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After a deadly shooting at Annunciation Catholic School in Minneapolis that killed two children and injured 18 others, schools nationwide are ramping up security. Districts in Minnesota, New York, and California are increasing patrols, enhancing building protections, and reviewing emergency protocols. “The Catholic Diocese of Pittsburgh told its security officers to be extra vigilant,” according to KDKA News. Many schools are also emphasizing mental health services, like Eden Prairie’s outreach and Minneapolis schools offering the HelpMe app for support. In Florida, parents in Palm Beach County are reevaluating local school safety. St. Juliana Catholic School is among many schools in the area that are fenced and have regular police or security patrols, though church buildings often remain open to the public. The Archdiocese of Palm Beach stated that all schools have safety procedures and Emergency Operation Plans but declined to provide specifics.

 

Education Week News

WPTV

Blaise Ingoglia, Florida's chief financial officer, announced that the state treasury has achieved a record $2.5bn in interest earnings, surpassing initial estimates. This surplus will fund essential projects such as roads, schools, and hospitals across the state. Ingoglia stated: “Our treasury team is laser-focused on making Floridians’ dollars work harder, stretch further, and deliver more for the people.” The Division of Treasury manages state cash and assets, ensuring accurate accounting and generating revenue through strategic investments. This disciplined approach demonstrates that effective government can create lasting value for Floridians.

 

Florida Politics

As of May 2025, the median rent in Florida stands at $1,541, reflecting a slight decrease from the previous year. A staggering 70% of elder renter households are cost-burdened, with over 74,000 individuals facing homelessness. During the 2022–2023 school year, nearly 95,000 students reported being homeless. The recent passage of the Live Local Act in 2023 marks a significant legislative step towards addressing affordable housing, according to Kody Glazer, Chief Legal and Policy Officer for the Florida Housing Coalition. The Coalition's Home Matters Report aims to provide data-driven strategies for policymakers to enhance housing supply and resilience against future disasters.

 

News 13

The U.S. Education Department has determined that Denver Public Schools violated Title IX by implementing all-gender bathrooms and allowing students to use facilities based on gender identity. This finding follows an investigation into Denver's East High School, where a girls' restroom was converted into an all-gender facility. The department has mandated that the district revert to gender-specific restrooms and adopt biology-based definitions for "male" and "female" in its policies. Craig Trainor, acting assistant secretary of the Office for Civil Rights, stated: “Denver is free to endorse a self-defeating gender ideology, but it is not free to accept federal taxpayer funds and harm its students in violation of Title IX.” The Trump administration has initiated numerous investigations into transgender policies in schools across the country.

 

Local10

In Pasco County, Superintendent John Legg has highlighted the alarming rise of vaping in elementary schools, calling it a "big problem." Despite efforts to combat this issue, including tougher penalties and the installation of vape detectors, solutions remain elusive. Data from the Florida Department of Education indicates a significant increase in tobacco incidents from 2016-19, with post-pandemic numbers continuing to rise. Michelle Mercure, national director of tobacco programs at the American Lung Association, noted that vaping undermines years of progress in reducing youth smoking. “Kids know that cigarettes are bad for you. I don't think they know that vapes are bad,” said Dr. Gary Salzman, suggesting that students receive education on the dangers of vaping. Florida legislators have enacted laws to limit sales of single-use vapes marketed to children, but challenges persist as schools seek effective strategies to address this growing concern.

 

Orlando Sentinel

Nearly one-third of K-12 public schools in the U.S. now mandate mental health screenings for students, according to a recent RAND report. The study, which surveyed 1,019 school principals, revealed that 30.5% of schools require such screenings. While most principals notify parents and offer in-person treatment, less than 20% provide telehealth options. Challenges remain, with 40% of principals finding it difficult to ensure students receive adequate care. John Gies, principal of Shelby High School, noted: “It actually was a little bit better than I anticipated.” Despite progress, barriers persist, particularly in rural areas, and only two states have laws supporting universal mental health screenings. Gies emphasized the need for continued funding to address the mental health crisis in schools.

