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The Fort Worth Star-Telegram highlights analysis by Study.com of the United States Census Bureau's Public Elementary-Secondary Education Finance Data from 2022 and 2023, looking at how different states allocate resources to public schools and their differing funding priorities. The figures show that Florida had the 5th-lowest per-pupil spend in 2023, spending $11,862 per pupil, while nine states spent more than $20,000 per pupil. The piece notes that different states focused funding in different areas - with more money for educational equity in Michigan, early childhood education in Minnesota, and school choice and voucher programs in Florida and North Carolina. Florida, it notes, also used $2m of funding under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act to improve the mental health professional to student ratio in rural districts, and to expand access to mental health services. With many areas facing difficulties hiring and retaining teachers, different states have also responded in different ways, by easing licensing requirements, or increasing funding for training.

 

Star-Telegram

National Education Month serves as a reminder to evaluate state investments in public education. Research from the Public Policy Institute of California indicates that "increases in spending lead to improved student outcomes," highlighting the importance of funding. The U.S. Census Bureau reported an 8.9% increase in educational expenditure from 2021 to 2022, marking the largest boost in 20 years. States like Michigan and Minnesota have focused on educational equity and early childhood education, respectively. However, challenges remain, particularly with inflation affecting budgets in states like Wisconsin and Colorado. The COVID-19 pandemic also significantly altered funding dynamics, with the Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief program allocating $189.5 bn to K-12 schools. As federal funds phase out, states are having to navigate post-pandemic priorities, including academic recovery and teacher retention. The disparities in per-pupil spending across states underscore the need for equitable funding models.

 

The Miami Herald

The Escambia County School Board has filed a defense against a federal lawsuit over its banning of a book about two male penguins raising a chick together - arguing that the book's removal was as justified as would be pulling Playboy or a bomb-making manual from school libraries. The authors of the book, And Tango Makes Three, have argued that the Board's "decision to remove Tango based solely on the Board’s personal animus toward LGBTQ+ content and desire not to allow District children to have access to Tango’s positive LGBTQ+ themes was squarely viewpoint discrimination". The Board has presented a number of defenses - including a controversial claim that the ban represents "government speech", and that plaintiffs "cannot prove" that Board members "had a discriminatory motive".

 

News Herald

Broward County Public Schools (BCPS) has announced the finalists for the 2025 Teacher of the Year award, recognizing exceptional educators for their dedication and innovative teaching methods. On November 20, 2024, BCPS Superintendent Dr. Howard Hepburn surprised the finalists with the announcement in their classrooms. The five finalists, who collectively bring over 100 years of experience, are Lillie deCastro, Matthew Feiler, Richard D. Lamarre, Dr. Jennifer Mehu, and Deanna Waters.

 

The American Heart Association (AHA) and Healthy West Orange are continuing a partnership that started in 2021, with The Hydration Program to continue to provide supplemental resources to middle schools to help encourage students to switch from sugary beverages to water. The program provides water bottles and educational materials, including a family newsletter, heart-health lesson plan and other resources. Kristin Helmick, the AHA's development director for school engagement, notes that Orange County Public Schools is currently fourth in the nation for active schools, and has retrofitted school water fountains to include water bottle filling stations.

 

Orange Observer News

The Orange County School Board is considering a settlement that would transfer the historic Hungerford High School property to a community trust in Eatonville. The move aims to resolve ongoing legal disputes over the land, which has been owned by the school district since the 1950s. The property is situated in the heart of Eatonville, a historically Black town located just north of Orlando.

 

Orlando Sentinel

New legislation in Florida is significantly altering the state's general education requirements, leading to the removal of numerous courses deemed "inappropriate." Michael Butler, a professor at Flagler College, emphasized that general education is essential for providing students with a foundational understanding for their college experience. He stated: “These are characteristics that have been present throughout our entire history, and we’re doing our students a disservice by either ignoring that they were there or acting like it’s no longer relevant today.” Florida State University has eliminated 400 courses from its general education offerings, while the University of North Florida will reduce its offerings from 112 to 45 by 2025. Despite these changes, no faculty positions have been lost.

 

Tampa Bay Fl News

Florida is establishing a new Office of Ocean Economy to enhance its economic landscape by tapping into ocean resources. State Rep. Kelly Skidmore emphasized the initiative's goal to connect various sectors of the blue economy, stating: "We need the next Gatorade to come out of the ocean." The office will focus on sustainable practices, innovation, and branding Florida as a leader in ocean economy ventures. Colin Polsky, the office's director, highlighted the potential for startups in areas like hydroelectric power and shoreline protection. The initiative aims to position Florida competitively against other states and countries already advancing in the blue economy, with a vision for a thriving ocean-based economy in the next decade.

 

Orlando Sentinel

Alyssa Richardson, a behavior analyst at the Department of Juvenile Justice (DJJ), has highlighted significant issues in the education of incarcerated youth in Florida. She told the Florida Phoenix: “Essentially, if there was no teacher, no computer, or the kids chose to watch a movie or pornography... that's what they'd do.” The Florida Scholars Academy, which began in July, aimed to provide structured education but has faced challenges, including underreporting of misbehavior and inadequate supervision. Reports indicate that students accessed inappropriate content on school-issued laptops, with eight incidents of computer misuse reported in the first month alone. Heather Beaven, CEO of the Florida Endowment Foundation for Florida's Graduates, criticized the program as “educational malpractice,” emphasizing the need for better oversight and support for these vulnerable students.

 

Florida Phoenix