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Florida's average teacher salary has dropped to the lowest in the entire country, ranking second-to-last in the nation, according to a report by the National Education Association (NEA). The state's average teacher salary of $53,098 is behind only West Virginia, where average pay is $52,870. Florida's low teacher pay has contributed to a chronic teacher shortage in the state, with some school districts experiencing dozens of vacancies. Teacher unions and advocates are calling for increased investment in education to address fair and competitive pay for educators. However, Florida's governor, Ron DeSantis, has emphasized the state's higher minimum pay for teachers, despite concerns over wage compression for experienced educators. The Florida Education Association is urging state legislators to increase education funding by $2.5bn per year for the next seven years to address various issues, including teacher pay and student support services.

 

Florida Politics

NBC Miami

Orlando Weekly

Republican State AG Ashley Moody has initiated a legal challenge against new Biden administration regulations aimed at protecting transgender students from discrimination in educational settings. This action by Florida, joined by Alabama, Georgia, and South Carolina, aligns with a suite of lawsuits aiming to block the enforcement of regulations that expand protections against sexual harassment and violence but include provisions that facilitate access to bathrooms, changing rooms, and sports teams based on gender identity. Moody's stance reflects Florida's existing laws that restrict transgender access based on biological sex, highlighting concerns about privacy and safety in traditionally gender-segregated spaces. The legal filings argue that the Biden administration's interpretation of 'sex' in Title IX, which governs discrimination in federally funded education programs, extends beyond its original intent which they claim is strictly biological. Critics of the Florida-led lawsuit argue that it targets vulnerable students under the guise of protecting children, potentially undermining the inclusivity and safety of educational environments for all students. The outcome of this legal battle could significantly influence the application of Title IX and the rights of transgender students across the country.

 

Florida Phoenix

For much of America's K-12 education system, "local control" is a bedrock principle, but state takeovers of school districts continue to take place. Research shows that these takeovers often fail to make desired financial improvements and disproportionately benefit non-Black districts. Scholars have found little evidence linking takeovers to academic outcomes. Despite this, several districts across the country are currently under state control, with Houston ISD in Texas a high-profile example. State takeovers involve firing existing school and district leadership and replacing them with state-appointed officials. Recent research shows that takeovers contribute to increased per-pupil spending, but majority-Black districts receive only a fraction of that boost. Factors that precipitate takeovers include struggling districts, school boards with people of color, and court rulings ordering more funding for high-needs students. While state takeovers remain a possibility for many districts, there is some evidence of a shift away from this practice, with states including Tennessee and Michigan exploring other mechanisms to help school districts improve test scores and eliminate budget deficits. 

 

Education Week News

Title III funding under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) is crucial for supporting the linguistic and academic development of English learners in the United States. Originating with the No Child Left Behind Act of 2002, these grants are specifically designed to supplement the core educational services that states and districts are required to provide, emphasizing that Title III funds must not replace existing resources. As English learner populations grow, the demand for targeted educational support increases. Title III funds are allocated based on state-determined formulas, primarily reflecting the number of English learners and recent immigrants. These funds support various educational services such as enhanced instructional programs, professional development for teachers, and family engagement initiatives, which are pivotal for the academic success of English learners. However, the effectiveness of Title III is often hampered by inadequate funding relative to the rising number of English learners and the cost of essential educational services. This underfunding limits the reach and impact of programs intended to bolster English proficiency and academic performance. Moreover, the rigid stipulation that Title III funds only be used for supplementary services means essential costs like ESL teacher salaries and mandatory educational materials must be covered by other funding sources. This situation underscores the need for a reassessment of funding levels and strategies to ensure that English learners receive the comprehensive support necessary to thrive academically.

