Education Slice
Become more informed in minutes....
Education Slice Logo
Florida
9th February 2026
Together with

THE HOT STORY

SCOTUS may face new cases moved by religious charter schools

New initiatives to establish religious charter schools are gaining traction across several states, as advocates seek clarity from the U.S. Supreme Court regarding their constitutional status. Following a 4-4 deadlock last year on the St. Isidore of Seville Catholic virtual charter school case, proponents view this as an opportunity to push forward. Eric Baxter, vice president and senior counsel of the Becket Fund for Religious Liberty, said: "The [U.S. Supreme] Court has made clear that once you start funding private entities, you cannot exclude participants because of their religion." Meanwhile, opponents, including Alex J. Luchenitser of Americans United for Separation of Church and State, argue that the Constitution prohibits religious public charter schools. Recent proposals include the Ben Gamla Jewish Charter School in Oklahoma and the Wilburforce Academy in Tennessee, both facing legal scrutiny. The outcomes of these efforts could significantly impact the educational landscape and the future of religious charter schools in the U.S.

YOUR PARTNER FOR B.E.S.T. SUCCESS!

enVision Florida B.E.S.T. Mathematics Success

Finding a comprehensive mathematics solution that is research-based, aligned with the Florida B.E.S.T. Standards, and delivers proven results is a top priority for Florida schools.

Recent quasi-experimental studies indicate that schools using enVision Florida B.E.S.T. Mathematics achieved higher math proficiency rates on the F.A.S.T. assessment than control schools using other mathematics programs.

Access enVision Florida B.E.S.T. Mathematics study results.

 

STATE NEWS

Armed guardians for campuses

The "School Guardian" bill, introduced by State Representative Michelle Salzman in Florida, aims to authorize post-secondary school employees to train as armed guards for active shooter situations. The bill, which has passed several committees, also proposes stricter penalties for gun discharges near schools, classifying such actions as second-degree felonies. It emphasizes the use of FortifyFL, a mobile reporting tool, and allows the transfer of K-12 student records related to behavior and mental health to higher education institutions. The Guardian Program will require candidates to have a concealed gun license, pass psychological evaluations, and complete a 144-hour training course. "There is no cost to the public postsecondary educational institutions or the sheriff," one analysis states, highlighting the bill's financial provisions for training. Similar programs have been in place since 2018, with Polk County leading the way in implementing such safety measures.

SAFETY & SECURITY

Brevard schools face ICE dilemma

Brevard Public Schools has established procedures for staff compliance with ICE agents, requiring a court order for access to students or records. In contrast, the Sarasota school board has pledged support for ICE, penalizing staff who interfere. Brevard students planned protests against ICE actions, with district leaders warning of disciplinary consequences for disruptions. "Our top priority is the physical and mental wellbeing of our students and staff," said BPS spokeswoman Janet Murnaghan. The district emphasizes its commitment to providing education regardless of immigration status. Meanwhile, Sarasota's resolution supports ICE but does not alter existing policies, instead imposing penalties for noncompliance.

Students shaken by ICE actions

In Brevard, Florida, a teacher returned to find her students distraught after a classmate was detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) during a traffic stop. "That was the first time it was one of their own," she said, highlighting the emotional impact on students. The incident reflects a broader trend of increased immigration enforcement since President Donald Trump rescinded a directive protecting sensitive locations like schools. The opening of a migrant detention center in Florida has further fueled anxiety, with many students fearing for their safety and attendance dropping.

TECHNOLOGY

AI use is rising among school psychologists

A new study published in School Psychology provides the first detailed snapshot of how U.S. school psychologists are using artificial intelligence (AI) in practice, finding that roughly two-thirds have used AI tools in the past six months. Based on a survey of 199 practitioners, AI is most commonly used for generating recommendations, report writing, answering work-related questions, and summarizing information, with 94% saying they review AI-generated content before finalizing it. While about half of respondents felt AI-generated recommendations were comparable to or better than their own work, confidence was lower for tasks such as test interpretation and treatment planning, and ethical concerns remain, particularly around disclosure and data security, as most respondents have not informed stakeholders of their AI use and few workplaces have formal policies.

GOVERNANCE

Miami-Dade eyes next leader

Miami-Dade School Board member Roberto J. Alonso says choosing the district’s next superintendent is “among the most consequential decisions” as Superintendent Jose Dotres nears the end of a 40-plus-year public service career. Alonso says he introduced an item to start defining the leadership profile, and notes the Board Chair plans to present a comprehensive selection process and timeline in March to ensure the effort is “board-led” and not rushed. He urges three priorities: stronger accountability to boost achievement and literacy, more personalized options like magnets and academies, and tighter resource stewardship aligned to enrollment shifts.

