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Florida's $4bn education voucher program is under review as lawmakers seek to enhance accountability and financial tracking. Matthew Tracy, the state's deputy auditor general, presented a report highlighting "a myriad of accountability challenges," including the absence of a consistent student identification system. Senator Don Gaetz remarked, "Whatever can go wrong with this system has gone wrong," indicating the negative impact on public and private education funding. Gaetz plans to introduce legislation to separate voucher funding from the public education budget, a move opposed by House PreK-12 Budget chairperson Rep. Jenna Persons-Mulicka, who warned it could jeopardize universal school choice. The proposed bill aims to address issues identified in the audit, including expanding stabilization funding and requiring state-issued student IDs for voucher recipients. "We do not have a perfect bill to introduce, but we have a bill which addresses the issues," Gaetz said.

 

Bradenton.com

Katie Rainwater, a sociology professor at Florida International University, and Robert Cassanello, a history professor at the University of Central Florida, express concern over the Heritage Foundation's influence on Florida's education policy. They argue that the recent Declaration promotes a narrow view of education, emphasizing "cultural transmission" aligned with Judeo-Christian values, reminiscent of authoritarian figures like Viktor Orbán. The authors criticize the Foundation's anti-immigrant stance and its push for a curriculum that limits exposure to established scientific content, particularly regarding climate change. They highlight the lack of real solutions for public education, noting that Florida ranks 50th in teacher pay and faces significant challenges, including food insecurity among children. "It's time for Floridians to stand up to this billionaire-funded interest group," they assert, advocating for a public education system that truly educates.

 

Tallahassee.com

At 100 years old, Lee Grant, an Academy Award-winning actress and one of the last surviving victims of McCarthyism, is voicing her concerns about Florida's new social studies teaching standards. Grant stated: “It's a lie and a distortion of the truth of history,” referring to the standards that critics argue aim to rewrite a dark chapter in American history. The Florida Board of Education's new guidelines include lessons on using “McCarthyism” as an insult and downplaying the negative impacts of anti-communist actions led by figures like Joseph McCarthy. Grant, who was blacklisted for refusing to name names during the Red Scare, sees parallels between past and present political climates, expressing worry about the suppression of free speech.

 

Midfloridanewspapers

In Tampa, the recent expansion of the "Schools of Hope" law has led to a significant influx of formal notices targeting public schools for potential charter school co-location. This week, Hillsborough County flagged 22 schools, Manatee County noted two campuses, and Pinellas County reported 56 notices across 37 schools. Jeff Cook McCormac, who tracks the rollout, said: "Last Tuesday was when operators, for the first time, could file their notices." The law allows charter operators to utilize underutilized public school spaces, but public school districts argue that the state's capacity model does not accurately reflect their actual usage. Districts now have 20 days to respond to these notices, with concerns about the impact on existing programs and resources.

 

NBC Miami

Tampa Bay Fl News

According to an EdWeek Research Center survey, 60% of educators report expanded career and technical education (CTE) offerings over the past five years, driven by student demand and industry support. However, growth is hindered by shortages in teachers, space, and equipment. Diane Waite, a Minnesota business educator, highlighted that students value CTE’s practicality and career alignment. Digital tech, AI, and cybersecurity courses are expanding, with 28% of schools adding them recently. Funding, facility upgrades, and more CTE teachers are top priorities for improvement, with many calling for easier hiring of industry professionals without traditional teaching certification.

 

Education Week News

Texas’ new law mandating Ten Commandments posters in public school classrooms has prompted resignations, legal battles, and widespread controversy. High school theater teacher Gigi Cervantes resigned, saying: “I just was not going to be a part of forcing or imposing religious doctrine onto my students.” While some districts like Frisco acted swiftly, others, including Galveston, paused amid lawsuits and court orders blocking enforcement. The law, requiring conspicuous display of donated posters, has stirred debates among educators, parents, and students, raising constitutional concerns and fears about religious freedom and inclusion.

