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Florida
25th March 2026
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THE HOT STORY

Revolutionizing Florida's education system

Congressman Byron Donalds and his wife, Erika, are proposing significant changes to Florida's education system, starting with a new grading system for schools. At a campaign event at Miami Dade College's Doral campus, Byron Donalds criticized the current grading system, stating: “Revamping of the grading system is going to be to make sure that, yes, you are making sure the kids are getting the key fundamental building blocks.” The couple's vision includes individual education plans for all students, promoting trades and apprenticeships, and increasing private enterprise involvement in education. Erika Donalds, a former investment firm executive with ties to the charter school industry, emphasized the need for a competitive market in education, comparing the current system to outdated technology.

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NATIONAL NEWS

States warn USDA rules on funding could disrupt access to school nutrition programs

A coalition of 20 states and the District of Columbia has sued the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), arguing that new grant conditions tied to federal funding could threaten billions of dollars for school meal and nutrition programs. The lawsuit, brought by states as California, Colorado, Maryland, Massachusetts, and Virginia, challenges rules introduced at the end of 2025 that prohibit grant recipients from using funds for activities related to “gender ideology,” immigration incentives, or policies affecting women’s sports, with states claiming the requirements are unlawful and overly broad. State attorneys general argue the USDA lacks authority to impose such conditions, noting that Congress mandates access to school meal programs regardless of immigration status, and that the rules introduce uncertainty and administrative burden. The USDA has said the conditions are intended to ensure compliance with federal law, but has declined to comment on the ongoing litigation.

Judge delays data demand

A federal judge has extended the deadline for public universities in 17 states to submit seven years of admissions data on race and sex to the U.S. Department of Education, pushing it to April 6 as part of efforts by the Trump administration to enforce the Supreme Court’s 2023 ban on affirmative action. The judge also extended a temporary restraining order blocking the requirement, though he narrowed its scope so it no longer applies nationwide. The administration says the data will help identify whether schools are still using indirect racial considerations in admissions, but state officials and legal representatives argue the revised survey is flawed and potentially unlawful. The judge has raised concerns about whether the Education Department can manage the data request amid broader efforts to dismantle the agency, and is expected to rule on a longer-term injunction by April 3.

STATE NEWS

New law shakes up Florida unions

Florida's Senate Bill 1296, recently approved by lawmakers, introduces significant changes to public sector unions, particularly affecting teachers, nurses, and municipal workers. The law mandates that unions maintain at least 60% dues-paying membership to avoid recertification, with a requirement that 50% of eligible employees participate in the vote. If a union fails to meet these criteria, it loses its certification for a year, leaving employees without representation. Supporters argue the law ensures unions reflect their members, while critics, including Kevin Daly, president of the Teachers Association of Lee County, claim it prioritizes politics over the needs of workers. "Instead of taking their time to address these problems... they have decided to target public sector unions," Daly said. The law is set to take effect on July 1, amid ongoing contract disputes in Lee and Collier counties.

FINANCE

Leon County Schools faces $7.8m budget cuts

Leon County Schools (LCS) plans to implement over $7.8m in budget cuts, affecting staffing, arts, and athletics. Superintendent Rocky Hanna stated that the funding reduction will lead to increased costs for families participating in programs, saying, "The whole goal of that initiative was to reduce costs for parents and families." The cuts will involve consolidating positions and eliminating staff, with principals determining which roles to remove. School Board Member Alva Smith expressed disappointment that the cuts did not include more comprehensive changes, advocating for a holistic review of the district's resources. Hanna acknowledged the need for future discussions on school consolidation but felt this was not the right time. The cuts are pending the state legislature's budget decisions, with the possibility of reinstating resources if funds allow.

GOVERNANCE

New chiefs set to join Flagler schools

The Flagler School Board is poised to approve the hiring of Lauren Johnston as chief of operations and Joshua Walker as chief of Human Resources. Johnston, who has served Palm Coast for 17 years, expressed her enthusiasm, saying, “I think it's going to be a great opportunity to utilize my skills to continue to serve in our community.” Superintendent LaShakia Moore recommended both candidates, highlighting Johnston's extensive experience and Walker's passion for Human Resources.

