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Florida
30th April 2026
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THE HOT STORY

Teachers flee Florida for better pay

Former Palm Beach County School District teachers are relocating to states like Texas, Alabama, and Vermont for better salaries. Kaitlyn Mouring, who moved to Fort Worth, Texas, in 2024, stated: "I moved here because of the pay. The pay is so much nicer here," earning $20,000 more annually. Florida ranks 50th in average teacher salaries at $56,663, which is $18,000 below the national average, according to the National Education Association. Andrew Spar, president of the Florida Education Association, noted: "We are 50th out of the 50 states in Washington, D.C. for the third consecutive year." Despite efforts by the Palm Beach County School District to increase teacher pay, including a raise five times higher than the state’s, many teachers continue to struggle financially. Spar emphasized the need for better compensation, saying, "The lawmakers in the state are not really valuing the importance of public education."

USE ASSESSMENT DATA WITH CONFIDENCE

From Assessment Data to Instructional Impact

Turn assessment results into instructional plans that support stronger literacy outcomes. School leaders across Florida are looking for ways to provide teachers with ongoing insight into student learning while minimizing disruption to classroom instruction. With increasing expectations around early identification, progress monitoring, and effective intervention, educators need accurate and timely information that reflects student progress. Using this insight, school leaders can help address unfinished learning, focus instructional support, and strengthen instruction across classrooms and schools.  

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NATIONAL NEWS

Former Education Secretary criticizes Democrats over K-12 strategy

Former U.S. Education Secretary Arne Duncan has sharply criticized the Democratic Party’s approach to K–12 education, arguing it lacks clear goals, accountability, and urgency at a time of worsening student outcomes following the pandemic. In an interview with The 74 Duncan, who served in the Obama administration from 2009-2016 following a spell as Chicago Public Schools chief executive, called on Democrats to rethink longstanding opposition to policies such as school choice tax credits, framing them as practical tools to support struggling students, particularly given widespread learning loss and high absenteeism. He contends that the party has ceded leadership on education to Republicans, both politically and in terms of student performance, with red states showing stronger gains on national assessments. While remaining critical of Republican policies and rhetoric, Duncan argues Democrats must present a proactive, student-focused agenda centered on improving outcomes, increasing resources, and engaging parents, rather than avoiding the issue. He also warns that the lack of a coherent education strategy is hurting the party politically and failing students, emphasizing that education should be a central campaign priority at both state and national levels.

LEGAL

Moran's cash grab sparks school board lawsuit

Mike Moran, the Sarasota County tax collector, is facing a lawsuit from the Sarasota County School Board over his decision to charge a commission on the district's extra one-mill tax, a practice that has not occurred since the tax was approved by voters in 2002. The board claims that Moran's actions have diverted over $2m from educational resources, which were intended for students and teachers. "The gross divestment of funds by the Tax Collector's office would have real and detrimental effects on the ability of the School Board to continue to adequately provide for its students," said Dan DeLeo, the school board attorney. The lawsuit highlights the contentious relationship between Moran and the school district, as Moran seeks to modernize his office while allegedly undermining educational funding.

STATE NEWS

Florida's health insurance crisis deepens

In Florida, many families, like Tatiana Lafortune's, struggle to secure health insurance for their children. Lafortune, a nursing assistant, cannot afford her employer's health benefits and finds the state's Florida KidCare program out of reach due to income limits. "KidCare is better for children," she said, but she has resorted to an Affordable Care Act plan. Despite unanimous approval in 2023 to expand KidCare eligibility, the changes have not been implemented due to ongoing legal disputes and state inaction. Florida's refusal to comply with federal rules requiring continuous coverage for children has led to thousands losing their insurance. Joan Alker, director of the Center for Children and Families at Georgetown University, emphasized the urgency, noting: "Thousands and thousands of children are routinely losing their coverage in violation of federal law." As the legal battles continue, families are left in limbo, facing rising health care costs and uncertainty.

WORKFORCE

Tax proposal aims to boost teacher salaries

The Leon County School Board is moving towards proposing a new property tax to enhance teacher and staff salaries, with a resolution due by the end of June for the general election ballot. "We find ourselves in a pretty different place now," said school board member Rosanne Wood, highlighting the community's need for better funding. The board also approved a half-penny sales tax for school construction and maintenance, which has been in place for nearly 25 years. The proposed property tax is expected to generate $26m, which will cost homeowners about $200-$300 annually. The board will vote on the ballot resolution on May 12.

Parents protest staffing cuts in lee county

In Fort Myers, parents gathered outside the Lee County School District offices to protest potential staffing cuts amid a projected $46m deficit. Rob Spicker, from the School District of Lee County, addressed the financial challenges, stating: "As complicated as our budget is... when you have less money coming in than you are spending going out, that can't be sustainable." He emphasized that the district aims to realign spending rather than cut programs, assuring that arts and athletics will not be eliminated. Parents expressed their desire for immediate answers before any final decisions are made, with more clarity expected by next week.

