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Florida
8th January 2026
 

THE HOT STORY

Trump administration issues revamped nutrition advice

The Trump administration has released the 2025-2030 U.S. dietary guidelines, urging Americans to consume more whole foods and protein while reducing highly processed foods and added sugars. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. said: "Our message is clear: Eat real food." The guidelines recommend limiting saturated fat to 10% of daily calories and suggest whole-food sources. They also call for increased protein intake, advising 1.2 to 1.6 grams per kilogram of body weight. The guidelines will impact federal nutrition programs, including the National School Lunch Program, which serves nearly 30m children daily. The School Nutrition Association has reiterated its call for Congress to increase funding for school meal programs. “School nutrition programs are where the vision of the DGAs becomes reality for the 30m children eating school meals each day,” Stephanie Dillard, the association’s president, said in a statement. “Congress has a tremendous opportunity to improve the health of America by investing resources to help schools expand scratch cooking, serve more fresh, local foods and further positive momentum in cafeterias.”

DISTRICTS

OCPS community meetings kick off soon

Orange County Public Schools (OCPS) is hosting community meetings starting at 6 p.m. on January 14 at Union Park Middle School to discuss the potential closure of seven schools due to declining enrollment. The meetings will provide parents with details and an opportunity to give input. “We just don’t have the funds to continue to fund those schools that are so under-enrolled,” said District 1 school board member Angie Gallo. The affected schools include Union Park Middle, Bonneville, Chickasaw, Orlo Vista, Eccleston, Meadow Woods, and McCoy Elementary Schools. The school board will review the closures and changes in attendance zones at future meetings, with a work session scheduled for January 27 and a public hearing on March 10.

Broward school board faces backlash

An internal audit has uncovered that high-paid employees of the Broward County School Board have been receiving financial supplements from a referendum approved by voters in 2022, intended to support struggling teachers. Board member Adam Cervera called the situation “unacceptable,” while Anna Fusco, president of the Broward Teachers Union, emphasized that the public was “basically duped.” The board voted unanimously to rescind the supplements, which totaled around $300,000, and to initiate an investigation into how this decision was made.

Eatonville council seeks influence on sale

The Eatonville Town Council is preparing for a crucial meeting with Dr. Phillips Charities regarding the sale of the historic Hungerford property, which the Orange County School Board plans to approve. The charity intends to develop the 117-acre site with housing, retail, and educational facilities, but some town leaders are concerned that the plans may not sufficiently enhance the town's tax base. Council member Jordan expressed frustration, stating, “We are the historic town of Eatonville, built on freedom and a freedom to choose. But when your freedom to choose is taken away from you that hurts.” The council aims to collaborate with Dr. Phillips to influence the development, with a meeting scheduled for January 20, 2025, following the school board's vote on January 13.

SAFETY & SECURITY

Speed cameras spark controversy in Wellington

In Wellington, Florida, the implementation of speed cameras in school zones has led to significant community frustration. Residents have reported receiving tickets under confusing circumstances, claiming that signage does not accurately reflect when cameras are active. The Village of Wellington has acknowledged these concerns and is currently reviewing all school zone signage to enhance clarity and visibility. They aim to ensure that residents are informed about school zone safety measures and the importance of adhering to speed limits to protect students and staff.

LEGAL

Duval County School Board takes action

The Duval County School Board has voted 4-3 to request state lawmakers to reform the Schools of Hope law, which allows certain charter schools to occupy public school buildings rent-free. Critics argue that this could divert students and funding from existing public schools. Board Chair Charlotte Joyce expressed confidence that changes would be made this year, stating, “You're putting a lot of attention on something that's probably going to be a non-issue.” The board's decision aligns with reforms proposed by the Florida School Boards Association, which aims to refine eligibility criteria for Hope Operators and preserve local school board authority. Parent Jamie Travis-Leonard emphasized the need for strengthening public schools, stating, “our public schools end up being abandoned rather than strengthened.”

