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Florida
9th October 2026
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THE HOT STORY

Florida expands AI safeguards in education

Florida has adopted comprehensive regulations governing artificial intelligence in K-12 schools, emphasizing parental rights, student privacy, and responsible classroom technology use. State Representative Doug Bankson, founder and senior pastor of Victory Church World Outreach Center in Apopka, highlights the state's efforts to ensure AI enhances rather than replaces traditional instruction. Supported by Gov. Ron DeSantis, the rules require school districts to inform parents about classroom AI tools and provide opportunities to opt their children out of AI interactions. "Florida will not outsource childhood to a chatbot," DeSantis stated, emphasizing the importance of preserving human relationships in education. Additional measures include stricter evaluations of AI tools for younger students and mandatory teacher training on potential risks. Florida Commissioner of Education Henry Mack has also directed updates to computer science standards to assess AI's instructional benefits while protecting students' critical thinking skills and personal information.

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

Education groups warn FCC against E-Rate cuts

A new economic study commissioned by the Schools, Health & Libraries Broadband (SHLB) Coalition has estimated that eliminating the federal E-Rate program, which provides affordable broadband connectivity to schools and libraries, would reduce U.S. GDP by approximately $4.2bn annually. Conducted by The Brattle Group, the research found that removing $2.6 billion in annual funding could also reduce wages by $2.8bn and tax revenues by $1.5bn, with every $1 cut generating approximately $1.60 in lost economic activity. Researchers warned that schools and libraries would likely maintain internet connectivity by diverting funding from staffing, educational programs, and other priorities. The findings come as the Federal Communications Commission considers eliminating or restricting the program, with public comments due October 13. “E-Rate is essential for sustaining school connectivity and helping districts meet growing instructional, technology, and operational demands to provide all students with a high-quality education," commented James Rowan, CAE, SFO, CEO/Executive Director, ASBO International. The study was supported by AASA, ALA, AESA, ASBO International, CoSN, InnovateEDU, NCTET, NREA, and SIIA.

New federal tax deduction extends financial support to early childhood educators

The bipartisan Early-Childhood Educators’ Deductions (SEED) Act, signed into law on September 19, has expanded the federal educator expense deduction to include preschool and early childhood educators for the first time. The legislation allows eligible educators to deduct up to $350 annually for classroom supplies purchased with their own money, extending a benefit previously reserved for K-12 teachers. The change comes amid persistent pay disparities and workforce retention challenges, with early childhood educators earning an average of $13.07 per hour, according to a 2024 analysis. A separate study found that 44% of early childhood employees surveyed across eight states left the profession between 2023 and 2025. Education advocates have welcomed the legislation as recognition of early educators’ professional contributions but emphasized that broader improvements in salaries, benefits, and working conditions remain necessary.

STATE NEWS

Florida schools face funding crisis

Florida's public school districts are excluded from the property tax reduction proposed in Amendment 3, but they will still feel significant financial impacts. The amendment could lead to a loss of nearly $100m in funding for children's services by the 2027-2028 fiscal year, according to the Florida Policy Institute. Cindy Arenberg Seltzer, president and chief executive of the Children's Services Council of Broward County, said: “Do I cut food programs... or the program for the kid with special needs?” This dilemma highlights the tough choices that councils will face if the amendment passes. Local agencies, like the Kids Hope Alliance in Jacksonville, rely heavily on city funding, which may be jeopardized by the amendment, potentially leading to reduced services for children. The overall impact could be detrimental, affecting not just educational outcomes but also community health and safety.

Schools compete for students in Florida

In Florida, public schools are facing significant enrollment challenges due to various factors, including the introduction of taxpayer-funded vouchers for private education. Sean Cooley, Palm Beach County's chief of communications and enrollment, noted: “Public schools have not had to be very competitive.” To combat declining numbers, schools are implementing new strategies, such as enticing academic programs and increasing visibility in neighborhoods. In Broward County, enrollment dropped by 12,343 students, prompting plans to close several schools. Meanwhile, Palm Beach County has seen a decrease of 7,219 students, leading to the establishment of a new admissions office focused on recruitment. As families explore educational options, the competition between public and private schools intensifies, with parents like Candice D'Angelo expressing mixed feelings about the effectiveness of recruitment efforts.  

Canady aims for third term in House

Florida Rep. Jennifer Canady, R-Lakeland, is running for a third term in House District 50, facing opponents Ricky Santiago and Jarvis Washington. Canady, who has served as chair of the House Education and Employment Committee, emphasized her legislative achievements in education and environmental protection. “Over the last two sessions, we passed important education reforms focused on teachers, student achievement, workforce pathways, and safer, more focused schools,” Canady said. If re-elected, her priorities include affordability, public safety, and quality of life. Santiago, a Democrat, is concerned about the affordability crisis and advocates for raising the minimum wage. Washington, an independent, aims to represent underrepresented communities and restore voting rights for felons.  

FINANCE

Budget cuts loom for Osceola schools

Osceola County Schools is urging voters to approve a property tax increase in November to avert severe budget cuts and retain teachers. The district has already eliminated 785 staff positions and cut $15.9m from programs over the past two years. The proposed operational millage increase would cost property owners $1 for every $1,000 of taxable property value, generating funds for teacher salaries, school safety, and student programs. "It has become really difficult for us to keep up with the expenses, but also more importantly, to keep our talented teachers in Osceola County," said School Board Member Teresa Castillo. Without the tax increase, the district anticipates a loss of $100m over the next four years, raising concerns about future cuts to staff and programs.  

