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The Broward School Board is set to implement emergency measures to address issues in its construction projects following an audit that revealed significant mismanagement in a competitive bidding process for an external manager. During a recent meeting, board members expressed their frustration, stating that district staff had disregarded the School Board's directives, jeopardizing the construction program. Jeff Holness, a member of the Broward County School Board, raised concerns about the audit findings, emphasizing the need for immediate action to rectify the situation.

 

NBC Miami

NBC Miami

A U.S. federal judge has ruled to block hundreds of layoffs by the Trump administration across several government agencies, stating the moves violated a law tied to ending the recent 43-day government shutdown. Judge Susan Illston said the State and Education departments must halt planned job cuts, while ordering reinstatement of about 300 workers already let go. The ruling, which favors unions challenging the cuts, underscores legal limits on government downsizing during funding disputes. The Justice Department is expected to appeal Illston’s order.

 

Government Executive

Politico

Reuters

Red Apple Development is proposing a new K-12 charter school at the intersection of West Lester Road and Plymouth Sorrento Road in Apopka. The project, designed by Bohler Engineering, will feature a two-story building spanning 91,163 sq. ft. on nine acres, including amenities like a football field and a tot lot. However, city engineer Dale Smith warned that the existing drainage system is inadequate and could worsen with the new school. The Development Review Committee is evaluating the proposal, which includes 198 permanent parking spaces, but no timeline has been set for when it will go before the Apopka City Council. The project is led by Scott Woodrey, president of Red Apple Development, which has built 75 facilities across several states.

 

The Apopka Chief Newspaper

The Flagler County Schools Board approved the instructional calendar for the 2026-2027 school year, with the first day set for August 10 2026. Board member Janie Ruddy emphasized the need for more professional learning time, stating, “We're hearing about more and more need for training outside of the teacher role.” The district is exploring the possibility of early release days to accommodate this, although Superintendent LaShakia Moore noted that this could impact the Thanksgiving break. The district is also preparing a report on school start times, as a recent statute mandates later start times for middle and high schools. A survey revealed that many parents and staff are concerned about the implications of changing start times, with a majority believing that current start times are too early. “I truly believe in the science of more sleep,” said Board member Lauren Ramirez, highlighting the need for safety in any changes.

 

Ormond Beach Observer

Three exceptional educators have been nominated as finalists for Lake County Schools' Teacher of the Year. The nominees include Michelle Deesi, a third-grade teacher at Sorrento Elementary School; Kathryn Massengill, a seventh-grade civics teacher at East Ridge Middle School; and Randall S. Moore, an eighth-grade science teacher at Tavares Middle School. LCS Superintendent Diane Kornegay surprised the finalists with the announcement, saying: "To inspire, support and make a difference in the lives of students." Each nominee has demonstrated a profound impact on their students, with Deesi recognized for her dedication, Massengill praised for her rapport with students, and Moore noted for his leadership in improving science scores. The winner will be revealed at the "InspirED by Excellence" celebration on January 29, where they will receive a new Nissan Altima and represent Lake County in the Florida Teacher of the Year competition.

 

Daily Commercial

Students at Mater Academy Charter Middle/High in Hialeah Gardens required emergency medical treatment after consuming food brought in by a fellow student. Lynn Norman-Teck, a spokesperson for the Florida Charter School Alliance, confirmed that staff called emergency services and that students are currently receiving medical care. "The situation is being monitored closely, and the safety and well-being of our students remain our top priority," Norman-Teck said. Specific details regarding the number, age, or gender of the affected students were not disclosed.

 

Local10

The Miami Herald

The Alachua County School Board voted 3-2 to promote Michael Reneke to chief financial officer, despite concerns over his qualifications. Board members Leanetta McNealy and Janine Plavac questioned Reneke's lack of a relevant degree and experience, with Plavac noting: "It would be irresponsible for the board to approve his promotion." Superintendent Kamela Patton defended Reneke, citing his 26 years of fund accounting experience and leadership skills. The board's attorney, David Delaney, noted there was no "good cause" to reject Reneke's appointment. Meanwhile, the Gainesville Immigrant Neighbor Inclusion Initiative rallied for policy changes regarding ICE's presence in schools, emphasizing the need for student protections.

 

The Gainesville Sun

The Orange County School Board has agreed to close seven under-enrolled schools due to significant budget constraints and declining student numbers. Superintendent Maria Vazquez said: "We have now come to the point where we can no longer continue to subsidize the dollars needed at these schools that are significantly under enrolled." The closures, which will impact approximately 3,200 students and 270 teachers, are a response to a loss of nearly 9,000 students over the past three years, attributed to factors such as state-funded vouchers and declining birth rates. Board members expressed their distress over the decision, with member Angie Gallo saying she was "sick to her stomach." The board plans to vote on the closures in a future meeting, while also considering the future of the school properties.

 

Florida Politics

Orlando Sentinel

In Florida, school districts are implementing new incentive pay programs to address the ongoing shortage of bus drivers. This effort reflects a broader trend among Florida schools to enhance recruitment and retention of essential staff amid increasing challenges in the education sector.

 

Tampa Bay Times

Harvard University has initiated a confidential disciplinary investigation into students Rosie P. Couture and Lola DeAscentiis for their involvement in recording former president Larry Summers discussing his connections to Jeffrey Epstein. The students posted videos online that prompted scrutiny and complaints from faculty members. The investigation focuses on potential violations of university policies regarding unauthorized recording and attending classes without enrollment. Harvard stated: "The College prohibits unauthorized recording of classroom proceedings to protect classrooms as spaces for intellectual exploration." The students, both active in feminist causes, could face consequences ranging from reprimands to expulsion. This incident follows recent revelations about Summers' ties to Epstein, which have sparked significant public outcry and pressure on the university.

 

Boston Globe

Hong Kong's Education Bureau will offer HK$500,000 ($64,200) in one-off funding to each public primary and secondary school that applies to a new three-year initiative aimed at integrating artificial intelligence (AI) into classrooms. With HK$500m allocated, the program requires schools to use AI in at least three subjects and create six teaching resources, as well as host open classes and student activities. Applications are open until February 2026, with funding available for use through August 2028. Lee Yi-ying, chairwoman of the Hong Kong Subsidised Secondary Schools Council, said the funding offered a very good start for the sector to implement AI in the classroom, adding: “We could use [the money] to help teachers prepare lessons, teaching materials, to devise classroom strategies, help draft assessment papers, offer feedback and personalize learning plans for students. It could save lots of time, particularly on translation between Chinese and English.”

 

South China Morning Post

Britain will rejoin the European Union's Erasmus student exchange program in 2027, marking a significant shift since its departure during Brexit negotiations. The government hailed this decision as a “huge win” for young Britons, ensuring that “everyone, from every background, has the opportunity to study and train abroad.” The program allows students to study at foreign universities while paying domestic fees. However, the cost for the 2027/28 academic year will be £570m ($760m), which is approximately double the previous contribution before Brexit. This reintroduction raises questions about the benefits of leaving the EU, as public sentiment towards the bloc appears to be softening. Irene Tracey, Vice-Chancellor at the University of Oxford, emphasized the program's role in enhancing Britain's global standing, stating: “Many of these people are going to go on and become leaders of the public and private sector.” Nick Thomas-Symonds, Britain's minister for EU relations, noted that the agreement is “about more than just travel.”

 

CNN Edition

Financial Times