures as higher diesel prices linked to the Iran War compound a yearslong shortage of school bus drivers. Districts are responding by consolidating and cutting routes, limiting optional trips, and introducing efficiency measures, with a May survey of 188 school officials finding that 40% had adjusted routes and 25% had eliminated some routes. Cherry Creek Public Schools outside Denver is short about 40 drivers and expects fuel costs of approximately $2m to $2.3m this year, well above its $1.5m budget. The shortages can result in buses running 10 to 15 minutes late, potentially causing students to miss school-provided breakfasts or arrive late to class. 

HIGHER EDUCATION

Trump administration proposes $70,000 fee for international student work permits

The Trump administration has proposed a $70,000 fee for international students seeking employment in the United States through the Optional Practical Training (OPT) program. Under the Department of Homeland Security's proposal, universities would pay $70,000 for each student's initial application and $30,000 for each renewal. The OPT program allows international students to work in fields related to their studies for up to one year after graduation, with eligible STEM graduates receiving an additional two years. DHS argues that the fees would address fraud and prevent the program from being used to obtain inexpensive foreign labor. However, education advocates warn that the proposal could discourage international enrollment, increase financial pressure on universities, and undermine American innovation and workforce development. The proposal is subject to a 60-day public comment period and could face legal challenges before taking effect.

INTERNATIONAL

France halts stun grenades amid protests

The French government has decided to pause the use of stun grenades in response to a serious incident where a 15-year-old boy lost his hand during student protests. Interior Minister Laurent Nunez stated: "I am suspending their use for the high school students' movement until light has been shed on what happened in this case." The protests, fueled by student grievances over poor educational conditions, have led to the closure of over 500 schools and calls for further demonstrations. Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu acknowledged the "legitimate" demands of students while describing the unrest as the most violent in decades. The situation has sparked similar protests in Belgium and highlighted widespread issues in education across Europe.
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