DISTRICTS

Duval County School Board bans graphic novel

The Duval County School Board has voted to remove its only copy of the graphic novel adaptation of George Orwell's "1984," influenced by a memo from Florida Education Commissioner Henry Mack urging stricter book review rules. Board member Tony Ricardo argued that the graphic novel's illustrations could be deemed pornographic, stating: “I believe it does not pass the commissioner's litmus test for pornography.” While the original text remains available, the board's decision reflects ongoing debates about censorship in education. The board also approved the removal of three other modern fiction titles, highlighting a trend of increased scrutiny over school library materials. Ricardo acknowledged the importance of the original text, calling it “a piece of what we would call classic literature.”

HEALTH & WELLBEING

AI data centers threaten school environments

The rapid expansion of AI data centers near schools is raising concerns about student health, learning conditions, and rising operating costs. According to research cited by Education Week, approximately 1,878 schools are located within one mile of an existing or planned data center. Health experts warn that air pollution, constant noise, and nighttime lighting could affect children's respiratory health, sleep, concentration, and academic performance. Schools also face potential financial pressures from increased electricity demand and higher utility bills. In Virginia, educators have been asked to conserve electricity amid rising costs, while communities in Maryland have challenged data center developments near elementary schools. In Frederick County, Maryland, officials rejected a proposed agreement that included $30m for school renovations and extended restrictions on new data center applications until July 2027. Experts recommend air-quality monitoring, noise assessments, improved building insulation, and air filtration to help protect students.

CONSTRUCTION AND RENOVATION

Marion County's $150m school project

Marion County officials are advancing a $150m project to establish a combined grade 6-12 campus in Dunnellon, which will serve nearly 1,700 students from Dunnellon Middle and Dunnellon High School. Deputy Superintendent Ben Whitehouse confirmed: "We're anticipating it's about a $150m project," with $37.8m attributed to interest due to rising rates. The interest rate for construction projects has increased from 3.89% to 4.62%. Whitehouse emphasized that delaying the project could lead to higher construction costs and interest rates in the future, stating: "The longer that we wait to do this project... construction costs are going to be way higher." The district plans to finance the project through a half-cent sales tax and is considering a Certificate of Participation to expedite completion from 2031 to as early as 2029.

New stadiums on the horizon in Alachua

The Alachua County School Board has approved plans for a new football stadium for Buchholz High School and the renovation of Citizens Field for Gainesville and Eastside high schools, with a combined cost exceeding $40m. Board member Janine Plavac emphasized the need for Buchholz to have its own stadium, stating: "I believe Buchholz should have their own stadium like Newberry High School, like Hawthorne High School, like Santa Fe High School." While some board members opposed the additional costs, citing fiscal irresponsibility, others, like board chair Thomas Vu, argued that delaying the projects would lead to higher future expenses. The board also approved a $5m interlocal agreement with Gainesville for the Citizens Field site, which will include significant upgrades.

HEALTH & SAFETY

Hurricane Isaias threatens gulf coast

Hurricane Isaias is rapidly approaching the U.S. Gulf Coast, prompting mandatory evacuations and school closures in parts of Florida. With maximum sustained winds of around 80 mph, Isaias is expected to make landfall late today or early Saturday, bringing life-threatening storm surges and heavy rain that could lead to flooding as far inland as the Tennessee Valley. “Obviously no need to panic at this point,” said Pensacola Mayor D.C. Reeves, emphasizing the importance of preparation. The hurricane, which formed late in the season, is expected to disrupt oil production in the Gulf, affecting about 511,000 barrels a day. Governors in Florida and Alabama have declared states of emergency, and communities are preparing for potential power outages.

HIGHER EDUCATION

Trump administration launches J-1 visa investigations into nine major U.S. universities

Vice President JD Vance has announced federal investigations into nine universities over alleged misuse of the J-1 visa program, which allows international students and researchers to study and work in the United States. The institutions include Harvard, Yale, Stanford, Brown, MIT, Caltech, Arizona State, the University of Pittsburgh, and UC Davis. Vance alleged that universities are using foreign researchers to reduce labor costs, claiming American graduate researchers earn approximately $20,000 more than J-1 visa holders. He also cited a 61% J-1 visa usage rate on federally funded grants at the targeted institutions, compared with a national average of 38%. Labor Department officials confirmed that subpoenas have been issued and investigations are underway. Several universities defended their compliance with federal visa laws and emphasized the contributions of international researchers. The investigations represent another escalation in the administration's scrutiny of higher education and international academic recruitment.

FSU unveils innovative mental health booth

Florida State University (FSU) has introduced what is believed to be the first on-campus mental health "Hope Booth" in the United States, located in the FSU Student Union. This $25,000 resource allows users to engage in a three-minute interactive experience designed to help them pause and reset. After answering a few questions, users receive personalized coping strategies, including deep breathing and positive affirmations. FSU aims to provide students with an accessible way to manage their mental health before reaching a crisis point. In its first 10 days, the booth attracted 374 users. Funded by the Stanley 1913 Creators Fund, the booth is expected to remain on campus for at least two years.

INTERNATIONAL

French government deploys 3,000 substitute teachers

The French government has announced plans to deploy 3,000 substitute teachers to struggling high schools following widespread student protests over teacher shortages and inadequate education resources. Education Minister Edouard Geffray said the additional teachers would be assigned to schools between October 9 and 13. Approximately 71,500 demonstrators participated in protests nationwide on Thursday, including 24,500 in Paris, while police detained more than 500 people. Demonstrations have been marked by clashes between protesters and security forces, with hundreds injured and allegations of excessive police force prompting 18 internal investigations. The government has also suspended the use of stun grenades following a serious injury to a 15-year-old protester. Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu has promised a broader response by the end of October, while the proposed 2027 education budget includes a 1.4% increase to €90.9bn($101.9bn). The unrest comes ahead of France’s 2027 presidential election, intensifying pressure on the government to address concerns over school funding and student safety.
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