 

Education Week News

Residents and parents have expressed their concerns regarding a perceived presence of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) at Apopka High School (AHS) during an Orange County School Board meeting. Felipe Sousa-Lazaballet, executive director of the Hope CommUnity Center, emphasized the need for schools to be safe learning environments, stating: “Our school should be a place for safe learning, not a place of fear.” Students like Miguel Torres recounted the chaos during a lockdown, highlighting the lack of timely communication from the school. School Board Chair Teresa Jacobs acknowledged communication failures and stressed the importance of better protocols. Melissa Byrd, a school board member, clarified that there was no ICE on campus, attributing the confusion to the early morning incident and the subsequent secure/hold status. The community is calling for clearer guidelines and support to address their fears.

 

The Apopka Chief Newspaper

Four elementary schools in Indian River County have successfully transitioned to a K-8 model, resulting in 165 sixth-grade students remaining at their original schools. This year, sixth-grade enrollment has increased by 111 students, surpassing expectations. Superintendent David Moore commented: "The strategy was to offset the reduction of the overall sixth-grade class. We were able to do that." The positive response may lead to the development of more K-8 schools in the future. Currently, Osceola and Rosewood have full sixth-grade classes with waiting lists. The district plans to assess the K-8 model's impact on middle school enrollment and explore options for expanding educational choices for families.

 

TCPalm

Orange County Public Schools (OCPS) is experiencing a significant decline in student enrollment, with initial estimates predicting a drop of 3,000 students. However, as the school year commenced, the actual figure has risen to approximately 6,000 fewer students than expected. This decline could lead to a funding reduction of $25m for the district.

 

Fox 35 Orlando

The Broward School Board is evaluating 34 schools for potential repurposing and closure as part of the ‘Redefining Our Schools’ initiative aimed at addressing chronic under-enrollment. The plan includes adding new programs, consolidating schools, and making boundary adjustments. Currently, over 45,000 seats are empty in Broward County Public Schools, with a decline of around 10,000 students last year. The board will engage with affected communities before finalizing any decisions, with changes expected to take effect in the 2026-27 school year.

 

The Miami Herald

Saul Garcia, a school resource deputy at Godby High School, has been arrested for unlawful sexual activity with a 16-year-old student. The Leon County Sheriff's Office initiated an investigation in April, leading to Garcia's removal from his position and subsequent administrative leave. The investigation confirmed probable cause for the charges, and Garcia turned himself in at the Wakulla County Jail. He has been terminated from his role with the sheriff's office.

 

Tallahassee.com

Tallahassee News

In the wake of increasing school shootings, parents  and teachers face the challenge of discussing these tragic events with their children. David Schonfeld, a pediatrician and director of the National Center for School Crisis and Bereavement, emphasizes the importance of understanding children's concerns before providing reassurance. He said: "Children's questions may be very different from adults'," highlighting the need for open communication. Experts recommend maintaining routines to provide security and limiting media exposure to prevent overwhelming anxiety. Melissa Brymer, director of terrorism and disaster programs at the UCLA-Duke University National Center for Child Traumatic Stress, advises patience and repeated conversations, especially with younger children. Engaging in initiatives to address gun violence can also help children channel their feelings into positive action. Ultimately, Schonfeld notes, "Difficult conversations will always be a part of life," underscoring the necessity of ongoing dialogue with children about such events.

 

NPR / National Public Radio

The Trump administration has proposed new regulations to tighten visa durations for international students, cultural exchange visitors, and media members, marking a significant shift in immigration policy. According to the administration, the changes aim to better "monitor and oversee" visa holders in the U.S. Currently, F, J, and I visas are valid for the duration of the program or employment, but the new rules would impose fixed time limits. In 2024, there were approximately 1.6m international students on F visas, alongside 355,000 exchange visitors and 13,000 media members. The public will have 30 days to comment on this proposal, which echoes a similar initiative from 2020 that was later withdrawn by the Biden administration. NAFSA, representing international educators, has opposed such measures, advocating for more flexible visa policies.

 

U.S. News

South Korea has enacted a nationwide ban on mobile phones and digital devices in classrooms, set to take effect in March 2025. This legislation, which received bipartisan support, aims to address concerns over youth addiction to social media. Cho Jung-hun, a lawmaker from the opposition People Power Party and a sponsor of the bill, said: "Our youth's addiction to social media is at a serious level now." Surveys indicate that 37% of middle and high school students feel social media impacts their daily lives, with 22% experiencing anxiety when unable to access their accounts. While many schools already have restrictions in place, the new law formalizes these measures, allowing exceptions for students with disabilities or for educational purposes. Some youth advocacy groups have opposed the ban, citing potential violations of children's rights.

 

U.S. News