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Florida
21st October 2026
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THE HOT STORY

Court of Appeals rules on book removal case

In a significant legal ruling, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 11th Circuit addressed the controversial removal of library books by the Escambia County School Board. The lawsuit, initiated by book publishers, parents, and the PEN American Center, challenged the board's decision to eliminate books labeled as having "extreme sexual content" and promoting an "LGBTQ agenda." The court found that the board's actions were administrative rather than legislative, with Judge Andrew Brasher stating that the board's decisions "resembled nothing about what a legislator does." The ruling emphasized that while legislative privilege is important, it does not apply in this case. The decision follows a history of disputes regarding the school district's library policies, including a previous ruling that deemed a state law banning certain books as "overbroad and unconstitutional." Florida's education commissioner, Henry Mack, has urged districts to comply with state laws regarding age-appropriate materials.

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.

 

NATIONAL NEWS

Only 10% of U.S. students have recovered from pandemic learning losses

Just 10% of U.S. students attend school districts where reading and math achievement has returned to pre-pandemic levels, according to the Center on Reinventing Public Education's 2026 State of the American Student report. The study highlights persistent learning gaps, chronic absenteeism, and inconsistent state education policies, with Louisiana the only state where both reading and math scores have surpassed 2019 levels. Just 13 states have established clear, accessible student learning goals, while no state has restored attendance to pre-pandemic levels. Although 43 states have enacted science of reading laws and 18 have introduced math instruction legislation, implementation and accountability remain uneven. The report also identifies shortcomings in career preparation and artificial intelligence policies, with only Maryland requiring artificial intelligence tools to be evaluated for academic outcomes. Researchers warn that widening achievement disparities and politically divided approaches could deepen educational inequality, urging states to prioritize evidence-based instruction, stronger accountability, and coordinated academic recovery strategies.

LEGAL

Teacher's fate hangs in balance

The controversy surrounding Lauren Watts, a world history teacher at Gainesville High School, has escalated following a recommendation from Judge Yolanda Green. This recommendation comes after former Education Commissioner Anastasios Kamoutsas vowed to “take every necessary action to ensure this teacher never teaches again.” Despite Kamoutsas' intentions, the state sought only a one-year suspension of Watts' teaching certificate, which was ultimately unsuccessful. The Florida Education Association emphasized that the ruling “strongly upholds Florida educators' fundamental right to due process.” Kamoutsas' complaint alleged that Watts allowed students to disparage a ninth grader, who was labeled as “most likely to become a dictator.” However, the investigation revealed that the awards were peer-nominated, and Watts did not intentionally embarrass the student. The ruling highlights the importance of due process in educational settings, with Spar stating: “This ruling sends a clear message: Florida's educators have a right to due process.”

WORKFORCE

Orange County schools reject insurance deal

Orange County Public Schools (OCPS) rejected a compromise on health insurance costs proposed by a state-appointed magistrate, stating it would lead to a $105.1m budget shortfall and significant personnel cuts. The Orange County Classroom Teachers Association accepted the magistrate's recommendation, which included capping premium increases at 20% and lower deductibles than OCPS suggested. OCPS Superintendent Dr. Maria Vazquez emphasized that the district's self-insurance fund would not be sustainable without raising employee contributions. The district has faced financial challenges due to declining enrollment, losing over 12,000 students in two years, which has resulted in job cuts and budget reductions. The school board is set to discuss health insurance and salary plans for teachers in an upcoming hearing.

ENROLLMENT

Florida schools fight enrollment decline

Florida school districts are implementing various strategies to combat declining enrollment as families turn to charter, home, and private schooling. A report from State Affairs highlights initiatives such as upgraded cafeteria options in Hendry County, where students can enjoy "freshly smoked brisket for lunch." Martin County is also offering a la carte class choices, both in-person and online. Districts are hiring firms to recruit students and ramping up advertising to share success stories, emphasizing that returning students often face academic challenges. Pinellas County school board plans to discuss its recruitment efforts, with Superintendent Kevin Hendrick mentioning the potential for a "recruitment partner." 

Enrollment crisis hits OCPS

Orange County Public Schools (OCPS) is grappling with a significant decline in student enrollment, dropping from over 182,000 in October 2025 to approximately 174,000, a loss of about 8,000 students. The decline is particularly pronounced among immigrant communities, with around 5,000 immigrant students leaving the district. Vanos, a district representative, noted that “families are afraid to be here,” attributing the drop to fears surrounding immigration and safety concerns. The number of Haitian students decreased by about 715, while Venezuelan enrollment plummeted from over 4,900 to about 1,900. The end of temporary protected status for some immigrant groups may also be influencing this trend. To address the issue, OCPS has engaged a consulting firm to attract more students, but Vanos cautioned that recruitment efforts may be ineffective if families do not feel safe. Additionally, Florida's expanded school voucher program and demographic changes may further impact enrollment.

SAFETY & SECURITY

Florida's armed campus law flops

Florida's new law allowing trained faculty and staff to carry firearms on public college campuses has seen little interest, with only Polk State College beginning preliminary planning to implement the program. The law, created in response to a 2025 shooting at Florida State University that left two dead, has not been adopted by any of the state's 40 public colleges and universities. Anastasios "Stasi" Kamoutsas, Polk State's president, emphasized the need for a safe learning environment, stating, "Every student deserves the opportunity to learn in a safe and secure environment." Critics, including students and gun rights advocates, have expressed concerns about the law, highlighting its lack of support and effectiveness. 

