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Florida
10th March 2026
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THE HOT STORY

Federal court restores mental health grants

Most U.S. school mental health projects that had faced cancellation will continue receiving federal funding for at least three more months after a federal appeals court rejected the Trump administration’s request to keep the grants frozen. The U.S. Department of Education has notified 120 grant recipients that funding for programmes hiring and training school mental health professionals will continue until June 1, though the department said it is issuing the extension “under protest” while appealing a lower-court ruling that found the earlier cancellations unlawful. The grants were part of two programs created to expand school-based mental health services and were funded through $1bn approved by Congress in 2022 following the Uvalde, Texas school shooting.

SUPPORTING STUDENTS BEFORE THEY NEED IT

Why Great Teachers Don’t Guess When It Comes to Support

Ever feel like you’re part detective, part reading coach, and part superhero? You’re not alone. Teachers everywhere are asking, “Where exactly does this student need support?” and “How do I find it fast?” — because those answers unlock real progress.

Whether it’s helping a kindergartner decode their first sight words or guiding a 10th grader through complex text, pinpointing what a student really needs makes all the difference.  

Great instruction shouldn’t feel like a puzzle with missing pieces. High-quality instructional resources grounded in the Science of Reading make supporting students your superpower.   

Hear from Leading Experts on the Evidence-Based Practices That Support Your Instruction and Advance Student Achievement.

 

STATE NEWS

Funding changes spark debate in Florida

As Florida lawmakers approach budget negotiations, a significant discussion is unfolding regarding the funding calculation for students with disabilities. The Senate's proposed education budget aims to restructure the Exceptional Student Education (ESE) funding within the Florida Education Finance Program (FEFP), separating scholarship-funded students from traditional public school funding. While the Senate proposal suggests a reduction in the ESE Guaranteed Allocation from $1.36bn to approximately $1.125bn, this change reflects a new calculation method rather than a decrease in per-student funding, which remains at $2,164.20.

Unions face new challenges in Florida

The Florida Senate has passed a bill that complicates the operations of public sector unions, making it harder for them to recruit members, communicate, and collect dues. Supported by Gov. Ron DeSantis and U.S. Education Secretary Linda McMahon, the bill requires local chapters to secure a 60% vote for recertification. Sen. Jonathan Martin, who sponsored the bill, stated: “This applies to the ones that are the bad unions where leadership does not go out and talk to the members.” Critics argue that the legislation undermines workers' rights to organize, with concerns raised about its impact on various public sector employees, including teachers. The bill's future remains uncertain as the House companion has yet to be reviewed in committee, with the legislative session ending soon.

WORKFORCE

Broward schools face major staff cuts

The Broward County School Board is set to vote on a proposal to reduce district staff by 3,000 positions over three years, with a plan to cut 1,000 jobs annually. The district has faced declining enrollment, losing about 39,000 students over the past decade, which has strained its finances. Superintendent Howard Hepburn noted that the staffing levels are “out of whack” with enrollment trends. The proposed cuts aim to align staffing with projected declines in student numbers, primarily affecting non-instructional roles. Board Chair Sarah Leonardi expressed the need for careful analysis of which positions would be eliminated, while Broward Teachers Union President Anna Fusco raised concerns about the impact on teachers, stating: “To keep saying it's not going to touch a teacher... is not forthcoming.”

Teachers and district reach pay deal

After extensive negotiations, Hernando County District Schools and the Hernando Classroom Teachers Association have reached a pay agreement for the 2025-2026 academic year. The compromise includes a $1,000 one-time supplement, which HCTA President Lisa Masserio said was a result of “exhausted all avenues” to find common ground. The deal awaits ratification by HCTA members and approval from the school board on April 14. In addition to the pay raise, teachers will benefit from a $710 increase in health insurance contributions and additional funds from the Teacher Salary Increase Allocation program. However, Masserio expressed disappointment over the state cutting TSIA funding from $1.6m to $809,000.