WORKFORCE

Teachers deserve better pay now

Orange County Public Schools (OCPS) board member Stephanie Vanos expressed concern over the district's financial struggles, stating, "We are finding it harder to pay our teachers what they deserve to be paid." The district has lost over 5,500 students this year, resulting in a budget shortfall exceeding $41m. Board members worry that Florida's expansion of private vouchers and the Schools of Hope Program, which allows charter schools to operate in underperforming public schools, will further harm public education. Vanos noted, "I think it’s a concerted effort to privatize education." The school board is urging lawmakers to change regulations to protect public schools and ensure they are reimbursed for costs associated with charter schools. As the district considers closing seven schools to save $10m annually, Vanos encourages community engagement to advocate for better funding.

STUDENTS

Empowering Greatness Scholarship opens doors

The Empowering Greatness Scholarship, sponsored by Jacksonville's Farah & Farah law firm, offers two-year college scholarships to five high school students in Florida. In collaboration with the Florida Prepaid College Foundation and Big Brothers Big Sisters of Florida, the scholarship covers tuition and most fees for 60 credit hours at any public college in Florida. Eddie Farah, founding partner, expressed excitement about supporting future leaders, stating, “The best part of my year is calling these talented young people to tell them they won the scholarship and their first two years of college are on us.” To qualify, students must be enrolled in a public or charter high school in Florida and demonstrate community commitment.

Sail Academy boosts student success

SAIL Academy at C.A. Weis Elementary is making significant strides in improving the academic performance and behavior of struggling students. Funded by the Escambia Children's Trust, the program serves about 100 students in grades K-5, focusing on those in the lower 25% in subjects like math and reading. Leah Harrison, executive director of Children's Home Society of Florida, said, “This is huge because these are students who were not making all As when they started (SAIL).” The program has led to a notable decrease in discipline referrals and has enhanced student engagement through various enrichment activities. With a focus on tailored tutoring and leadership development, SAIL Academy aims to level the playing field for its participants, ensuring they are prepared for future educational challenges. Harrison emphasized the program's success, stating, “These kids are going to hopefully stay in our community and work in our community.”

Students shine at Manatee County Fair

Braden River High students are gearing up for the Manatee County Fair, showcasing their dedication to agriculture through the Future Farmers of America program. Freshman Anthony Sizemore, who cares for Dwayne, a 7-month-old Duroc pig, expressed his passion, saying, “I like working with him, because his personality kind of matches mine.” Agriculture teachers Megan Krueger and Karly Bell emphasize the importance of these experiences, with Bell stating, “They exhibit their care of the animals and their ability to show the animal to the judge.” Junior Maggie Faller, who manages Tater, the chapter steer, and Kassidy Callaghan, who is showing a market pig named Boba, are also committed to their responsibilities. Krueger hopes these students will gain valuable insights into the agriculture industry, stating, “We need these smart, bright and driven kids in the ag industry if we're going to continue feeding the world.”

INTERNATIONAL

French teachers oppose high school smartphone ban

French teaching unions have pushed back against a government proposal to ban smartphones in lycées (high schools) from 2026, extending restrictions already in place for younger pupils. Critics argue the ban would disrupt digital systems used for essential services like library access and cafeteria payments, and fail to address broader societal issues. Unions have labelled the move a “publicity stunt,” questioning enforcement feasibility, resources, and its impact on older students. The bill, which also seeks to ban social media for under-15s, will be debated in Parliament later this year. 

Sleep-deprived students: a growing crisis

According to the "2024 Basic Analysis Report on the Human Rights Status of Korean Children and Youth" by the Korea Youth Policy Institute, nearly half of South Korea's general high school students are not getting enough sleep. The report revealed that 46.7% of students sleep less than six hours a night, with studying being the primary cause of sleep deprivation. The average sleep reported was only 6.0 hours, and only 5.5% managed to sleep eight hours or more. The report also highlighted concerning mental health issues, with 30.5% of students experiencing suicidal thoughts, largely attributed to academic pressure. "Grades and academic pressure" were cited by 46.4% of those with suicidal thoughts. Additionally, 38.7% of students considered dropping out, primarily due to feelings of irritation and academic burdens.
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