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The U.S. Education Department has eliminated two significant teacher-training programs, the $70m Teacher Quality Partnerships and the $80m Supporting Effective Educator Development grants, as part of a broader initiative to cut diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs. Savannah Newhouse, a department spokeswoman, stated: “Teacher-prep programs should be prioritizing training that prepares youth with the fundamentals they need to succeed for the future.” Critics argue that these cuts will negatively impact teacher diversity and student outcomes. Sharif El-Mekki, founder of the Center for Black Educator Development, emphasized that removing DEI-related programs “reinforces inequalities that have existed for generations.” The decision has sparked significant backlash from educators and institutions reliant on these grants, with many expressing concerns over the future of teacher preparation and support. Late Tuesday, President Donald Trump sent a memorandum to all agency heads, requesting public details on all cuts. However, the Department of Education is yet provide criteria on how the teacher-prep grants were being judged.

 

The Hill

Education Week News

The 74

School Leadership’s Guide to Career and Technical Education

Economic impacts are changing the employment landscape. Now more than ever it's critical to prepare students for careers in current and emerging professions through Career and Technical Education (CTE). Having developed 180+ award-winning digital courses, FlexPoint knows that CTE offerings look different for every school, based on location and student population. School and district leaders can learn how to enhance their CTE programs through the free FlexPoint guide.

In the guide, you’ll have access to:

• An overview of nationally recognized Career Clusters and Programs of Study
• Tips for selecting the best career pathways that evolve with the employment landscape
  
• Sample survey questions to gauge students’ interests in future career opportunities
  
• And more!

Download CTE Guide

 

The "Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act" aims to allow schools to offer whole and 2% milk alongside low-fat options, a significant shift from the current restrictions. Proponents argue that whole milk provides essential nutrients and has unique health benefits, with Amy Winters, executive director of the Wisconsin Dairy Foods Association, stating, "Expanding the availability of all milk options... will help ensure more children receive the essential nutrients dairy provides." However, opponents caution that whole milk's high saturated fat content could pose health risks, with Erin Ogden from the Center for Science in the Public Interest emphasizing that fat-free and low-fat milk can provide the same nutrients without the added saturated fat. The bill recently passed a U.S. House committee and is set for a full House vote.

 

Milwaukee Journal Sentinel

Brandon Dahlin-Bracciale has been appointed as the new principal of Raymond B. Stewart Middle School in Zephyrhills, replacing Josh Borders, who left to lead a nearby charter school. Dahlin-Bracciale, 49, has been with the Pasco district since 2001 and previously served as principal at Chasco Middle School for eight years. The school is set to merge with Chasco Elementary and Calusa Elementary at the end of the academic year to form a K-8 campus, which will be led by Chasco Elementary principal Woodland Johnson.

 

Tampa Bay Times

In response to concerns about potential U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids, Alachua County Public Schools (ACPS) has issued new guidance for staff on how to handle interactions with law enforcement. Jackie Johnson, spokesperson for ACPS, emphasized the importance of this guidance, stating, "We felt it was important... to get a quick reminder about what our current policies say." The memo outlines steps for administrators, including requesting identification and warrants, and notifying parents before any student interviews.

 

The Gainesville Sun

The Martin County School Board has decided to maintain health insurance subsidies for current retirees and those retiring before July 1, but will eliminate the benefits for retirees over 65 who retire after that date. Veteran teachers expressed concerns that this decision breaks previous promises regarding retirement benefits. "Today we are being treated as nothing more than numbers on a spreadsheet," stated marketing teacher Stephanie Davis Chang, highlighting the potential exodus of quality educators from the district. The board's vote, which passed 3-2, aims to save approximately $905,727, but teachers argue that the elimination of these subsidies undermines their loyalty and hard work. Kelly Coleman, a civics teacher with 24 years of experience, emphasized that the promise of health insurance was a key factor in her decision to remain in the district.

 

TCPalm

In the face of a nationwide bus driver shortage, accountability emerges as a crucial factor for retention in school transportation departments. Leaders must prioritize personal and team accountability to create a supportive work environment. As noted in the article, "a lack of accountability leads to more vacancies in the long run." By modeling responsible behaviors, leaders can foster trust and clarity, which are essential for keeping drivers engaged. To cultivate this culture, transportation leaders should commit to self-assessment, set clear expectations, and encourage open feedback. Ultimately, accountability not only enhances job satisfaction but also strengthens team cohesion, making it vital for retaining qualified drivers.