DISTRICTS

Brevard board chair interrupts public comments

At a recent Brevard School Board meeting, public commenters faced frequent interruptions from Board Chair Matt Susin and board member Katye Campbell. During the meeting, speakers raised concerns about student expulsions and a proposed policy allowing increased spending without competitive quotes. Bill Pearlman, a retired teacher, was interrupted just seconds into his comment regarding the policy, which had been pulled from the agenda. "We should consider that in the face of an operational audit that was done by the state," Pearlman said, referencing a report by Florida's auditor general. Other speakers, including Keith Schachter and Amy Roub, also experienced interruptions, with some being moved to the non-agenda portion of the meeting. The meeting concluded with minimal discussion on other agenda items, including the termination of a teacher accused of misconduct.

Students soar in Brevard County

U.S. Rep. Mike Haridopolos praised Brevard County's educational initiatives, emphasizing the importance of hands-on experience in career and technical education. He highlighted the success of over 500 fifth-grade students who participated in Boeing's Destination Moon STEM Design Challenge, where they developed solutions for lunar missions using coding and robotics. Haridopolos noted: "Brevard County is doing exactly that" in aligning education with real-world industries. He also recognized the commitment of local students to serve the nation during a recent enlistment ceremony, stating that "service matters." Overall, he commended the Brevard County School Board for creating pathways that connect students to opportunities and inspire them to dream bigger, ultimately strengthening both the community and the country.

Community rallies to save Irby school

In Alachua, a coalition of teachers, parents, and community members is advocating against the potential closure of Irby Elementary School, which serves pre-K through second grade students. The Alachua County School Board is set to vote on the school's fate on May 5. Supporters have sent over 200 emails to the board and proposed alternatives to keep the school open, arguing that it is a vital community resource. They emphasize that the building can accommodate more students and that closing it would exacerbate existing economic divides. The board is considering four options, three of which would allow Irby to remain open, but community advocates fear that rezoning could further divide the community.

EARLY EDUCATION

Boosting preschoolers' language skills

At First Academy Preschool in Leesburg, children wear purple vests equipped with devices that track their conversations with teachers, aiming to enhance language skills. Shelby Kubusheski, a teacher at the preschool, said: “It's impacted the way we communicate with the kids. It adds more depth into our conversations.” The LENA Grow program, adopted by 400 preschools in Florida, focuses on improving the quality and frequency of interactions between children and adults. The state allocated $975,000 for the program in 2025, which includes equipment and coaching for teachers. Research indicates that children in childcare often have fewer opportunities for meaningful conversations compared to home. The program has shown positive effects on early literacy skills, as noted in a study published in the journal Child Language Teaching and Therapy. The data collected helps teachers engage children more effectively and identify those who may need additional support.

SOCIAL & COMMUNITY

Celebrate community spirit in Broward

On Tuesday, Broward County Public Schools held its annual Community Involvement Awards at the Lauderhill Performing Arts Center, celebrating the theme “Catch the Spirit.” Carolyn Stewart, the district's community relations coordinator, expressed gratitude for WPLG-Local 10 News, which received the Partner of the Year Award. “We are just so appreciative that we recognize everything that they have done for our students and our schools,” Stewart said. The event attracted around 800 guests, including 200 nominees, who enjoyed a breakfast before the award ceremony.

SPORTS

NCAA to allow student-athletes to earn prize money before college enrollment

The NCAA has agreed to lift restrictions preventing student-athletes from earning prize money before enrolling in college, as part of a proposed settlement in an antitrust lawsuit brought by tennis player Reese Brantmeier, with the rule change applying across all sports. Under the agreement, the NCAA will pay $2.02m in damages to Brantmeier and another athlete, while also covering more than $2m in legal and administrative costs, marking a further shift in its compensation policies following recent moves to allow name, image, and likeness earnings and direct revenue sharing with athletes.

HIGHER EDUCATION

Campus free speech crisis deepens

Campus free expression is facing a significant crisis, according to the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression (FIRE). The report reveals that a majority of students now oppose allowing controversial speakers on campuses, with many institutions receiving failing grades for their speech climates. Jason Jewell, chief academic officer for Florida's state university system, noted that "campus culture is not immutable," emphasizing the importance of clear norms and consistent enforcement. In contrast, Florida's public universities have implemented policies that promote free speech, resulting in higher student support for open debate. The state's proactive measures, including the Campus Free Expression Act and the Civil Discourse Initiative, have led to a more favorable environment for free expression, as evidenced by the state's top rankings in higher education. Despite ongoing challenges, Florida's experience serves as a reminder that free speech norms must be actively taught and defended.

INTERNATIONAL

Ontario tightens board oversight

Ontario Education Minister Paul Calandra says provincially appointed school board supervisors will not speak to media while they focus on stabilizing governance, fixing financial and operational problems, and improving student achievement. The supervisors have replaced elected trustees at boards including Thames Valley after concerns about deficits and management practices, with no timeline for restoring elected leadership. Broader reforms would cap elected trustees, create executive-style roles, and redefine directors of education as CEOs responsible for performance, marking a major shift toward centralized board control.
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