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Florida
13th October 2026
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THE HOT STORY

Democrats outline federal education priorities

Democrats could significantly reshape federal education policy if they gain control of either chamber of Congress in the November 3 midterm elections, prioritizing oversight of the Trump administration’s restructuring of the Department of Education and increased funding for public schools. Democratic lawmakers have pledged to investigate the transfer of federal education responsibilities to other agencies, strengthen enforcement of existing education and civil rights laws, and potentially reverse the administration’s school choice initiatives. Proposals include tripling Title I funding for disadvantaged students, investing $130bn in school infrastructure, establishing a $60,000 minimum teacher salary, and expanding special education and prekindergarten funding. Democrats may also seek to repeal the federal tax credit scholarship program, which the administration estimates could reach $26bn annually by 2030. Potential areas for bipartisan cooperation, meanwhile, include early childhood education, career training, broadband funding, and safeguards governing artificial intelligence and student data.

DESIGN MATTERS

Watch How Florida Math Was Designed Around B.E.S.T.

What does it really mean for a curriculum to be aligned? In a new video, McGraw Hill Florida Math contributing author Sarah B. Bush, Ph.D., takes educators inside the design process — and the difference between stamping benchmark codes on pages and designing one around what Florida's B.E.S.T. Standards ask students to become capable of doing. Built from the B1G-M instructional guides and the Math Standards Progressions, with the Mathematical Thinking and Reasoning Standards woven throughout, Florida Math moves students from exploration to representation to reasoning to application — so the evidence of alignment lives in what students think about, do, explain, and demonstrate. Watch the video and see how Florida Math builds math confidence for teachers, students, and Florida schools.

Watch the video

 

NATIONAL NEWS

ACE scholarships plans nationwide expansion

Colorado-based nonprofit ACE Scholarships has announced plans to expand across all 50 states, providing financial assistance to students attending private, public, and charter schools, as well as homeschooling programs. The expansion coincides with the launch of the federal Education Freedom Tax Credit program in January 2027, which will offer taxpayers credits of up to $1,700 for donations to scholarship organizations. ACE, which currently operates in 13 states and has awarded nearly 17,000 scholarships this year, will broaden support beyond tuition to include tutoring, transportation, technology, school supplies, and disability services. The organization has developed a multilingual digital platform to manage applications, donations, and scholarship spending nationwide. However, the federal initiative has sparked debate, with critics warning that it could divert resources from public education, while supporters argue it will expand educational opportunities and parental choice.

WORKFORCE

Teachers left high and dry

Many teachers in Broward County are frustrated after spending hundreds of dollars on school supplies, only to learn they would not be reimbursed. The Broward School Board is addressing complaints regarding the Florida Teachers Classroom Supply Assistance Program, which previously allowed teachers to claim up to $300 for supplies. Changes in state law now restrict eligibility to classroom teachers, leaving around 1,623 non-classroom educators, such as reading coaches and speech-language pathologists, without reimbursement. Adira Bagoon, a speech-language pathologist, expressed concern, saying: “Considering we work directly with students on a daily basis, I am thinking there must be an error in the notice.” While the School Board may approve partial reimbursements, affected teachers may only receive $185 each. Board Chairwoman Sarah Leonardi criticized the situation, stating: “I think one of the most offensive things to me was that I had to use my own money to purchase supplies to do my job.”

Empowering teachers for future success

Hannele M. Niemi, an education advocate and author of “The Teacher's Role in the Changing Globalizing World: Resources and Challenges Related to the Professional Work of Teaching,” emphasizes the urgent need for improved teacher preparation and classroom conditions. She stated: “Improving education must begin with teachers,” highlighting that technology and artificial intelligence are reshaping education, but the quality of learning relies on well-prepared educators. With a global teacher shortage of 50m by 2030, Niemi argues that investment in teacher training and resources is essential. She notes that teachers must guide students in using AI responsibly and foster critical thinking. To address the teacher shortage, it is crucial to create supportive environments that allow educators to thrive and adapt to changing educational needs. The future of education hinges on equipping teachers to help students navigate an increasingly complex world.

FINANCE

Tax shift sparks local outrage

Legislators are pushing a tax shift that could severely impact local school funding, with voters in Brevard, Lake, Orange, and Osceola counties facing critical property-tax levies. "This is money public schools need; without it, local leaders might be forced into catastrophic decisions," the editorial states. The proposed local-option tax is essential for maintaining educational programs and teacher salaries, with Orange County alone expecting to generate about $261m annually. As funding from state and federal sources dwindles, local taxes become increasingly vital to ensure schools can continue to operate effectively. The editorial board recommends a "yes" vote on these referendums to safeguard the future of education in these counties.

DISTRICTS

Literacy program scores big grant

Hillsborough County School District's early literacy program has received a $1m grant from the Helios Foundation to expand its reach to 31 schools over the next three years. This initiative, part of the Transforming Early Literacy Initiative, has already shown significant success, with Kenly Elementary reporting a 100% improvement in reading performance among its lowest-scoring students last year. The program aims to equip teachers with effective strategies to address learning gaps and foster a love for reading among students. Anna Corman, chairperson of the Hillsborough Education Foundation, noted the increasing number of students entering kindergarten unprepared, highlighting the program's critical role in addressing these challenges.

