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Florida
7th January 2026
 

THE HOT STORY

Bible verse sparks education debate

Some Florida families are expressing concern over a letter from Education Commissioner Anastasios Kamoutsas that included a quote from Proverbs 22:6. Denise Mestanza-Taylor, a homeschooler, found it "odd" to see a Bible verse in a state education letter, emphasizing her belief in secular education. In contrast, Misty Sosa from Tampa Bay Christian Homeschool Families praised the letter, stating, "It is refreshing to see a public official acknowledge parents’ God-given rights." Mestanza-Taylor questioned the appropriateness of religious references in state communications, asking how it would feel if a Quranic verse were included instead. The State’s Department of Education has not responded to inquiries regarding the letter.

NATIONAL NEWS

U.S. schools ramp up borrowing to record levels as costs rise and enrolment falls

Public school districts across the U.S. sold approximately $82bn in municipal bonds in 2025 according to data compiled by Bloomberg, up nearly 42% from the prior year — the highest level since at least 2013. Facing rising costs from inflation, declining enrollment, and the expiry of pandemic-era federal aid, schools turned to debt to finance upgrades and construction projects. The borrowing boom, driven by voter-approved bond measures and state-level policy changes, notably surged in Texas and California. Despite growing financial pressure, investor appetite for school bonds remains strong, though analysts warn of fiscal challenges ahead.

LEADERSHIP

Bostock aims to boost student success

Nancy Bostock has launched her campaign for the Pinellas County School Board, focusing on enhancing student outcomes and ensuring transparency for parents. She received an early endorsement from outgoing Board member Stephanie Meyer, who praised Bostock's "leadership, background in education, and experience in the private sector." Bostock emphasized the challenges facing public schools, stating: "Runaway inflation has increased the cost of everything in our day-to-day lives, and our schools aren’t immune." With a history of service on the School Board and the Pinellas County Commission, Bostock aims to address rising costs and prioritize student success amidst demographic shifts and housing affordability issues.

TEACHING

Uplift Training soars in Florida

Uplift Training, through its subsidiary Uplift Aerospace, has received approval from the Florida Department of Education (FDOE) for its Starborn Academy Curriculum as part of the 2025-2026 Florida Career and Technical Education (CTE) Instructional Materials Adoption. This approval allows Uplift's VR-powered curriculum to be included on Florida's state adoption list, making it accessible to high schools statewide for a five-year period starting in the 2026-2027 school year. "This approval validates our VR-powered, workforce-ready curriculum," said Josh Hanes, CEO of Uplift Aerospace. The company is also expanding into new training markets through a partnership with ABC Institute, Florida's largest trades apprenticeship provider, to enhance workforce development opportunities.

WORKFORCE

Broward board's pay scandal exposed

An internal audit has uncovered that high-paid employees of the Broward County School Board have been receiving financial supplements from a referendum approved by voters in 2022, intended to support struggling teachers. Superintendent Howard Hepburn stated, “Referendum is for the folks who are closest to our students,” highlighting the intent behind the funding. Board member Adam Cervera called the situation “unacceptable,” while Anna Fusco, president of the Broward Teachers Union, emphasized that the public was “basically duped.” The board voted unanimously to rescind the supplements, which totaled around $300,000, and to initiate an investigation into how this decision was made.

NUTRITION

U.S. dietary guidelines to target added sugars and processed foods

The U.S. Government is expected to update its Dietary Guidelines this week, recommending Americans limit added sugar intake to no more than 10 grams per meal and continue capping added sugars at 10% of daily calories. The new guidance will also urge reduced consumption of ultra-processed foods and may advise increased protein intake while maintaining current saturated fat limits. The changes reflect Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s emphasis on sugar and processed food as drivers of chronic disease. Diane Pratt-Heavner of the School Nutrition Association warned that schools are likely to face challenges adapting to the new guidelines, adding: “There are so many schools that don’t have the infrastructure, the equipment or the staff to be able to scratch-prepare all their meals.” The organization is calling on Congress to offer funding to school meal programs to facilitate the preparation of fresh food.

CONSTRUCTION AND RENOVATION

Eatonville school board faces tough decision

A recent meeting of the Eatonville school board revealed urgent discussions about the future of the 100-acre Hungerford Property. Amina Manji, a local real estate broker, emphasized its potential, stating: “There really is no other land site like the Hungerford Property that represents more than just a real estate site.” The school board is hesitant to grant Eatonville leaders an additional 90 days to devise a plan, citing past failed sales. School board member Melissa Byrd expressed skepticism about the town's ability to manage the land, saying, “I have never been shown the town can take care of this piece of land.” The proposed sale to Dr. Phillips Charities includes plans for a town center and other facilities, with a total deal valued at $14m. The final vote on the sale is scheduled for January 13, pending zoning approval from Eatonville.

LEGISLATION

New bill aims to tackle truancy

Florida's Sen. Darryl Rouson has proposed a new bill, SB 1190, that mandates electronic alerts for school districts when students reach truancy thresholds. This legislation aims to standardize early notifications to school administrators, child study teams, and parents regarding excessive unexcused absences. Currently, students are deemed truant after five unexcused absences in a month or 10 in a 90-day period, and the bill does not alter these thresholds. Rouson emphasized the need for a consistent approach, stating, "the alert system mandatory statewide, rather than leaving the approach up to local discretion." The bill also updates truancy intervention statutes to include this new requirement.

INTERNATIONAL

Winnipeg district warns of cuts amid C$2.4m deficit, urges provincial funding boost

The Louis Riel School Division in Winnipeg is warning of potential cuts to staffing and programs unless the Manitoba government increases funding to match enrolment growth and inflation. Facing a C$2.4m ($1.73m) deficit, board chair Sandy Nemeth has called on parents and staff to lobby the province. Enrolment has risen 7.2% over three years, while annual provincial funding increases have slowed. Education Minister Tracy Schmidt insists the division is receiving stable support, noting its budget has grown to C$273m for 2025–26, with the province contributing C$123m.
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