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Florida's expansion of vouchers for private schools is straining public school budgets. In 2023, the Republican-led Legislature removed income requirements for family empowerment scholarships and Florida tax credit scholarships, leading to a significant increase in state funding redirected to private education. According to Norín Dollard, senior policy analyst at Florida Policy Institute, “These voucher expenditures have grown so exponentially.” The Florida Education Association's president, Andrew Spar, expressed concern, stating: “Our public schools are struggling to make ends meet.” With 24% of state aid in Orange County now going to vouchers, teachers report larger class sizes and cuts to programs. The voucher program, funded by the Florida Education Financial Plan, is projected to direct $3.8bn in public school funds toward vouchers this school year, compared to $1.4bn in 2022.

 

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The abrupt termination of federal grants for school mental health services has left many initiatives in jeopardy. Ian Levy, an assistant professor of school counseling at Rutgers University, expressed disappointment, commenting: "The grant funding would have ended in five years, but the work of the grant would have lived well beyond the period." The U.S. Department of Education terminated these grants, citing inconsistencies with the new administration's priorities. This decision affects 174 initiatives aimed at increasing the availability of mental health professionals in schools, which are crucial given the ongoing mental health crisis exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. The funding cuts have prompted appeals and legal challenges from affected organizations, but few have been successful. As a result, many school districts may struggle to retain newly hired counselors, further impacting student mental health services.

 

Education Week News

According to a recent study by Arkansas State University, K-12 educators are increasingly concerned about students relying on artificial intelligence (AI) for emotional support. The survey of 760 educators revealed that 41% view AI negatively, with half stating that current safeguards are "insufficient to protect students." Nearly 79% of educators noted that students have become dependent on AI, leading to diminished confidence in their problem-solving skills. Randi Weingarten, President of the American Federation of Teachers, emphasized the importance of harnessing AI responsibly, stating: "AI holds tremendous promise but huge challenges." The study highlights the ongoing debate about AI's role in education, especially as OpenAI collaborates with educators to enhance teaching and learning.

 

Killeen Daily Herald

Broward County schools have decided to terminate their contract with the youth leadership program Latinos in Action, fearing it could jeopardize $30m in federal funding. The decision, made during a School Board meeting on November 18, follows a letter from the U.S. Department of Education's Office of Civil Rights, which alleged that the program violates Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 due to its previous requirement that "80% of the class must be Latino." Despite support from students and local Congress members, the board voted 6-3 to end the partnership. Board chair Sarah Leonardi expressed concern, stating, "This has been a tremendous program for our students." However, board member Adam Cervera emphasized the need to comply with federal law, leading to the contract's termination. Jose Enriquez, chief executive of Latinos in Action, disputed the claims, asserting that the organization does not enforce racial quotas.

 

Sun Sentinel

Satellite High School was placed on lockdown on Tuesday following a "suspicious call" received at the front office, authorities said. In response, the Satellite Beach Police Department increased law enforcement presence, and nearby schools were also put on shelter-in-place status as a precaution. This incident highlights the ongoing concerns regarding school safety and the measures taken to protect students and staff.

 

Fox 35 Orlando

Kathleen Brown, a dedicated educator at Braden River Middle School for 25 years, has taught various subjects including math and U.S. History. Her principal, Kimberlain Zenon, praised her as a "lifelong learner who is solution driven, tenacious, knowledgeable and collaborative." Clifford Dawson, the band teacher at Braden River High, expressed his motivation for pursuing the Educator of the Year title is to benefit his students. Both Brown, a finalist for the title, and Stacy Freeman, last year's winner from Gilbert W. McNeal Elementary School, acknowledged the importance of embracing recognition for their hard work as educators.

 

Sarasota Observer

The Florida Senate is set to review legislation aimed at overhauling teacher contracts and professional certificates, which have faced criticism for nearly 15 years. The proposed changes would allow teachers to secure contracts for up to three years if they have not received a poor evaluation in the past three years. If a teacher on a multi-year contract receives a negative review, they would revert to an annual contract. Sponsored by Sen. Corey Simon, the bill also proposes extending the duration of professional certificates for certain teachers. "The need to annually renew contracts for educators who have proven their value is demoralizing and unnecessary," said teacher union leaders. The Senate's previous attempts to pass similar measures have failed, with the latest debate scheduled for December 9.

 

Florida Politics

Tampa Bay Times

The Duval County School Board has approved a plan to close Long Branch Elementary and Anchor Academy due to low enrollment and high operating costs. However, the closures have been delayed to explore alternatives, including a federal grant to save Anchor Academy, which serves many military families. Superintendent Christopher Bernier emphasized the need for cost-saving measures, stating, "It's better to have one school of 500 than two schools of 250." Community advocates, including Vice-Chair April Carney and Jacksonville City Council members, have expressed concerns about the impact on students and the community. "Long Branch isn't just a school. It's the heartbeat of a community," said James Coleman, highlighting the potential challenges for students if the school closes. The board is urged to consider long-term implications as the neighborhood evolves.

 

The Florida Times-Union

The increasing interest in artificial intelligence (AI) programs among students is evident as universities expand their offerings. According to The New York Times, more than 3,000 students enrolled in a new AI and cybersecurity college at the University of South Florida in Tampa this semester. Institutions are responding to the popularity of generative AI tools like ChatGPT and Claude. For instance, the University of Washington recently launched a $10m campuswide AI initiative, while Penn State aims to prepare students, faculty, and staff to lead in an AI-driven economy. Additionally, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill plans to consolidate two schools to form an AI college, and Arizona State University will feature rapper will.i.am leading an AI course titled “The Agentic Self.” Many universities are rebranding their computer science programs to incorporate AI more broadly.

 

Edscoop

The French government is urging an “urgent mobilization” to boost children’s reading after a national study found that young people aged 7–19 spend only 19 minutes a day reading compared with more than three hours on screens, with 38% of older teens not reading at all in their free time. Reading interest drops sharply during collège, especially among boys, prompting calls for stronger action despite existing investments in libraries and reading associations. At a recent national conference, experts proposed a 10-year plan with 15 measures focused on restoring the pleasure of reading, promoting daily reading habits from birth to age 18, and improving training for teachers and other professionals who work with young people.

 

The Local