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Florida
26th March 2026
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THE HOT STORY

White House showcases AI teaching

Melania Trump used a White House summit on AI in education to argue for broader classroom use of artificial intelligence, joined by a humanoid robot called “Figure 03” that greeted attendees in 11 languages. She described a future where humanoid teachers could personalize lessons based on students’ pace and emotional state while supporting U.S. economic competitiveness and expanding access to high-quality instruction for diverse learners. Trump also acknowledged technology risks tied to screen time and child development, while summit participants stressed cooperation among governments, tech firms, and investors.

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NATIONAL NEWS

Schools take on social platforms

A summer multidistrict trial in Oakland will test whether school districts can hold social media companies responsible for harms tied to student use, with plaintiffs arguing the platforms foster addiction in ways similar to opioids. Attorney Jayne Conroy said, “These companies knew about the risks,” alleging they prioritized advertiser profits over children’s safety. The companies dispute that social media is addictive or proven to cause mental health harm, setting up a long legal fight shaped by competing views of science, responsibility, and regulation.

STATE NEWS

Revamping Florida's education system now

U.S. Representative Byron Donalds is leading discussions on significant changes to Florida's education system, including a complete overhaul of the grading system. During a recent roundtable at Miami Dade College West Campus, Donalds emphasized the importance of these reforms for the future of education in the state. He stated: "We need to ensure our students are prepared for the challenges ahead." This initiative is part of his campaign for the 2026 Republican gubernatorial primary, aiming to enhance educational outcomes across Florida.

Florida leads the way in school choice

Florida is emerging as a national leader in school choice, according to former Volusia County Republican Party vice chairman Duncan DeMarsh. The state has shifted its focus from institutions to students and families, allowing parents to select the educational path that best suits their children. "Educational freedom is not an abstract concept," DeMarsh said, emphasizing that parents can choose from various options, including public, charter, private schools, and homeschooling. Florida's policies, such as funding following the student, have fostered competition among schools, leading to innovation and improved accountability. Critics argue that school choice undermines public education, but DeMarsh contends it strengthens it by aligning resources with student needs. The state's commitment to school choice reflects a belief that opportunity should not be limited by ZIP code, ultimately aiming to create an education system that serves every child effectively.

Cursive comeback: Florida's new mandate

Florida is set to implement new legislation requiring students to demonstrate proficiency in cursive writing, pending Governor Ron DeSantis's approval. State Rep. Toby Overdorf emphasized the importance of cursive, stating: "They can’t sign their mortgage. They can’t sign a bank check," highlighting a significant gap in students' skills. The bill, House Bill 127, received unanimous support and mandates cursive instruction for grades three to five. Educators like Dale Stenberg and Aubree Brannigan noted the cognitive benefits of cursive, including improved brain function and deeper understanding of the curriculum. The new requirements will take effect on July 1 if signed into law.

ABSENTEEISM

Early outreach boosts attendance

School districts using early, frequent, and positive family outreach saw chronic absenteeism fall from 22.4% to about 19% across the first 90 days over three school years, a 3.46-point drop equal to 27,000 fewer chronically absent students. The strongest gains came in pre-K, kindergarten, and among low-income students. Kara Stern, director of education for SchoolStatus, said: “We’re seeing that we can tell by a certain point in the school year—early in the school year—who’s going to be chronically absent,” underscoring the value of acting before attendance problems become entrenched.

FINANCE

Pasco seeks pay tax renewal

Officials in Pasco County have approved a November ballot measure asking voters to renew a local property tax that funds higher pay for teachers and school staff, aiming to maintain competitive salaries and reduce vacancies. District leaders said the tax, first approved in 2022, has helped significantly lower job openings and improve recruitment, but warned that failure to renew it could result in a roughly 12% pay cut for employees and weaken the district’s ability to compete with neighboring counties. County commissioners unanimously supported placing the measure on the ballot, emphasizing the importance of maintaining strong schools and aligning with other Florida districts that are also seeking voter backing for additional education funding.

WORKFORCE

Union secures contract amid challenges

The Leon Classroom Teachers Association (LCTA) successfully secured a contract ratification vote from over half of the district's educators, with approximately 75% in favor. The new contract includes a $2.3m salary package, parental leave, and free before- and after-school care for employees' children. LCTA President Scott Mazur said: "Ultimately, this is a reflection of how poor SB 1296 is," referring to a new law that raises the membership threshold for public sector unions. The union must increase its membership by the end of May to avoid decertification, as the new law mandates that at least half of employees in a bargaining unit must participate in a certification election.

Women lead Monroe County schools

As Women's History Month unfolds, Monroe County celebrates a significant milestone with all three public high schools led by female principals: Rebecca Palomino at Key West, Christine Paul at Marathon, and Laura Lietaert at Coral Shores. This is believed to be the first instance where all principals are alumni of their respective schools, as noted by Amber Archer Acevedo, Deputy Superintendent of Monroe County Schools District.

DISTRICTS

Student connectivity day

High school students at Horizon High School participated in the inaugural Student Connectivity Day, a new initiative by Orange County Public Schools aimed at fostering connections among students. The event allowed students to explore various clubs and activities during the school day, providing an opportunity for those unable to join extracurriculars after school.

HEALTH & WELLBEING

Measles outbreak: 16 cases reported

Florida is experiencing a measles outbreak, with 16 reported cases as of March 14, including six in Collier County among individuals aged 15 to 19 and one in a child under four from Broward County. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported 1,487 cases nationwide, with 92% occurring in unvaccinated individuals. Florida ranks fourth in the nation for measles infections, with 122 confirmed cases reported by the CDC. Governor Ron DeSantis has proposed making it easier for parents to opt out of mandatory school vaccinations, a move that has faced legislative resistance.

HIGHER EDUCATION

FGCU's debt collection woes revealed

The Florida Gulf Coast University (FGCU) is facing scrutiny after a state audit revealed it failed to collect over $7m in student debt. The review, covering April to November of last year, indicated that FGCU was not actively pursuing delinquent accounts, despite state laws permitting holds on transcripts and campus services. Additionally, auditors identified issues with a campus construction project. FGCU responded by stating that much of the debt was temporary, linked to financial aid and third-party payments, and noted that the total has since decreased to approximately $3.3m.

INTERNATIONAL

Ontario targets graduation messaging

Ontario education minister Paul Calandra has directed school boards and educators to ensure upcoming graduation ceremonies remain strictly focused on celebrating student achievement and avoid any political messaging or “divisive or contentious issues,” according to an internal memo. The directive warns that failure to comply could pose risks to student well-being and signals the minister is prepared to use powers under the Education Act to enforce compliance, including holding staff to the same behavioral standards expected of students. The memo follows past controversies, including an incident in which a student was barred from attending graduation after planning pro-Palestinian remarks, and comes amid heightened political sensitivity around student activism. 
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