TECHNOLOGY

OCPS shapes AI rules

Orange County Public Schools is gathering community input as it develops a districtwide AI strategy. A school board work session will review survey results on parent comfort, possible benefits, and concerns about student use of AI tools. Board member Alicia Farrant emphasized the need for strong guardrails, saying: “We have to make sure we’re protecting the student’s identity.” District leaders say current AI use will need clearer protections around data privacy, safety, and academic integrity, with a formal policy targeted for the fall.

DISTRICTS

Broward schools rethink underused campuses

Broward County school leaders are considering innovative ways to repurpose underused school campuses and district properties to save money and generate revenue following the closure of under-enrolled schools. At a recent meeting, officials discussed options such as renting out space in the Kathleen C. Wright Administration Center and relocating district offices to underutilized school sites. Additionally, proposals for the North Fork Elementary campus include job training opportunities and affordable housing for school staff. Broward Superintendent Howard Hepburn noted: “It's an exciting moment to hear these proposals give the board an opportunity to really do something different.”

Trailblazer Academy shines at art show

Trailblazer Academy in Ormond Beach recently celebrated the success of its students at the Artful Expressions exhibition, a statewide showcase organized by the FLVS Foundation at the Orlando Science Center. Out of 250,000 eligible students from Florida Virtual School, 11 from Trailblazer Academy were selected, with four achieving top placements.

Ballet links books and dance

Hundreds of elementary school students, including those from Palm Beach Day Academy, participated in the "Ballet by the Book" field trip at Glazer Hall, where they enjoyed a performance of "Peter and the Wolf" by Ballet Palm Beach. Each student received a copy of the book to take home. The program aims to connect children's literature with dance, fostering a love for reading and the arts.

HEALTH & WELLBEING

Free sports physicals for students

AdventHealth is partnering with Volusia County Schools and Flagler Schools to provide free sports physicals for middle and high school students this spring. The initiative aims to ensure student health and safety as they prepare for athletic activities. “These events are about giving families peace of mind,” said Erik Nason, director of strategic partnership operations at AdventHealth. Last year, nearly 2,000 free sports physicals were provided, with 17 teens identified needing follow-up care, including urgent medical attention for a rare heart condition discovered in a Matanzas High School basketball player.

SOCIAL & COMMUNITY

Fiddlesticks giving nears milestone

The Bobby Nichols-Fiddlesticks Charity Foundation awarded more than $1.5m to six children’s charities through the 24th annual Nichols Cup and auction gala, lifting its total giving to nearly $22m. Foundation president Bryan Simmering said: “Reaching nearly $22m in total giving is a testament to the passion and generosity of our Fiddlesticks community.” The largest grants went to Children’s Advocacy Center of Southwest Florida and Abuse Counseling and Treatment, while other funds supported food access, housing, anti-trafficking services, and mental health care for children across Southwest Florida.

HIGHER EDUCATION

UCF honors professor with new scholarship

The University of Central Florida (UCF) has established the Dr. James C. Clark Scholarship to honor the late history professor who passed away last year. This scholarship will be available annually to all students, regardless of their major, and aims to celebrate Clark's dedication to education. To qualify, applicants must submit a 500-word essay on the significance of Florida history and complete AMH 2020, the course Clark taught for over 40 years. “With this scholarship, we honor the memory of Dr. James C. Clark,” UCF stated, highlighting his impact on students and the community.

INTERNATIONAL

Seoul urges Tokyo to revise territorial claims over Dokdo in school materials

South Korea has urged Japan to correct territorial claims over the disputed Dokdo islets in newly approved high school textbooks, formally protesting descriptions that label the islands as Japanese territory and characterize Korea’s control as illegal. Seoul criticized the materials for distorting historical facts, called for immediate revisions, and reiterated that Dokdo is Korean territory under international law, while also raising concerns about broader textbook narratives that downplay wartime forced labor and sexual slavery, issues that continue to strain relations between the two countries.
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