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Florida lawmakers are considering a bill, HB 147, proposed by state Rep. Tom Fabricio, which would require teachers to take an oath of loyalty to the Constitution and nonpartisanship before starting their duties. The proposed oath emphasizes the importance of supporting both the U.S. and Florida constitutions, maintaining academic integrity, and fostering a respectful learning environment. Fabricio, an attorney and vice chair of the Ways & Means Committee, noted that similar oaths are already required for other professions. This move follows recent legislation aimed at restricting discussions on "divisive concepts" in education.

 

The Bradenton Times

10 Expert Tips to Prevent Bullying and Suicide in Schools  

In recognition of Bullying Prevention Month, this guide provides 10 evidence-based strategies for K-12 leaders to help reduce bullying and suicide risk. From staff training to parent involvement and policy creation, discover practical steps to build a safer and more connected school community.  

Download Guide

 

In Florida, the majority of school districts have opted out of the state's voluntary chaplain program, which was signed into law by Gov. Ron DeSantis last year. Critics have raised concerns that this initiative could lead to perceptions of religious coercion in schools. Despite this, the Hernando County school district has become the first to allow volunteer chaplains into classrooms,  appointing Rev. Jack Martin, a pastor affiliated with the Black Robe Regiment to the role. Despite his political background, including two unsuccessful congressional runs, Martin insists his chaplaincy is "not anything political." He aims to support students, claiming: "If we want our country back, we can't stand as spectators." Critics, including the Freedom From Religion Foundation, argue that his views on Christian nationalism and public education threaten the secular nature of schools. They have called for the program's elimination, citing concerns over potential proselytization. Martin, however, believes his experience as a chaplain will help students navigate challenges, asserting: "I would be the most trained to be able to go in and immediately start to help." The program has begun, with policies in place to ensure chaplains do not impose their beliefs on students.

 

Florida Phoenix

Tampa Bay Times

On Friday, the White House issued reduction-in-force (RIF) notices across the federal government, including at the Education Department. According to court filings, 466 employees across the department were inpacted, including most of the staff at the Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP). The National Association of State Directors of Special Education (NADSE) has suggested that only the most two senior staff remain in OSEP, while just one staff member remains in the Rehabilitation Services Administration. The Education Department still has not officially confirmed the specifics of the layoffs. “These RIFs, if true, will make it impossible for the Department to fulfill those responsibilities,” the NASDSE statement said, continuing to say that there is "a significant risk that not only will Federal funding lapse, but children with disabilities will be deprived” of a free, appropriate public education. Meanwhile, Myrna Mandlawitz, policy and legislative consultant for the Council of Administrators of Special Education, said on Sunday that the OSEP staff reductions will put an “extreme burden on states and locals that are already really stretched." The federal staff reductions take away “one very vital piece of the partnership. It’s just hard to understand how it can possibly function,” she added.

 

AP News

USA Today

K-12 Dive

PBS News

Pasco County school district officials have proposed changes to address a $21m deficit in their health insurance plan, but these adjustments have left many teachers and staff feeling frustrated. Cheryl Paciorek, a teacher at Wiregrass Elementary, expressed her concerns, stating: “I love my school and I love what I do,” but adding she is worried about increased medical expenses for her son's chronic diabetes. The changes have prompted some employees to reconsider their job options as they struggle to cope with the rising costs of healthcare.

 

Tampa Bay Times

A new agreement aims to enhance teacher retention by offering competitive salaries to attract quality educators. In 2024, Lake County teachers with up to 20 years of experience earned less than $50,000 annually. The Florida Education Association reported that Florida ranked last in the nation for average teacher salaries, which were $54,874 for the 2023-24 school year. Teachers with over 25 months of experience earned $59,800. The proposed salary increase would add $300 to $400 based on performance. This proposal follows a significant loss of over 1,500 students, leading to a funding shortfall of approximately $12m this school year due to declining enrollments and increased student voucher usage.

 

News 13

Robert Goodwin, a Massachusetts-based travel agent, is accused of defrauding Seabreeze High School students, teachers, and chaperones out of over $400,000 for a European trip that was abruptly canceled just days before departure. Each participant had paid more than $3,500. Volusia County Sheriff Mike Chitwood has confirmed Goodwin's location in California and plans to extradite him to Florida. The Florida Attorney General’s Office stated that Goodwin's actions have left families and school officials in shock. "Goodwin disappeared after the cancellation," prompting a coordinated investigation with California authorities. However, the exact date of his extradition and the full scope of the fraud remain unclear.

 

Fox 35 Orlando

The Lee County School District is inviting community input for naming two new schools in Alva and Lehigh Acres. The Alva school, currently referred to as "High School NNN," is scheduled to open in August 2027, with a capacity for 2,000 students and a project cost of $168m. It will feature academies in Agri-Technology and Animal Husbandry. The Lehigh Acres school, known as "Elementary L," will temporarily open in portable classrooms in August 2026 and transition to a new building by August 2028. The district has indicated that the site can accommodate additional schools in the future. Community members can submit their naming suggestions until 5 p.m. on Oct. 24.

 

WINK News

Starting Thursday, Boca Raton will implement new cameras to enforce speed limits in school zones, automatically issuing $100 fines to drivers exceeding the limit by 10 mph. This initiative is part of the Boca Raton School Zone Safety Program. Lee Walker, a parent of a student at J.C. Mitchell Elementary, expressed concern, saying, “It makes me feel a little bit nervous when he heads out down the street.” The program aims to enhance safety for students and families in the area.

 

WPTV

Leon County is contemplating an ordinance to implement speed cameras in school zones, mirroring a program already in place in Tallahassee. Drivers exceeding the speed limit by over 10 mph would incur a $100 fine. A county study revealed significant speeding in 23 out of 32 school zones, with potential violations totaling 23,198 in a single school day. The ordinance aims to enhance safety for students, with revenue from fines allocated to various public safety initiatives. "The program will function the same way as the city," said a county representative, indicating that violators will receive a notice with photographic evidence. The county commission will hold a public hearing on the ordinance on October 14. If approved, a request for proposal will be issued to select a vendor for the program.

 

Tallahassee.com

A group of Indigenous educators in Ontario has urged the federal government to increase funding for on-reserve schools rather than recalculating allocations, following a letter from Indigenous Services Canada (ISC) warning of delayed 2025–2026 payments and adjustments to funding models. Although the overall education budget has increased, protections for previous funding levels have been removed, and ancillary support has been cut, prompting concerns about sustainability, planning uncertainty, and long-term development of culturally relevant curricula. The situation has left Indigenous schools unable to plan for the year or beyond, and waiting to see if cuts will be needed, said Chippewa Chief Joe Miskokomon. "You can't program anything if you don't know what you're getting," he said. "It's placed the whole system in a state of not knowing whether you'll have resources to open." Some new ancillary funding, which can go to pay for additional needs such as tutoring for a struggling student, has been cut, said Leslee White-Eye, who heads the First Nations With School Collective, a group of eight Ontario First Nations pushing for a new funding model. The ISC said in the letter to educators that it remains committed to funding First Nations schools so they're "at a minimum, directly provincially comparable."

 

CBC News