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The U.S. Department of Justice made significant changes to its approach to student civil rights under the Trump administration. Notably, the department has shifted focus away from issues like restraint and seclusion, which disproportionately affect students with disabilities. Leslie Seid Margolis, a lawyer with Disability Rights Maryland, emphasized the importance of federal oversight, claiming: "I can't really overstate the impact that Justice can have." Despite a successful ban on seclusion in Maryland, concerns are rife about the DOJ's reduced capacity to handle civil rights cases, as many staffers have resigned. The article also notes ongoing investigations into various civil rights issues, including racial harassment and discrimination, but raises alarms about the potential long-term implications of the current administration's policies on student protections.

 

San Luis Obispo Tribune

Joel Knudson, principal researcher at the American Institutes for Research, writes that course grades are a significant aspect of student success in U.S. schools, but traditional grading methods face scrutiny for their fairness and validity. Research indicates that subjectivity in grading can lead to discrepancies in measuring student learning, prompting calls for reform. Many districts are exploring changes to grading practices, yet these efforts often encounter resistance from teachers and families. Knudson suggests that to foster effective change, districts should engage all stakeholders, including students and families, in the problem-solving process.

 

EdSource

Leon County Schools Superintendent Rocky Hanna has said that the district's School Board will face a year of tough financial decisions in 2026, saying ahead of the board's annual retreat in January that if "we are funded at the same level next year that we are this year, we're going to continue to have rising expenses". This year's retreat, according to board chair Marcus Nicolas, will be "budget centered" and is expected to focus on three main topics - facilities review, enrollment trend data, and Pre-K programs.

 

Tallahassee.com

Celebrity and businesswoman Paris Hilton has stepped in to buy classroom supplies and food for students at Triangle Elementary, purchasing items on an Amazon wish list created by teacher Megan Dewitz. Hilton also shared the list on her social media accounts, prompting a surge in donations to other Florida schools. Dewitz said she is "incredibly grateful for Paris Hilton's kindness", and is hoping to harness the donation drive to keep supporting students through a nonprofit.

 

Fox 35 Orlando

Surgeon General Joseph Ladapo is moving forward with plans to roll back school vaccination mandates, prompting emotional testimony at a public hearing from parents, activists and physicians opposed to the change. The hearing, in Panama City Beach, saw doctors and public health workers share testimony about the widespread public health issues that were addressed by the availability of vaccines.

 

News Herald

Sun Sentinel

A new report from the Food Research & Action Center (FRAC) has found that millions of children are still missing out on afterschool meals and snacks, with participation in federal Afterschool Nutrition Programs falling short of pre-pandemic levels. In October 2024, 1.26m children received afterschool suppers and 1.24m received snacks, well below the reach needed. Only one in 16 children who received free or reduced-price school lunch accessed an afterschool supper, and only California and Washington, D.C. met FRAC's goal of serving 15 out of every 100. FRAC estimates that 1.8m more children could have been served and $163.5m in federal funds accessed if all states had met the benchmark. The report calls for expanded eligibility, streamlined administration, and increased funding to close the nutrition gap.

 

YubaNet

Amanda Weber, a parent at Bonneville Elementary School, is fighting against the potential closure of the school, which has been a part of her family's history since she met her husband there in fourth grade. After learning about the possible closure at a district meeting, she launched an online petition that quickly garnered nearly 900 signatures. Weber expressed her frustration, saying: "They're choosing what they feel would be the best option for their budget. It's really disheartening." The Orange County Public Schools (OCPS) is facing significant enrollment declines, losing 5,539 students this year, and is considering closing seven schools, including Bonneville. The district attributes these losses to demographic changes, lower birth rates, and the expansion of voucher programs for private education. OCPS noted: "Operating schools well below capacity is not sustainable," emphasizing the need for strategic decisions to strengthen educational opportunities. The school board is set to discuss these closures, which could impact around 3,200 students.

 

News 13

Bradenton.com

The Miami Herald

Dr. Howard Hepburn, Superintendent of Broward County Public Schools, has officially recommended that seven of the district's schools be closed and consolidated with other schools. Dr. Hepburn pointed to declining enrollment across the district, with student numbers down by more than 9,000 year-on-year, commenting: "We're not the only school district facing this challenge, it's mostly being faced in large, urban areas. There's many variables, affordability, legislation that may be impacting families, declining birth rates. And so, we can't continue to kick that can down the road, hoping and praying, we need to take action."

 

NBC Miami

Superintendent Howard Hepburn is set to request the School Board to reject all bids from companies aiming to manage construction projects for Broward County Schools. This decision follows an audit that uncovered significant deficiencies in the proposals. Hepburn's move highlights the need for improved oversight and accountability in the district's construction management. "We need to ensure that we are making the best decisions for our students and schools," Hepburn said during a recent meeting.

 

Sun Sentinel

A gunman opened fire during a final exam review session at Brown University on Saturday, killing two people and injuring nine others before fleeing the campus. The incident took place in the Barus and Holley building in Providence, Rhode Island, prompting a full lockdown and massive police response. Students sheltered for hours in classrooms and dorms. Although a person of interest was detained, they were later released due to lack of evidence, and no suspects or motives have been confirmed. With the attacker still unidentified, officials cited poor campus surveillance as a challenge in the investigation. Brown has cancelled all remaining classes and exams for the semester, and the FBI is assisting local authorities in the ongoing search.

 

CNN

USA Today

New York Times

Politico

On December 13, 2025, Florida Tech held its fall commencement ceremonies, awarding 1,173 degrees to 1,139 candidates, including 34 who received multiple degrees. Nearly 900 students participated in the ceremonies, representing a diverse Class of 2025 from 65 countries and all 50 states, along with the District of Columbia. Florida Tech President John Nicklow and Presidential Medal recipient Travis Proctor were present to celebrate the achievements of the graduates. "Members of the Class of 2025 hailed from 65 countries and all 50 states," highlighting the global reach of the university's educational impact.

 

Florida Today

A new Think HQ poll shows that 59% of Albertans would vote to end provincial funding for private schools, with support rising to 69% among decided voters. The issue mirrors a citizen-led petition, launched by Calgary teacher Alicia Taylor, seeking a referendum on the matter, which has so far gathered over 38,700 signatures. Alberta’s 2025–26 education budget includes C$295m ($214.1m) in funding for over 230 private schools, out of a total C$9.9bn K-12 education budget. In response to the poll, Education Minister Demetrios Nicolaides reiterated the government’s stance that parents should have the freedom to choose the educational path that best suits their children. Support for defunding private schools was strongest in Edmonton, at 66%, while northern Alberta showed a more divided opinion.

 

CBC News