 

Education Week

For the first time ever, Broward County Public Schools has shared a detailed plan to address the loss of nearly 54,000 students over two decades. The plan includes closing three schools and implementing changes in 27 others. Superintendent Howard Hepburn and Alan Strauss presented the proposals during a town hall meeting, with feedback to be gathered before final recommendations are presented to the School Board. The proposed changes include transforming Pines Middle into a 6-12 school, evolving Silver Shores Elementary into a K-8 full choice school, and switching Hollywood Central Elementary to a K-8 school. Other affected schools include Oakridge Elementary, Broward Estates Elementary, and Virginia Shuman Young Montessori. The plan aims to slow the decline and improve the district's education system.

 

Local10

The Miami Herald

New videos show the fight outside a Miami Gardens high school that police said led to five people including two teens being shot Monday afternoon. The incident began with an altercation involving students at Miami Norland Senior High School. Videos circulating on social media showed the moments some teens were involved in a fight as school was getting out. At least two students can be seen tussling as people believed to be teachers intervene to break it up. Police said after the fight, a parent went to the home of one of the teens to speak to their parent, and another altercation broke out. During that altercation, someone pulled out a gun and started shooting. Five people, including three adults and two teens, were injured by the gunfire. An adult who is a person of interest was detained and police are trying to determine that person's involvement.

 

NBC Miami

Since its founding in 2009, Cudas Unhooked has assisted over 300 at-risk and homeless teens in various ways, including mentoring, personal development, and providing shelter. The organization also covers students' school fees, prom dresses, yearbooks, and other activities they couldn't afford otherwise. The high school graduation rate in Florida increased to 88% in the 2022-2023 school year, but there are still 12% of students who did not graduate. Cudas Unhooked aims to ensure that these students walk across the stage and become productive citizens. The organization was inspired by an article about homeless high school students, and it has since helped numerous teens succeed and graduate. The Cuda House, built with the help of the community, provides a supportive environment for at-risk teens, offering resources and guidance. Cudas Unhooked boasts a high 90% graduation rate, despite the challenging circumstances of the students. The organization's impact is evident in the success stories of graduates who have gone on to pursue higher education and careers. Cudas Unhooked welcomes volunteers and mentors to join their team and make a difference in the lives of the students they serve.

 

News 13

District 9 School Board Member Luisa Santos participated in the first-ever White House Summit for Sustainable and Healthy K-12 School Buildings. The summit aimed to foster collaboration between government agencies and school communities on issues related to energy efficiency, climate resilience, and healthy school facilities. Participants, including teachers, students, school administrators, and advocates, shared experiences and learned about funding opportunities to create more sustainable buildings and grounds. The initiative aims to address the climate crisis while improving student learning and protecting children's health. Board Member Santos expressed her commitment to providing safe and healthy school environments for all students, emphasizing the importance of collaboration and investment in the future of education.

 

Miami's Community Newspapers

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis is waiving transfer rules to welcome Jewish students who face discrimination on campuses. DeSantis believes that many students and schools will choose to transfer to Florida to escape the targeting and harassment they experience elsewhere. The governor's initiative aims to provide a safe and respectful environment for Jewish students to study. DeSantis previously criticized elite universities for enabling anti-Semitic activities and expressed his support for Jewish students seeking alternatives. Under the Executive Order issued in January, students from institutions where protests have endangered Jewish students can transfer to Florida with waived credit hour requirements and application date deadlines. DeSantis hopes that his offer will be widely accepted, stating, "I think you're going to start to see a lot of people take us up on that offer."

 

Florida Politics

Five pro-Palestinian protesters were arrested on Florida State University's campus after erecting tents on Landis Green. The university spokesperson stated that the arrests were made after the protesters ignored multiple requests to comply with a lawful order. Two of the arrested individuals have been confirmed as students. A leader from one of the organizations behind the protest accused FSU administration of suppressing freedom of speech. The protesters were charged with misdemeanor trespass on property after warning. This incident follows similar arrests at the University of Florida and the University of South Florida. Demonstrations across the state and country have called for divestment from Israel, citing the deaths of Palestinian people in Gaza. The university spokesperson emphasized that the protesters knew the rules and will face the consequences.

 

NBC Miami

Daytona Beach News Journal

Orlando Weekly