CHARTERS

Charter schools clash over tax funds

Two charter schools in Manatee County are in a legal dispute with the district over a half-cent sales tax collected since 2020. The School Board of Manatee County has filed a lawsuit against Southwest Charter Inc., which operates Lakewood Ranch Prep and Manatee Charter School, claiming they are not entitled to the tax funds. Daniel DeLeo, the district's attorney, stated: “We shouldn't have to spend taxpayers' money litigating a dispute like this.” The district has proposed a gradual roll-in method for sharing the tax funds, allowing charter schools to receive increasing percentages over the years. However, Southwest Charter is demanding immediate full funding, arguing that the district's approach is unfair. Ed Pozzuoli, representing Southwest Charter, emphasized: “Why should we not get full funding? The full funding should have started years ago to be fair.” The case will be decided by a judge.

Pinellas MycroSchool to close doors

Pinellas MycroSchool, a charter alternative high school in Pinellas County, is set to close at the end of October due to financial difficulties and declining enrollment. The school, which opened in 2012, reported a drop to 80 students, falling short of its projected 110. Deputy Superintendent Stephanie Woodford said: “They said they don't even have money to make payroll.” The district had previously extended MycroSchool's contract for a year, citing issues with attendance records and unprovided special education services. As the school ceases operations, officials are committed to ensuring that each student finds suitable educational alternatives, with Woodford stating: “We've got to take care of each of these kids.”

PERFORMING ARTS

Young musicians unite for growth

Young Musicians Unite (YMU), the largest provider of free music education in the U.S., is poised for significant growth, reaching over 21,000 students weekly across 131 schools in Miami-Dade County. This expansion is supported by a $600,000 investment from the State of Florida aimed at enhancing YMU's Student Retention and Engagement Initiative. Senator Alexis Calatayud, who was honored at the Taste of YMU event, emphasized the community's commitment to unlocking the potential of every young person, stating: "We believe in who they can be, and we need to make sure every transformational door is open." YMU's founder, Sammy Gonzalez Zeira, expressed gratitude for the funding, highlighting its role in increasing access to quality music education. The organization aims to raise $3m to extend its reach to 27,628 students by the 2027–2028 school year.

HIGHER EDUCATION

Trump's rally shakes up Fort Myers

President Donald Trump is set to hold a midterm rally at Florida Gulf Coast University's Alico Arena on Friday, aiming to support gubernatorial candidate Byron Donalds and other Republican candidates. The university will adjust its operations, encouraging remote work and online classes due to anticipated traffic disruptions. FGCU President Aysegul Timur emphasized the university's commitment to free expression, stating: "Making university facilities available for private events is consistent with these principles." Local political groups are preparing for both support and protests surrounding the event. With early voting already underway, Trump's visit comes at a crucial time in Florida's election season, as candidates gear up for the November 3 election.

Engineering school expansion breaks ground

Florida A&M and Florida State universities are embarking on a significant $152m expansion of their joint engineering school, the FAMU-FSU College of Engineering, which is the only one of its kind in the nation. Groundbreaking for the new Building C occurred last month, with completion expected by December 2028. Dean Suvranu De emphasized the necessity of this expansion, stating: "The need for Building C really comes from our growth." The new facility will feature state-of-the-art research labs, classrooms, and additional teaching spaces to accommodate the increasing enrollment, which has surged by 22% for undergraduates and 44% for graduates over the past five years. The college aims to rank among the top 50 engineering schools in the nation, currently positioned at No. 89 according to U.S. News & World Report's 2026 Best Engineering Schools rankings.

INTERNATIONAL

Japan's Education Ministry limits digital-only textbooks amid health and learning concerns

Japan's Ministry of Education has drafted guidelines establishing a hybrid model of paper and digital textbooks as the standard from the 2030 academic year, with digital content serving a supplementary role amid concerns about student health and learning outcomes. Fully digital textbooks would be prohibited for students in fourth grade and below, while older students could use digital-only materials in selected subjects, including English, music, and art. Artificial intelligence features would initially be excluded. The proposed framework would begin in elementary schools in 2030, expand to junior high schools in 2031, and reach high schools from 2032. A ministry survey found support for hybrid textbooks among 88.3% of elementary school decision-makers, 86.3% at junior high level, and 78.4% at high school level.

AND FINALLY...

Family of five-year-old Oregon school shooting victim calls for worldwide tribute through art

The family of Rhoam Summer, a five-year-old killed in a mass shooting at Silver Rail Elementary School in Bend, Oregon, has called on people worldwide to honor his memory through drawings and artwork. Rhoam is believed to be the youngest victim of a deliberate mass shooting at a U.S. school, according to researchers tracking school gun violence. The October 15 attack, carried out by a 16-year-old former student, killed three children and teacher Megan Lambert, while injuring two others. Rhoam's parents described their son as kind, generous, and passionate about drawing and storytelling. The tragedy, the 36th shooting on U.S. K-12 school grounds this year, has renewed concerns about school safety and gun violence, although researchers note that school shootings have declined from their 2023 peak.

 
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