 

School Bus Fleet

Over 130 educators from Lowndes County gathered at Lowndes High School to discuss the integration of artificial intelligence (AI)-powered tools like Magic School AI and Canva into their teaching practices. English Language Arts teacher Kayla Evans highlighted the importance of adapting to new technologies, stating: "Learning how to utilize all things Google was one of the things that I wanted to learn because I was a Microsoft Windows girl." The event also addressed the guidelines set by State Senate Resolution 467 for the ethical use of AI in Georgia schools, emphasizing the freedom teachers have to choose the tools that best fit their classrooms.

 

Tallahassee News

Flagler Schools will celebrate National School Breakfast Week from March 3-7, featuring themed decorations and giveaways. Last year, the district provided nearly 55,000 free meals through its Summer Food Service Program, which will run from June 9 to Aug. 1 for children 18 and under. Matthew Mounkes, Flagler Schools food services community engagement specialist, emphasized, “The food program is open to everybody.” The initiative aims to ensure that both families and community organizations are aware of the available resources. Mounkes also noted that a good breakfast can enhance children's test performance, highlighting the importance of these programs.

 

Ormond Beach Observer

Sen. Ana Maria Rodriguez has introduced a new bill (SB 822) aimed at increasing flexibility and autonomy for charter schools in Florida. The legislation allows sponsors to approve charters even if applicants have not secured space or personnel, provided that such approval is necessary for fundraising. Additionally, sponsors cannot impose policies on charter schools without mutual agreement. The bill also stipulates that sponsors are not liable for civil damages related to charter school operations and limits additional reporting requirements unless financial issues arise.

 

Florida Politics

Florida lawmakers have introduced legislation to impose eight-year term limits on school board members and county commissioners. Republican representatives, Blaise Ingoglia and Jason Salzman, argue that “serving in government should be an honor, not a career.” The proposed amendments aim to empower voters to decide on these limits, ensuring accountability and fresh perspectives in governance. Currently, school board members are limited to eight years, a reduction from the previous twelve-year limit established in 2022. While some counties have their own term limits, there is no state statute enforcing them. The proposed amendments require support from both legislative chambers and a 60% voter approval to be placed on the ballot.

 

Florida Phoenix

Students at Clearwater's Pinellas Gulf Coast Academy will be relocated to two alternative centers, Pinellas High Innovation and Bayside High, starting in July. Superintendent Kevin Hendrick explained: “We want to make sure we have the right facilities,” as the district faces a decline of about 12,000 students over the past decade, with an expected drop of another 2,000 next year. The move aims to consolidate programs and improve student transportation operations. Currently, around 220 students attend the academy, which offers credit recovery courses.

 

Tampa Bay Times

FAMU students and faculty have shared expectations for the next president during listening sessions, emphasizing the need for engagement, understanding of traditions, and strong leadership amid political challenges.

 

Tallahassee.com

Florida Sen. Randy Fine has introduced SB 814, a bill that would permit concealed carry on college campuses. Fine argues: "The Second Amendment does not take the semester off when you step on a college campus," emphasizing the need for students to have the same rights on campus as they do off. The legislation aims to address safety concerns, asserting that criminals can still carry weapons onto campuses. Fine, who is also campaigning for Congress, has garnered support from President Donald Trump, who praised him as "an incredible voice for MAGA."

 

Tampa Bay Fl News

Rhea Law, the president of the University of South Florida (USF), announced her resignation on Monday, marking a significant change in the leadership of Florida's public universities. Her tenure included notable achievements, such as joining the Association of American Universities and advancing plans for an on-campus football stadium.

 

Tampa Bay Fl News

Japan's largest opposition party, the CDP, is reportedly keen to use the Bank of Japan's exchange-traded funds (ETFs) to help cover the cost of making high school education free as part of the normalization of monetary policy. “It’s abnormal that a central bank is holding risky assets with a book value of ¥37 trillion ($244 billion). Including the latent profits, the assets are about double that value and it’s a problem that those profits aren’t being returned to the public.” said CDP finance chief Takeshi Shina. 

 

The Japan Times