 

ABC News

Orlando Sentinel

In Miami-Dade, an increasing number of families are being drawn to classical education, prompting the district to introduce a classical curriculum at Village Green Elementary. Superintendent Jose Dotres commented: "We have to be very competitive. We are in a world of choice." The curriculum, developed in partnership with the University of Florida's Hamilton School of Classical and Civic Education, focuses on liberal arts and core subjects, aiming to cultivate critical thinking and virtues. Teacher Geraldine Cameron noted: "The focus is on how to learn, not what to learn," highlighting the shift from traditional methods to a more interactive approach.

 

The Miami Herald

The Village of Pinecrest, in collaboration with Miami-Dade County Public Schools and Fertile Earth Worm Farm, hosted its inaugural Pumpkin Smash event at Pinecrest Elementary School. Students from Pinecrest Elementary and Palmetto Middle School participated in hands-on activities to learn about composting and sustainability, transforming 6,850 pounds of post-Halloween pumpkins into nutrient-rich compost.

 

Miami's Community Newspapers

The Hernando County School Board has appointed Kayce Hawkins as Chair and Shannon Rodriguez as Vice Chair during their annual reorganizational meeting this week. Superintendent Ray Pinder praised the new leadership, highlighting their experience and commitment to the schools. The leadership team will immediately begin their roles, aiming to enhance academic excellence and community partnerships.

 

Hernando Sun

The debate over the St. Pete High School mascot, a little green devil, was ignited by a parent's complaint labeling it divisive. However, at a recent meeting, over 200 supporters rallied to defend the mascot, with no one advocating for its removal. Raegan Miller, a parent and director of development for Florida Freedom to Read Project, emphasized the need for community engagement in public education issues, stating: "Imagine if we could stir that amount of passion over attacks on public education." The article highlights the community's historical support for public schools, urging that the same fervor be directed towards defending school funding and educational quality, as new legislation threatens to increase costs without reimbursement.

 

Tampa Bay Times

Superintendent John Legg has expressed concern that late bus routes are negatively impacting student achievement. As of the November 18, 2025, board meeting, the Pasco County School District reported 49 routes without drivers, prompting the district to introduce new financial incentives to attract more bus drivers. "Late routes are interfering with student achievement," Legg said, highlighting the urgency of addressing this issue to ensure better educational outcomes for students.

 

Tampa Bay Times

Florida Polytechnic University significantly contributes to Florida's economy, generating over $952m annually, according to economist Rick Harper's report. The university, dedicated to STEM disciplines, has been ranked the No. 1 public college in the South for five years by U.S. News & World Report. Harper noted that Florida Poly adds more than $523m to the state's GDP, with 85% of the impact attributed to the higher earning potential of its graduates. Graduates earn an average of $48,652 more annually than those with only a high school diploma, and the university sustains 6,168 jobs while generating $316m in wages and business income across Florida.

 

Florida Politics

Take Stock in Children of Monroe County has welcomed 84 new students into its scholarship program, bringing the total to 382 students across 14 schools in the Florida Keys. This marks a 5% increase in enrollment compared to last year. The new students, in grades 6-10, will benefit from a program that fosters academic success and personal growth. The program provides Florida Prepaid College Foundation scholarships covering up to 120 tuition credits at state universities and colleges. With nearly 70% of scholarship recipients earning a degree or certificate, the program is seeking additional mentors to support the anticipated growth in enrollment.

 

Keys News

Meta has begun notifying young Australians to download their digital histories and delete their accounts from Facebook, Instagram, and Threads ahead of a new law banning accounts for users under 16. The Australian government mandated that platforms must exclude users younger than 16 starting December 10th. With an estimated 350,000 Australians aged 13 to 15 on Instagram, the company is taking steps to comply with the law. 

 

AP News

BBC News

Reuters

Sydney Morning Herald