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Florida
16th February 2026
 

THE HOT STORY

Teachers urge Hernando Schools board for more support

During a recent Hernando School District board meeting, teachers expressed frustration over insufficient support from the board. Melinda Cook, a teacher with 23 years of experience, said: "Thirty-one years and we're still not budgeting for the people who are in our schools." Concerns were raised about low morale and ongoing contract negotiations, with HCTA president Lisa Masserio warning of a "crisis level" in employee retention. Board chair Kayce Hawkins responded that the district is not yet at an impasse in negotiations. Additionally, bus driver Kathleen Robinson criticized the treatment of educators in Florida, emphasizing their essential role. District 1 Board Member Mark Johnson advocated for new schools to address overcrowding, pointing to possible savings in transportation costs. The board also approved the 2026-2027 academic calendar and recognized long-serving staff members. The next board meeting is scheduled for February 24.

NATIONAL NEWS

School principals urge lawmakers to boost federal support

More than 200 elementary school principals convened on Capitol Hill last week to advocate for increased funding in three key areas: teacher training and retention, mental health support for students, and safeguarding public school funding from private school choice initiatives. David Carpenter, principal of Jeeter Elementary School in Alabama, noted that lawmakers were more receptive this year, commenting: "This year, it's been a little easier to set up meetings." The principals emphasized the necessity of maintaining federal funding for programs like Title II, which supports teacher training, and Title IV-A, which aids student support services. Concerns were raised about the potential impact of private school choice programs on public school resources, with Annette Sanchez, a principal from Beeville, Texas, highlighting the need for accountability in these initiatives. As federal funding remains stable, principals are focused on addressing staffing challenges and ensuring adequate support for students with disabilities and mental health needs.

WORKFORCE

Teachers urge Hernando Schools board for more support

During a recent Hernando School District board meeting, teachers expressed frustration over insufficient support from the board. Melinda Cook, a teacher with 23 years of experience, said: "Thirty-one years and we're still not budgeting for the people who are in our schools." Concerns were raised about low morale and ongoing contract negotiations, with HCTA president Lisa Masserio warning of a "crisis level" in employee retention. Board chair Kayce Hawkins responded that the district is not yet at an impasse in negotiations. Additionally, bus driver Kathleen Robinson criticized the treatment of educators in Florida, emphasizing their essential role. District 1 Board Member Mark Johnson advocated for new schools to address overcrowding, pointing to possible savings in transportation costs. The board also approved the 2026-2027 academic calendar and recognized long-serving staff members. The next board meeting is scheduled for February 24.

DISTRICTS

Ten years of empowering educators

The Supply Zone for Teachers, a service of the Brevard Schools Foundation, is set to celebrate its 10th Anniversary Open House on February 19, at the Clearlake Education Center in Cocoa. This event commemorates a decade of providing essential resources and supplies to local educators, significantly impacting Brevard County schools and the 70,000 students they serve. "The anniversary celebration highlights a decade of dedication to strengthening classrooms and investing in the future of Brevard County students," said a representative. The Brevard Schools Foundation continues to address educational funding gaps through private contributions and community support.

SAFETY & SECURITY

Parkland honors victims with love

The Parkland community continues to honor the 17 victims of the 2018 tragedy at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School with a day dedicated to service and remembrance. Activities included students at South Broward High School hanging messages of peace and Driftwood Elementary forming the word "love" on their basketball court. Dr. Howard Hepburn, superintendent of Broward County Public Schools, participated in packing care bags for the needy, alongside Lori Alhadeff, who lost her daughter Alyssa in the shooting. "So I know Alyssa is watching and looking down and so honored by what our students are doing for service and love," Alhadeff said. U.S. Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz announced the reintroduction of Jaime's Law, aimed at requiring background checks for ammunition purchases. Fred Guttenberg, whose daughter Jaime was killed, emphasized the importance of creating obstacles for those intending harm, noting: "You can't prevent every tragedy, but you can make it less likely." The day also saw the launch of a podcast featuring an AI avatar of Joaquin Oliver, aimed at advocating for gun safety.

HEALTH & WELLBEING

Broward school district cuts weight-loss meds

The Broward school district has decided to stop covering GLP-1 weight-loss medications, such as Wegovy and Zepbound, effective April 1, impacting 2,216 employees. This change aims to save $12m amid rising healthcare costs and a $90m budget shortfall, according to School Board Chairwoman Sarah Leonardi, who said: "We have a responsibility to ensure we can continue to offer stable and sustainable health care coverage for all employees." However, employees and unions have expressed strong opposition, arguing the decision was made without adequate input. Anna Fusco, president of the Broward Teachers Union, criticized the move as "backdoor garbage" and highlighted the life-saving impact of these medications for many. The district's decision comes as it faces ongoing negotiations over other insurance-related issues, with unions planning a public awareness campaign to address their concerns.

TECHNOLOGY

Miami student tech star inspires peers

Renato Perochena, a senior at iPrep North 6-12 Academy, is the reigning Miami-Dade County Public Schools Hackathon champion and a budding computer engineer. He is recognized as a "legend" by his peers and faculty, embodying the spirit of the Student Working At Greatness (SWAG) series. Renato's passion for technology is evident as he participates in all eight robotics teams at his school, coaching younger students and aspiring to be a mentor. "The thing that drives me to be successful is the fact that my parents immigrated from Peru to here," Renato said, highlighting his motivation to honor his late brother, who passed away in a motorcycle crash. With a full scholarship to Northeastern University to study computer science, Renato exemplifies resilience and determination, urging: "Be eager to learn, be eager to face challenges."

