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Florida
9th June 2026
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THE HOT STORY

Florida budget under fire for lack of vetting

Florida TaxWatch has identified 621 projects worth $829.7m in the new state budget that were not properly vetted. The report, released on June 8, emphasizes the lack of a transparent public process, stating that these projects "appeared essentially out of thin air at a budget conference meeting," according to Jeff Kottkamp, Florida TaxWatch's president & CEO. The report highlights spending in higher education, local parks, and cultural grants, with significant amounts flagged for the University of Florida and Florida State University. Kottkamp noted that the organization does not assess the merit of the projects but focuses on whether they followed established budget processes. The findings come as Governor Ron DeSantis considers the $114.5bn state budget, with a history of vetoing flagged projects. In previous years, 50% to 75% of identified projects were vetoed, raising concerns about the sustainability of local member projects.

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.  

Explore how timely, accurate insight into student learning supports instructional planning, ongoing progress monitoring, and more purposeful instructional decisions that lead to stronger literacy outcomes for students across Florida schools.

Explore Data Insights

 

GOVERNANCE

Media coalition demands transparency from OCPS

Orange County Public Schools (OCPS) Superintendent Maria Vazquez is facing pressure from a coalition of Central Florida media organizations, including The Apopka Chief, to revise a media policy that they argue restricts employee speech and limits public access to information. The Society of Professional Journalists (SPJ) sent a letter to Vazquez, stating: “OCPS owes its staff, students and the public a commitment to transparency and to honor the expressive rights of its employees.” The coalition, which includes 11 media outlets, claims that Management Directive B-5 suppresses press freedoms and chills First Amendment-protected speech. They propose revisions that would allow employees to communicate with the media without prior approval.

New principals shake up Lake County Schools

Several schools in Lake County are set to welcome new principals for the upcoming school year. Reshonda Scott, recognized as Florida's 2026 Assistant Principal of the Year, will take over at Leesburg High School, succeeding Andrea Pyatt, who will move to Cecil E. Gray Middle School. Scott has been with Lake County Schools since 2012 and has held various leadership roles, including assistant principal and curriculum administrator. Other changes include Kevin Schichtel at Tavares Elementary and Venessa King at Eustis Heights Elementary, both bringing extensive experience to their new roles.

DISTRICTS

Transforming lives through education

Students in the Take Stock in Children of Brevard program were thrilled to learn that their scholarships will now cover four years of education instead of two at participating Florida colleges and universities. This announcement was made during the annual Mentor Appreciation Luau held on June 4, where graduating scholars from 17 high schools celebrated with their mentors and community supporters. Krista Petty, the mentor coordinator, emphasized the program's mission, stating, "Take Stock in Children provides students from income-qualified households with volunteer mentors, college readiness support, and scholarship opportunities to help them achieve post-secondary success." The program is celebrating its 30th anniversary this year.

Student's perfect score questioned by district

Araniel Gonzalez Garcia, a junior at St. Cloud High School, celebrated his perfect score on the U.S. History end-of-course exam, only to be told by the Osceola County School District that it was a "statistical anomaly." The district required him to retake the exam, which he failed under stressful conditions. Araniel expressed his frustration, saying: "I worked my butt off in that class, so I just feel a little irritated." His grandmother, Judith Gonzalez, criticized the district for not supporting him, stating: "It's like they don't care about the kid." The district has not provided an explanation for why his score was flagged, and Araniel's teacher advocated for him, but the situation remains unresolved.

STEM

Dive into marine education!

Florida Water Tours has established the Florida Water Warriors Headquarters to enhance marine science education for children in Northeast Florida, particularly targeting underserved youth. The initiative aims to promote conservation through environmental literacy and hands-on learning. Kristie Corrigan, the educational director, is already piloting programs with various partner organizations, including the Boys & Girls Clubs of Northeast Florida and Flagler College. Jessica Jadick, founder of Florida Water Tours, expressed her enthusiasm, saying: "Through Cruise for a Cause and our sponsorships, local businesses and community members have a chance to directly impact marine science education for children in Northeast Florida." The nonprofit has already reached 6,234 children and provided $15,102 in financial aid to those in need.