WORKFORCE

Teachers shine in Central Florida

Four dedicated teachers in Central Florida have been honored as Teachers of the Year, representing their districts in the upcoming state competition. Kyndall Brown, an agriculture teacher, emphasized her commitment, stating: "I'm just consistently always doing something for either my animals, my kids, my classroom." Alexandra Figueroa, a kindergarten teacher, uses a puppet named Elma to engage her students, reducing discipline referrals by 40%. Michelle Deesi, a third-grade teacher, focuses on building connections with her students, while Christie Rey advocates for inclusion in her classroom for students with disabilities.

HEALTH & WELLBEING

Opioid funds misused for anti-marijuana ads

A statewide advisory board overseeing opioid settlement funds was unaware that over $4m was allocated for anti-marijuana advertising. Lee Constantine, a member of the Statewide Council on Opioid Abatement, expressed frustration, saying: “When I ask questions I expect an answer — and I have never gotten one.” The funds were directed to a media campaign aimed at defeating Amendment 3, which sought to legalize marijuana but fell short of the required 60% approval. The state spent over $35m to oppose the amendment, raising concerns about the appropriate use of funds intended for opioid crisis management. The council, established to manage $3bn from opioid settlements, is tasked with ensuring funds are used for treatment and prevention, not political campaigns.

Fighting for better sickle cell care

Twelve-year-old Shamar Harper testified for SB 844, describing sickle cell disease as unpredictable pain that can keep him from school and normal childhood activities: “Some days, my body feels like it’s running a race I never signed up for.” Sponsored by Sen. Shevrin Jones, the bill would require continuing education for physicians and advanced practitioners authorized to prescribe controlled substances, including care management, treatments, and pain for sickle cell patients. Other witnesses cited misdiagnoses and inadequate provider knowledge; Anthony Malcolm said hospital visits can feel like “stepping into a ring of fight for my life.” The Senate Health Policy Committee advanced SB 844 unanimously.

FURTHER EDUCATION

Broward College boosts local economy

Broward College plays a crucial role in Florida's workforce education, with over 90% of graduates either working or pursuing further education. According to a recent economic impact study by Lightcast, the college generated $2.4bn in economic impact in 2023–24, supporting 25,621 jobs in Broward County. The college has received a $7.7m investment from the Florida Legislature to enhance its facilities and programs, including a new associate degree in applied artificial intelligence. Broward College aims to be the top choice for students and has been recognized as a Florida Collegiate Purple Star Campus for its commitment to military-connected students. The college's programs have achieved impressive outcomes, with a 5% increase in enrollment and 100% pass rates in several licensing exams.

HIGHER EDUCATION

Pentagon to end academic programmes with Harvard amid escalating tensions

The U.S. Department of Defense has announced it will end professional military education, fellowships and certificate programmes with Harvard University, marking a further escalation in the Trump administration’s dispute with the institution. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said the move will apply to future enrolments from the 2026–27 academic year, though current participants will be allowed to complete their studies, and similar ties with other universities are under review. The decision comes amid broader administration criticism of elite universities over issues including campus protests on Gaza, diversity initiatives and climate policies. Harvard, which has challenged federal funding freezes in court, rejected accusations of antisemitism and said it has long played a significant role in US military education, while rights groups have raised concerns about academic freedom and due process. 

INTERNATIONAL

Ireland's rural schools face closure amid enrollment drops

Falling primary school enrollment across Ireland is putting growing pressure on small rural schools, with Department of Education data showing a drop of 6,470 pupils this year and 11 schools closing since last June. Slatta National School in Co Roscommon, founded in 1891, is facing possible closure after enrollment fell from 23 pupils in 2022 to just eight, with only five projected for September 2026 despite extensive efforts to attract families. In contrast, Scoil Naomh Pádraig in the Conamara Gaeltacht has reversed its decline through community-led initiatives such as after-school programmes and a €2,000 ($2,364) bursary for families willing to relocate, boosting numbers from four to 13 pupils. The contrasting experiences highlight both the vulnerability of rural schools to demographic change and the role local communities can play in sustaining them.
Industry Slice Logo

Education Slice delivers the latest, most relevant and useful intelligence to key educators, administrators, decision makers and teaching influencers, each weekday morning..

Content is selected to an exacting brief from hundreds of influential media sources and summarised by experienced journalists into an easy-to-read digest email. Education Slice enhances the performance and decision-making capabilities of individuals and teams by delivering the relevant news, innovations and knowledge in a cost-effective way.

If you are interested in sponsorship opportunities within Education Slice, please get in touch via email sales team

Follow us on FacebookFollow us on XFollow us on Linkedin

This e-mail has been sent to [[EMAIL_TO]]

Click here to unsubscribe