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Florida
4th March 2026
 

THE HOT STORY

Legislation threatens Florida teachers' unions

Proposed legislation in Florida could severely impact teachers' unions, with leaders warning it may be "fatal" to their existence. The Senate bill (SB 1296) recently passed a committee vote, while the House version (HB 995) remains unchanged. Both bills aim to increase the voting requirements for union recertification, making it more challenging for unions to maintain their status. Meera Sitharam, president of the United Faculty of Florida, expressed concerns, noting: "It's really getting close to being fatal." The legislation has drawn criticism from various educators, including Andrew Spar, president of the Florida Education Association, who argued that it complicates workers' rights. The bills are now set for floor votes, with potential legal challenges anticipated if they become law.

STATE NEWS

Parents push back on vaccine mandates

The proposed bill SB 1756 aims to establish a new "conscience" category allowing parents to opt their children out of mandatory immunizations for public K-12 schools. Sen. Clay Yarborough, the bill's sponsor, emphasized that “the legislation is about the values we hold in high regard,” advocating for parental rights in vaccination decisions. However, the bill has faced opposition from health care professionals who warn that expanding vaccine exemptions could lead to outbreaks of preventable diseases, especially as Florida currently battles a measles outbreak with over 100 cases. The bill also includes provisions for pharmacists to dispense ivermectin without a prescription, raising concerns among medical experts. The House version of the bill, HB 917, which mandates doctors to accept all patients regardless of vaccination status, remains unaddressed this year.

NATIONAL NEWS

Father convicted in school shooting case

Colin Gray, a Georgia man, was convicted of second-degree murder and involuntary manslaughter in connection with the September 2024 shooting at Apalachee High School, where his son, Colt Gray, is accused of killing two students and two teachers. Prosecutors argued that Colin Gray provided his son with access to a gun and ammunition "after receiving sufficient warning that Colt Gray would harm and endanger the bodily safety of another." Colt Gray, who was 14 at the time, faces 55 counts, including murder, and has pleaded not guilty. Colin Gray's awareness of his son's deteriorating mental health and obsession with school shootings was highlighted during the trial.

Texas ESA faces religious lawsuit

A new lawsuit challenges Texas’s Education Freedom Accounts (TEFA) program, which is expected to become the nation’s largest private school choice effort when it begins next school year. Mehdi Cherkaoui, a parent and attorney, alleges religious discrimination, arguing that “not a single accredited Islamic private school has been approved” while hundreds of other private schools have. State officials, including Acting Comptroller Kelly Hancock, cite an Attorney General Ken Paxton opinion allowing schools to be barred over ties to terrorist organizations or foreign adversaries. Critics also note limited nondiscrimination protections for participating schools.

HEALTH & WELLBEING

AI aids student mental health, but risks exist

Brittani Phillips, a middle school counselor in Putnam County, Florida, utilizes an AI-enabled therapy platform called Alongside to monitor students' mental health. Recently, she received a "severe" alert regarding an eighth grader, prompting her to contact the student's mother and the police. "He’s alive and well. He’s in ninth grade this year," Phillips said, highlighting the trust built through this interaction. Alongside, used by over 200 schools, it offers a unique chat tool where students can discuss their issues with a llama named Kiwi. However, concerns arise about students forming emotional attachments to AI, with experts like Sarah Caliboso-Soto warning against relying on AI as a substitute for human counselors. While AI can assist in identifying issues, it cannot replace the nuanced understanding of a trained professional. Schools must adopt a holistic approach to mental health, integrating family support alongside AI tools.

Brevard school board tackles vaping crisis

The Brevard School Board is exploring innovative ways to combat student vaping, including the idea of publicly smashing confiscated vapes. During a recent meeting, Board Vice Chair Megan Wright suggested a "Smash the Vape" program to raise awareness among students. Principal Chad Kirk of Melbourne High School noted that vaping has led to significant property damage, prompting the closure of four out of eleven student bathrooms. Board Chair Matt Susin stressed the importance of sending a strong message, claiming: "This will start the conversation." While legal concerns about destroying vapes exist, board members are eager to find solutions, including an anti-vaping campaign aimed at both students and parents.

