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Florida
19th October 2026
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THE HOT STORY

Federal scholarship program raises equity concerns

A new federal tax-credit scholarship program could generate an estimated $112 per public school student across all 50 states and Washington, D.C., by 2030, according to research by Michigan State University education policy professor Josh Cowen. Unlike traditional school choice initiatives, the program will allow public school students to receive scholarships and use the funds for educational services, potentially creating additional revenue opportunities for public schools. However, Cowen has warned that wealthier communities may benefit disproportionately because of stronger fundraising networks and greater capacity to establish Scholarship Granting Organizations (SGOs), while rural and lower-income areas could struggle to access funding. The research highlights the importance of targeted support from statewide and national scholarship organizations, alongside clearer federal guidance to ensure public schools can participate effectively. With states considering whether to join the program by January 1, its ultimate impact will depend on donor participation, school readiness, and efforts to distribute funding equitably.

OUTCOMES-BASED CONTRACTS

Hillsborough County Public School Students Make Major Literacy Gains

Hillsborough County Public Schools reported significant literacy gains among participating high school students following the implementation of an outcomes-based partnership with HMH. District data showed the percentage of participating students reaching proficiency increased by 18 percentage points, while 49% achieved a full level of growth on Florida's FAST Achievement Levels scale. The agreement established shared accountability for implementation and student outcomes, with district leaders and HMH teams working together throughout the school year on professional learning, coaching, and ongoing reviews of student performance data. The district has since expanded the initiative following the results.

Read how the partnership was structured and what district leaders learned.

 

STATE NEWS

Public education vs. tax credits: a dilemma

Raymond C. Pierce, president and CEO of the Southern Education Foundation, expresses strong opposition to school vouchers, emphasizing that public funds should support public schools. However, he acknowledges the new federal tax credit for contributions to scholarship granting organizations (SGOs), which begins on Jan. 1, 2027, allowing taxpayers to receive up to $1,700 for eligible educational expenses. While the focus has been on private school tuition, Pierce highlights that the law also benefits public school students through tutoring and other services. He argues that public education advocates must engage with this policy to ensure public school students can access these resources, stating: "If these resources are going to flow, how can public school students benefit from them too?" He calls for accountability and quality standards in the services funded by this tax credit, urging collaboration among various stakeholders to support public education effectively.

Florida's new law sparks outrage

Senate Bill 1134, set to take effect on January 1, 2027, will prohibit Florida city and county governments from funding diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives. Leon County will cease funding the Commission on the Status of Women and Girls and has removed several conferences from its travel schedule. Bill Proctor, a Leon County Commissioner, criticized the law, stating it creates an "economic and political apartheid system" favoring white males. The law mandates that local governments disengage from supporting women and non-white-male owned businesses, effectively marginalizing these groups. Proctor emphasized that this legislation undermines the equal protection clause in both state and federal constitutions, raising concerns about the implications for democracy in Florida.

LEGAL

Broward schools sue over withheld funds

The Broward County School Board has filed a lawsuit against County Tax Collector Abbey Ajayi, seeking to recover $5.5m allegedly withheld from a voter-approved property tax referendum intended to fund teacher salaries, school safety, and mental health services. The disputed amount represents 2% of the $275m generated annually by the referendum, which voters approved in 2022. District officials argue that the fees were improperly collected without voter disclosure, particularly as the district faces more than $90m in budget cuts due to declining enrollment. Ajayi maintains that the fees are legally required and disputes the district’s claims, citing $3.2m in investment earnings already distributed to the school system. The lawsuit comes ahead of a November 3 referendum renewal vote and amid a separate legal dispute between Ajayi’s office and Broward County over more than $8m in alleged unpaid reimbursements.

DISTRICTS

Leon County proposes teacher pay increase

On November 3, Leon County voters will decide on a one-mill increase in local property tax aimed at enhancing teacher pay, recruiting quality educators, and improving school security and mental health services. If approved, this measure could elevate Leon County from 44th to 17th in teacher pay among Florida's 67 counties, helping retain and attract top talent. "Every dollar raised stays in Leon County and goes right into local classrooms," ensuring transparency and accountability through a citizens' advisory committee. This initiative not only supports education but also strengthens the local economy by investing in community schools and businesses. Scott Mazur, president of the Leon Classroom Teachers Association, emphasizes the importance of valuing teachers' contributions, stating: "Now it's our turn to be there for them." Voting yes on the referendum is crucial for the future of local education.