Bilingual students thrive in dual language program

Braden River Elementary School's dual language program is helping students become bilingual and culturally aware. The program, overseen by Lori Urquiza, allows students to learn in both Spanish and English, covering subjects like math in Spanish and social studies in English. As the program expands to Braden River Middle School in the 2027-2028 school year, students will continue their bilingual education with core classes in Spanish. Principal Kimberlain Zenon expressed confidence in the program's success, stating: "Dual language students have traditionally outperformed their peers."  

Pinellas County Schools face name change

The Pinellas County School Board is set to rename Bay Point Middle School in St. Petersburg as it transitions to a K-8 campus. Over 200 suggestions were submitted, with many advocating for the name "Bay Point" to remain. Notable recommendations include Vyrle Davis, the district's first Black area superintendent, and Lew Williams, a prominent educator. However, the board's policy limits naming to one individual, making dual names unlikely. Jeffrey S. Solochek, an education reporter, noted that the board will address this issue in an upcoming meeting. Meanwhile, parents at Sunset Elementary School expressed dissatisfaction with the district's consolidation plans, demanding more consultation.

GOVERNANCE

Hillsborough's education governance at stake

Nadia Combs, a member of the Hillsborough County School Board, emphasizes the importance of maintaining the current system for selecting the superintendent. "I believe the superintendent should be selected for professional qualifications and held accountable for results," she said. This November, voters will decide whether to change the superintendent's role from being appointed to an elected, partisan position starting in 2028. Combs argues that the current system allows for a broader search for qualified candidates and maintains accountability. With a graduation rate of 92.8% and record AP exam pass rates, she believes the existing governance structure has proven effective. The decision could impact the district's future governance for generations.

HEALTH & SAFETY

Schools closed after Hurricane Isaias

The Escambia County Public Schools has announced closures today due to Hurricane Isaias, with about 32 school sites still without power. A district spokesperson said: "ECPS campuses and offices will remain closed... as district personnel and contractors are actively making repairs." The Santa Rosa County School District also confirmed closures through the same date, citing ongoing damage assessments. County Administrator Brad Baker expressed concerns about reopening, saying: "We're shooting for Wednesday, but that will be a challenge," as three schools sustained significant damage. Cleanup and safety assessments are ongoing to ensure safe transportation for students.

SAFETY & SECURITY

Schools expand cloud-based online protections

U.S. school districts are increasingly adopting cloud-based Domain Name System (DNS) and content filtering tools to protect students online while maintaining access to educational resources. Platforms such as GoGuardian, Lightspeed, and Securly use artificial intelligence and machine learning to identify inappropriate websites, detect proxy services, and defend against phishing, malware, and ransomware. Unlike traditional filtering systems, cloud-based solutions protect school devices both on and off campus while allowing districts to customize access by grade level. Missouri’s Camdenton R-III School District uses GoGuardian to detect suspicious browsing activity, while Ohio’s Chagrin Falls schools use it to monitor classroom devices and flag potential self-harm, bullying, and safety threats. 

HIGHER EDUCATION

Florida universities shine in rankings

Florida universities have made a mark in WalletHub's 2027 list of the best colleges and universities in the U.S., with the University of Florida ranking 25th and Florida State University at 48th. WalletHub evaluated 738 institutions based on 30 metrics, including student selectivity, career outcomes, and cost. The University of Florida scored 74.44, with notable ranks in education outcomes (37) and student selectivity (62). Florida State University followed with a score of 71.64, achieving a rank of 62 in education outcomes. "The methodology used to compile the list is available on WalletHub's website," the report stated. Other Florida universities also made the list, with the University of Miami at 124th and the University of South Florida at 157th.

Clyburn rallies students for Jolly

On October 12, 2026, South Carolina Congressman Jim Clyburn addressed students at the Florida State University Black Student Union while campaigning alongside Democratic candidate for Florida governor David Jolly. Clyburn emphasized the importance of student engagement in the electoral process, stating: "Your voice matters, and your vote is your power." The event aimed to inspire young voters to participate actively in the upcoming elections, highlighting the significance of their involvement in shaping the future.

INTERNATIONAL

Poland cracks down on school violence

In response to a series of stabbing incidents in schools, Poland has launched a significant police operation to enhance security. Prime Minister Donald Tusk emphasized the need to address the "grim trend of violence" among youth, attributing it to the glorification of violence online and in video games. "We have observed a rise in the fascination with violence, both in Poland and worldwide," Tusk said during a crisis meeting. Over 20,000 police officers have been deployed to schools, with inspections of 80,000 educational institutions leading to 135 detentions. The recent attacks include a tragic incident where a 15-year-old former pupil killed a caretaker and injured two teachers. Authorities are determined to ensure the safety of Polish children and prevent further violence.
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