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Education and child development experts are warning that the continued reduction of recess time in U.S. schools may be undermining student learning, social development, and mental well-being, despite more than a century of research supporting its benefits. The concerns come as the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) issued updated guidance recommending that students receive at least 20 minutes of recess daily, emphasizing that recess should be treated as an essential part of education rather than an optional activity. The organization called on schools to protect recess time and ensure all students have access to a safe, high-quality break during the school day. Recent survey data suggest many students fall short of that standard. According to an EdWeek Research Center survey, 34% of teachers reported that their students never have recess, while only 40% said students receive recess once per day. Among those who do have recess, most reported breaks lasting 15 to 20 minutes. 

 

Education Week News

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has reported a 10.62% national Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) payment error rate for fiscal year 2025, exceeding the 6% congressional threshold despite a modest improvement from FY 2024. According to the USDA, payment errors, including both overpayments and underpayments, amounted to $10.1bn nationwide. The agency said the figures reflect errors in determining eligibility and benefit amounts at the state level. Under new provisions in H.R. 1, states with payment error rates of 6% or higher will be required to fund 5%, 10%, or 15% of their SNAP benefit costs, depending on the severity of their error rates, with the new requirements expected to take effect in most cases on October 1, 2027. FY 2025 is the first year whose results may be used to calculate those financial responsibilities. The USDA also said states exceeding the threshold must submit corrective action plans to the Food and Nutrition Administration outlining how they will address the causes of payment errors. Some states may also face additional financial penalties under the existing SNAP quality control process. Agriculture Secretary Brooke L. Rollins said the results demonstrate the need for greater state accountability and encouraged states to take further steps to reduce improper SNAP payments.

 

USDA

Edward J. Pozzoulli, chief executive of law firm Tripp Scott, reflects on a lawsuit brought by the Florida Education Association, alongside a group of parents, challenging the constitutionality of the state’s school-choice programs, including Family Empowerment Scholarships and charter schools. The plaintiffs argue that these programs violate Florida’s constitutional requirement for a “uniform” public-school system by diverting funding and creating a parallel education structure. Critics counter that the constitution sets only a minimum standard for public education and does not prohibit alternative options. Supporters say school choice expands parental control, improves student outcomes, and increases competition. With roughly 1.4m students enrolled, they argue the courts are unlikely to dismantle the system.

 

The Miami Herald

Matthew Theobald, a teacher and president of the Martin County Teachers' Union, is advocating for his reinstatement after a judge recommended it following his suspension for comments made about political activist Charlie Kirk. "I was thrilled. Definitely felt a sense of relief," Theobald said regarding the recommendation. He was suspended in September 2025 for labeling Kirk a "racist, misogynistic, fear-mongering, xenophobic neo-Nazi" on his mother's Facebook page, which he claims were private comments unrelated to his teaching. Theobald emphasized that his case raises important questions about teachers' rights to express political views outside of school. He described the relationship between the Martin County School Board and its teachers as "toxic," stating: "I question whether or not somebody in my situation wants to remain in a toxic relationship like that." The school district is reviewing the recommendation, and Theobald is prepared to appeal if necessary.

 

WPTV

Florida is grappling with a significant preschool teacher shortage, with 38% of preschools operating below capacity due to staffing and affordability issues. The shortage is impacting the quality of education, as children miss out on individualized attention. Megan Oates, coordinator for Childcare Apprenticeship and Childcare Center Operations Programs for Orange County Public Schools, noted a decline in certification enrollments, attributing it to low wages and high stress. Preschool teachers in Central Florida earn between $14 and $20 an hour, which is insufficient for many. Dr. Andrea Borowczak from the University of Central Florida warned that the shortage could lead to larger class sizes and reduced quality of care, stressing the need for community awareness and support for early childhood education.

 

News 13

During a budget work session, Orange County Public Schools Board Chair Maria Salamanca addressed concerns regarding the Florida property tax amendment's impact on school funding. Salamanca stated: "In the initial language, all of us were going to be impacted, but since then, there were amendments created to both bills that said schools would be exempt from this." However, she noted potential secondary impacts, such as increased costs for SROs if property tax cuts affect funding for law enforcement. OCPS is in the final year of its deal for SROs, who will be paid $75,000 for the upcoming school year. Board member Angie Gallo emphasized the importance of SROs for campus safety and expressed concern over a millage rate increase on the November ballot that could generate an additional $256m. "It’s imperative that this passes in November," Gallo said. A public hearing on the budget is scheduled for July 28.