Big Sandy Elementary expands with new classrooms

Big Sandy Elementary has unveiled a significant 12,000-square-foot addition, featuring 10 new classrooms, as part of a $5m upgrade. Principal Nick Rose emphasized the importance of this expansion, stating: "This gives us a lot of offerings and opportunities for space." The addition aims to accommodate the growing student population in southern Tuscaloosa County, which has seen continuous development. Custodians Stephanie Parsons and Courtney Bibby expressed pride in maintaining the school's cleanliness, with Parsons noting: "I'm embarrassed, but proud." The new classrooms will primarily serve early childhood education, including Pre-K, kindergarten, and first-grade students, enhancing the school's role in the community's growth.

WORKFORCE

School districts urged to prioritize principal feedback

School districts should treat principal feedback as a critical source of information when developing policies, implementing initiatives, and improving school support systems, according to Dr. Jasmine Kullar of Cobb County School District in Georgia. While districts routinely analyze student achievement, attendance, enrollment, and other performance data, principals offer firsthand insights into operational challenges, competing priorities, and the effectiveness of district initiatives. Cobb County has established a structured approach to gathering feedback from its more than 100 principals through individual meetings, small-group discussions, monthly collaboration sessions, targeted surveys, and advisory committees. This input has informed improvements to leadership meetings, centralized resource sharing, professional development, peer learning opportunities, and principal recognition programs. Kullar emphasizes that collecting feedback is only effective when districts act on it, arguing that even modest operational changes can strengthen trust, improve decision-making, and ensure school leaders feel heard, valued, and supported.

Award-winning teachers launch tuition-free institute

Four former National Teachers of the Year have partnered with the National Center for Grow Your Own to launch the Educators Institute, a new initiative offering tuition-free online bachelor's degree programs designed to expand access to teacher preparation and address educator shortages. Scheduled to begin in spring 2027, the four-year program will initially enroll 20–30 aspiring teachers, providing full scholarships, online coursework, and at least one year of mentoring with local instructional coaches. The first degree pathways will focus on special education and multilingual education, with courses developed by award-winning educators to emphasize practical classroom skills, literacy instruction, student behavior management, and support for diverse learners. The institute is pursuing state approval and regional accreditation to qualify its 120-credit program for teacher licensure, with potential tuition savings of $20,000 to $90,000 per participant.  

ARTS & CULTURE

Tallahassee's arts at risk?

Tallahassee's vibrant arts and culture scene faces uncertainty as residents prepare to vote on Florida Amendment 3 this November. Mayor John Dailey expressed concerns, stating: "Citizens that I have spoken with are concerned with the proposed amendment and how it would impact our community." The amendment aims to limit property tax increases and restrict local government spending, potentially leading to a $70.7m annual loss in property tax revenue for Leon County by FY 2029. This could significantly affect funding for local arts programs, as noted by Lauryl Grace Phinney, who said: "Amendment 3 would have a significant impact on the County's available property tax revenue." Local students worry that affordability should not come at the expense of public services, emphasizing the importance of maintaining access to cultural events and programs.  

SOCIAL & COMMUNITY

Navigating the talk: a parent's guide

As the school year begins, parents are revisiting crucial conversations with their children about systemic racism and safety. Joy Sapp, a Chatham native, emphasized the importance of "the talk," which prepares Black and brown youth for potential dangers in everyday situations. Following the tragic death of Nolan Wells, an 18-year-old Black teen, parents are increasingly concerned about their children's safety during interactions with law enforcement. Riana Elyse Anderson, a psychologist, noted that these discussions can enhance young people's psychological well-being, stating: "When families have these conversations with young people, their psychological well-being tends to be better."  

HIGHER EDUCATION

Federal student aid restructuring raises concerns

The Trump administration is reportedly considering separating the Office of Federal Student Aid (FSA) from the Department of Education and establishing it as an independent agency by October 2027, raising concerns about potential disruptions to federal student aid programs. FSA oversees more than $120bn in annual student grants and loans, and the proposed restructuring would come as the office implements major student loan policy changes and transfers certain responsibilities to the Treasury Department. Although the Education Department and the Office of Management and Budget have disputed the report, lawmakers, education advocates, and financial aid experts warn that restructuring could disrupt services for millions of borrowers and thousands of institutions, particularly following significant staffing reductions.
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