MICRO SCHOOLS

Transforming lives: Barbie Rivera's journey

In an inspiring interview, Miami Autism Dad Victor Antunez speaks with Barbie Rivera, Founder and Principal of H.E.L.P. Miami, an accredited K-12 micro-school. Rivera recounts her journey that began in 1991 when a teacher labeled her son Damon as “mentally handicapped.” Refusing to accept this, she began teaching him herself, leading to the establishment of her school. Rivera highlights the detrimental effects of a negative classroom environment on young children, sharing success stories of students like Fabian, who advanced from a 2nd-grade to a 9th-grade level in just three months, and Melissa, who is now pursuing a doctorate after struggling in public school. Rivera emphasizes the importance of believing in every child's potential, stating: “It’s about getting a child their first win after a lifetime of losses.”

PRIVATE SCHOOLS

Community fights against new school

Locals have expressed concerns about the construction of a 1,000-student private K-8 school in Lutz. Some are actively opposing the project, fearing it will disrupt their community's character. The Naidip Foundation has submitted a special-use application for the school, which is located outside Hillsborough County's urban service area. Elizabeth Strom, an associate professor at the University of South Florida School of Public Affairs, noted that while the application is common, residents have valid concerns about the impact on their rural community. A hearing on the application is scheduled for June 15.

SOCIAL & COMMUNITY

New food processing center opens

Lowndes County Schools is launching a new Agricultural Education Food Processing Center near Lowndes High School, providing community members with affordable access to industrial food preservation equipment. Families can bring in various foods to be processed under the guidance of agricultural educators, promoting safe food preservation techniques. School leaders emphasize that the facility aims to combat food insecurity, with programs supported by the USDA offering no-cost meals to students.

FURTHER EDUCATION

New College's rocky road ahead

John Oliver's "Last Week Tonight" scrutinized the significant changes at New College of Florida under Governor Ron DeSantis, who appointed a conservative board in January 2023. Oliver remarked: "I'll give you a hint: it's not going great," highlighting the college's decline from a top liberal arts institution to a more conservative model. The college has seen a drastic drop in rankings, from No. 100 to No. 135 in U.S. News and World Report's Best National Liberal Arts Colleges list. Enrollment has also suffered, with 186 students leaving between fall 2022 and the start of the 2023-24 academic year. Oliver noted the financial implications, stating that the cost to produce a degree at New College had ballooned to nearly $500,000, far exceeding other public universities. The changes have sparked controversy, with Oliver describing the situation as "the exact sort of smash and grab we're seeing in so many places right now."

HIGHER EDUCATION

New faces on northeast Florida board

Governor Ron DeSantis recently announced the appointments of Alexandria Hill and Kevin Payne to the college board, while Richard Komando Willard “Judd” Sapp Jr. and Tammy “Chereese” Stewart were reappointed. Hill, a partner at Driver, McAfee, Hawthorne & Dibenow, holds degrees from Stetson University and the University of Florida. Payne, Senior Manager at Imagine 360, has degrees from the University of Texas and Oklahoma City University. Komando, a lawyer with extensive experience, has degrees from Florida State University and Loyola University. Sapp, a U.S. Navy veteran, owns a railroad contracting company and has a degree from FSU. Stewart, the Assistant County Manager for Clay County, holds degrees from Texas A&M University and the University of North Florida. The Florida Senate must still confirm these appointments.

INTERNATIONAL

Teachers strike ahead of World Cup

Thousands of teachers in Mexico City are continuing their protests, blocking streets and maintaining an encampment just days before the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The National Coordinator of Education Workers (CNTE) is demanding higher wages and pension reforms, stating they will continue their strike indefinitely. President Claudia Sheinbaum remarked: "There are groups that want to provoke the Mexican government and are not necessarily teachers," emphasizing the need for patience as negotiations are ongoing. The protests are affecting tourism and local businesses, with the World Cup expected to generate $3bn in economic activity. Interior Secretary Rosa Icela Rodríguez urged teachers to end the protests, which are impacting students and the city's economy.
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