 

News 13

Nancy Bostock is gaining significant support in her campaign for the Pinellas County School Board, District 6, as she rolls out a series of endorsements from local leaders. Clearwater Mayor Bruce Rector and Seminole Mayor Leslie Waters are among her backers, with Waters stating: “I am confident she will build strong partnerships with our cities and strengthen opportunities for all Pinellas students.” Bostock, a former School Board member and current president and chief executive of Chemical Standard Laboratory, aims to enhance student outcomes and ensure transparency for parents. She is running to replace incumbent Stephanie Meyer, who is not seeking re-election. 

 

Florida Politics

Christina Romelus, a candidate for the Palm Beach County School Board, has received a significant endorsement from Erica Whitfield, the current board member. Whitfield praised Romelus, stating: "She cares deeply about this community and the success of its children." Romelus expressed her gratitude for the endorsement, emphasizing their shared belief that "every child deserves a great education." With a strong coalition of supporters, including U.S. Rep. Lois Frankel and former state Sen. Dave Aronberg, Romelus aims to enhance educational opportunities in District 4.

 

Florida Politics

Hector A. Cafferata Elementary in Lee County is set for significant changes this summer after enduring nearly four years in temporary trailers following Hurricane Ian. Principal Jason Kurtz described the experience as "an adventure, for sure," as the school prepares to transition to a K-8 format, welcoming sixth, seventh, and eighth graders. The new Hector A. Cafferata Jr. Elementary School will accommodate around 900 students initially, with projections to exceed 1,000 in the following year. Kurtz emphasized that "a school is not defined by the building," highlighting the importance of the community and staff in fostering success. The first day for students is scheduled for August 11, coinciding with the demolition of the portable classrooms.

 

WINK News

Broward County Public Schools will participate in the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) for the upcoming school year, allowing 141 schools to provide free breakfast and lunch to registered students without requiring an application. This change follows last year's requirement for all students to apply for meal benefits. While 80 schools will still use the Meal Benefits Application process to determine eligibility, all BCPS schools will continue to offer free breakfast. Families receiving SNAP or TANF automatically qualify for free meals, as do students in Head Start or those classified as foster, homeless, or migrant.  

 

NBC Miami

Florida International University (FIU) students who protested with T-shirts reading "ICE OFF FIU" have been charged with conduct code violations. The Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression (FIRE) criticized this action, stating that FIU must drop the charges and amend its code of conduct to align with First Amendment rights. The protest, organized by the ICEBreakers FIU group, occurred in response to FIU's agreement with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, which allows campus police to enforce federal immigration laws. Garrett Gravley, FIRE's program counsel for campus rights advocacy, said: "With these constitutional defects, FIU sends a message to its students that if they want to venture indoors, they must think twice before engaging in any expressive activity that can be construed as a 'protest' or 'demonstration.'" The university's policy restricts indoor protests to maintain safety and prevent disruption, but FIRE argues it should only limit activities that cause significant disruption.

 

The Florida Times-Union

A new report from Education Cannot Wait (ECW), the United Nations global fund for education in crises, warns that conflict, displacement, and climate-related disasters are disrupting education for an estimated 258m school-aged children and adolescents worldwide, raising concerns that millions could face long-term setbacks in learning, employment, and economic opportunity. The report found that 93m children are completely out of school, while millions more remain enrolled but are unable to learn effectively due to instability, poor learning conditions, and repeated disruptions. Researchers warn that being in a classroom no longer guarantees meaningful education in many crisis-affected regions. Educational need is increasingly concentrated in the world's most severe emergencies. Of the 182m crisis-affected children living in the 20 highest-severity crisis settings, 74m are out of school, representing nearly 80% of all out-of-school children identified in the study. In some contexts, fewer than one in 10 children achieve basic reading proficiency in the early grades, with learning gaps widening over time and increasing the likelihood of dropout.

 

UN News