CHARTERS

Charter schools get big funding boost

Charter schools in Florida are set to receive a significant funding increase, with the House proposing $260.2m for maintenance and renovations in the fiscal year 2026-27 budget. This marks a rise of $11.6m, or 4.7%, from the previous year's allocation of $248.6m. "Charter schools are publicly funded but independently operated," highlighting their reliance on state funding for capital support, unlike traditional public school districts. The proposed budget positions charter schools as the largest recipients of dedicated maintenance funding, surpassing allocations for Florida state colleges and universities, which will receive $50m each. While traditional public school districts will not benefit from the charter-specific maintenance line, they will receive $128m in capital outlay grants and $11.3m for specific facility projects. Florida currently has around 740 charter schools, serving over 408,481 students, which is about 14% of the state's K-12 population, according to the Department of Education.

STUDENTS

Empowering Miami-Dade's youth for success

The Children’s Trust of Miami-Dade County has been pivotal in enhancing children's development from birth to adulthood for 24 years. Since its establishment in 2002, graduation rates in the county have soared to a record high of 93.1% in 2025, surpassing the state average, as noted by the Florida Department of Education. Madeline Pumariega, president of Miami Dade College, emphasized the importance of early investment, remarking: "When we invest early, consistently, and collectively in our children, they show up ready to learn, ready to work, and ready to lead." The Trust's initiatives, including the Summer Youth Internship Program, have provided over 18,500 students with real-world experience, ensuring they are not only qualified but also confident as they transition to college or the workforce.

HIGHER EDUCATION

FAMU reassures students on program changes

Florida A&M University (FAMU) officials have confirmed that the African American Studies program will not be eliminated amid ongoing academic program changes aimed at sustainability. Devin Nobles, a senior computer engineering major, expressed concerns: "Our primary mission is a lot different than the other institutions in the state university system." The changes, part of the "Academic Program Prioritization" process, involve consolidating low-enrollment programs to enhance efficiency. Provost Allyson Watson acknowledged the need for better student engagement in the decision-making process, saying: "If I could have done anything over again, I would've had the opportunity to have more students engaged." While university leaders emphasize long-term sustainability, students continue to advocate for transparency in the changes.

Florida's medical schools face accreditation battle

Florida Republicans are intensifying their conflict with college accreditors, particularly focusing on medical schools, which could jeopardize access to billions in federal student aid. A letter from Alan Levine, chair of the State University System's Board of Governors, questioned the Liaison Committee on Medical Education's standards regarding gender-affirming care. Levine commented: "While I certainly have my opinions, I do not have the requisite training to assert what the medical evidence should demonstrate." This inquiry reflects a broader campaign by Gov. Ron DeSantis against what he calls "woke accreditation cartels." The state is also working to establish its own accrediting body, the Commission for Public Higher Education, to bypass traditional agencies. The stakes are high, as accreditation is crucial for federal funding and professional licensing in medical fields.

Trump administration sues Harvard over admissions data in race discrimination probe

The Justice Department has sued Harvard University for allegedly failing to comply with a federal investigation into whether its admissions practices discriminate on the basis of race, escalating a broader standoff between the Trump administration and the Ivy League institution. Officials say Harvard has refused to provide detailed admissions data needed to assess its compliance with the Supreme Court’s ruling in Students for Fair Admissions v. Harvard, which curtailed the use of race in college admissions. Harvard maintains it is following the law and responding in good faith, describing the lawsuit as retaliatory amid wider federal pressure that includes threats to freeze research funding, revoke tax-exempt status and impose financial penalties.

INTERNATIONAL

Australia confronts Roblox on child safety

Australia’s government has called a meeting with Roblox after reports of child grooming and children being exposed to graphic content on the platform. Communications Minister Anika Wells said she wrote to the company with “grave concern,” adding: “Australian parents and children expect more from Roblox.” The eSafety Commissioner said it will test Roblox’s age-based safety features and warned it could pursue penalties of up to A$49.5m ($35m) if Roblox fails to comply with online child-protection laws. The statement marks a shift after Roblox rolled out age-assurance measures in 2025 aimed at limiting chats and reducing grooming risk.

AND FINALLY...

Texas school leader named National Superintendent of the Year

Roosevelt Nivens, the superintendent of Lamar Consolidated ISD in Texas, was honored as the 2026 National Superintendent of the Year during the National Conference on Education in Nashville, Tennessee on Thursday. Nivens, who has led the district since 2021, emphasized the importance of student advocacy, commenting: "When students walk into my district, their last name becomes Nivens, and that means whatever they need is what we're going to give them." Under his leadership, the district has experienced a 23% increase in enrollment, driven by local housing growth. Nivens called on fellow superintendents to prioritize students' needs, asserting that they require adults who believe in them. The award, presented by AASA, The School Superintendents Association, recognizes superintendents based on their leadership, communication skills, professionalism, and community involvement. A $10,000 scholarship will be awarded in Nivens' name to a student from his district or his alma mater.
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