FINANCE

Duval County faces crucial tax vote

The Duval County School Board is set to vote on March 3 regarding a referendum to extend a 1-mill property tax that supports teacher salaries, arts, and sports. Initially approved in 2022, the tax is scheduled to expire after four years unless renewed. If voters approve the extension in November, it will remain in effect until June 30, 2030, generating an estimated $121m annually for teacher pay and school staff. Superintendent Christopher Bernier has expressed support for the extension, while advocacy group Public School Defenders emphasized the importance of investing in education, stating: “When we invest in educators, we invest in students.” The outcome of this vote will not impact the half-penny sales tax approved in 2020 for school construction and repairs.

GOVERNANCE

Sustainable leadership for school change

Kim Wallace’s Game-Changing Leadership in Action: An Educator’s Companion outlines practical ways for school and system leaders to manage rising pressures while driving change that lasts. She points to decision fatigue, isolation, staffing shortages, declining morale, and initiative overload that can weaken trust and effectiveness. Wallace argues generic leadership development falls short and calls for personalized, job-embedded learning matched to each leader’s context and real-time challenges. Her framework integrates three domains—personal, environmental, and institutional—to support sustainability over quick wins.

LEGAL

WLRN's future hangs in the balance

The future of WLRN, South Florida's flagship NPR station, is uncertain following a letter from over 30 employees expressing concerns about senior leadership's handling of a legal dispute with the Miami-Dade County School Board. The letter describes leadership's approach as a "belligerent, combative stance," warning that the station could lose its broadcasting license, which has been tied to the school district since 1949. The staff called for an independent review of executive leadership and highlighted a "growing loss of trust" in governance. The ongoing conflict stems from the acquisition of a new radio station, The Flame 104.7, which the school board claims violates their contract. The board chair, Richard Rampell, has faced criticism for inflammatory remarks during a recent town hall, further straining relations. 

Brevard schools fight for logos

Brevard Public Schools (BPS) is engaged in a trademark dispute to halt unauthorized sales of school-branded merchandise at local retailers. District officials have begun sending cease-and-desist letters to vendors selling items with school logos without permission. School Board Chair Matt Susin said: "It's a large initiative to take back our logos," highlighting concerns that third-party vendors have profited from the district's trademarks without oversight. The issue stems from contracts dating back 20 years, allowing unauthorized sales that deprive schools of essential funding for student programs.

Fraudulent insurance school scandal expands

Nearly two years after the initial arrests in the fraudulent insurance school case, investigators have apprehended four additional agents linked to the former D&R Academy in Virginia Gardens. The Florida Department of Financial Services alleged that Rainier Miguel Salas, who previously pleaded guilty to charges related to the scheme, was involved in subverting at least 820 insurance licensing exams.

SAFETY & SECURITY

E-bike rules for Martin County Schools

The Martin County School Board is considering a new policy that would allow e-bike use on school campuses for students aged 16 and older, provided they have a driver's license and wear a helmet. "The sheriff's office is in strong support of any policies you guys would have limiting the use of e-bikes on school property," said Martin County Sheriff's Lt. David Rosko. The proposed policy would restrict e-bike riders to a maximum speed of 2 mph and prohibit gas-powered bikes and other personal transportation devices. The board has not yet voted on the policy but is expected to revisit the issue before May. In the past year, the sheriff's office has responded to 25 e-bike crashes, with two resulting in serious injuries.

HIGHER EDUCATION

Florida caps international student enrollment

The Florida House has passed a bill to limit international student enrollment at public universities, aiming to prioritize local students. Rep. Jennifer Kincart Jonsson, who sponsored the "Florida First" higher education bill, said: "Florida universities should serve Florida students first." The bill proposes a cap of 5% for non-U.S. citizens at designated preeminent research universities and also limits students from any single foreign country at other state colleges. However, the bill faces uncertainty as a similar measure has not been considered in the state Senate, suggesting it may not become law this session. Opponents argue that this policy could hinder the state's ability to attract top talent, with Rep. Gallop Franklin emphasizing the importance of quality education for all students.
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