Burnout warning spreads online

A retired teacher's emotional warning about the future of U.S. schools is resonating online as she shared her decision to leave the profession, stating it had become "not sustainable." This sentiment reflects a broader crisis, with a University of Missouri survey revealing that 78% of teachers have considered leaving since the pandemic, citing heavy workloads and lack of support. Wendy Reinke, a professor of school psychology, emphasized: "When teachers struggle, instruction suffers and students don't learn as they should." The TikTok video featuring burnt-out educators has sparked widespread discussion, highlighting frustrations over classroom behavior and overwhelming pressure. With 55% of educators contemplating early departure, the staffing crisis in schools is expected to worsen, raising concerns about the future of education in the U.S.

GOVERNANCE

Empowering school board members' rights

Florida lawmakers have agreed on a proposed School Board Members’ Bill of Rights that would give board members explicit access to district records, administrators, and detailed budget information. The measure also bars districts from requiring employee nondisclosure agreements and protects members’ ability to speak publicly on district business, within legal limits. Supporters say the bill helps minority board members who have been shut out of information. Don Gaetz called it “long overdue,” while Donna Brosemer of the Volusia County School Board said the changes could matter most when board relationships break down.

DISTRICTS

Hillsborough weighs school closures

Hillsborough County school officials are considering closing three schools in 2027 as part of a broader effort to improve finances and operations. The proposals would reassign students from Pizzo K-8, Graham Elementary, and Madison Middle, while also changing attendance boundaries at several other campuses. Rising lease costs, low enrollment, and under-capacity schools are central to the plan. Board member Jessica Vaughn criticized the process, saying she was “extremely surprised” the item was already on the agenda and wanted more transparency, feedback, and thoughtfulness.

Duval schools relists HQ site

Duval County Public Schools, in collaboration with Trinity Commercial Group, is accepting offers for its administrative headquarters at 1701 Prudential Drive until April 1, 2026. This decision follows the collapse of a $17.2m deal with Chase Properties, which terminated the agreement due to undisclosed tax encumbrances ranging from $6m to $8m. Duval Schools stated that the encumbrance was included in the purchase agreement. The district is exploring relocation options to reduce annual maintenance costs of $512,624 and improve operational efficiency.

CHARTERS

Wakulla County denies charter renewal

The Wakulla County School Board has unanimously voted to deny the renewal contract for COAST Charter School, which serves pre-K through 8th grade students. Superintendent Richard Myhre stated that the board did not receive the required charter renewal application, making it impossible to evaluate the school. According to Florida Statute 1002.33(8)(a), a charter may not be renewed without a timely submitted application. COAST's lawyer mentioned that the school is currently appealing the decision but did not provide further comments. 

LEGAL

Broward School Board sues for justice

The Broward School Board is pursuing a lawsuit in Broward Circuit Court to recover $17m from Lloyd's of London, its general liability insurance provider. This action comes after the district paid out $26m to victims of the 2018 mass shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland. 

NUTRITION

General Mills completes removal of synthetic dyes from school meal portfolio

General Mills said all of its products sold to kindergarten through 12th grade school meal programs are now made without certified artificial colors, achieving the target ahead of its summer 2026 deadline. The milestone was reached after the company reformulated its Lucky Charms 25% less sugar cereal, raising the portfolio from 98% to 100% free of certified colors. The company said the move responds to demand from schools for cleaner ingredient lists and aligns with broader regulatory shifts, including the US Food and Drug Administration’s plan to phase out petroleum-based synthetic food dyes announced in April 2025. General Mills also remains on track to remove certified colors from its entire U.S. cereal portfolio by summer 2026 and from its full U.S. retail portfolio by the end of 2027.

INTERNATIONAL

Australian teachers’ union calls for major investment as school infrastructure review begins

Australia’s first national inquiry into public school infrastructure has been launched by the Australian Education Union to assess the condition of schools and recommend long-term funding and policy reforms. The review, chaired by former ACTU president Sharan Burrow, will examine infrastructure needs amid rising enrollments, growing student support needs and funding gaps, with consultations planned across communities, educators and governments. The union argues that stronger, coordinated investment in facilities is essential to improve student safety, inclusion and learning outcomes for the more than 2.6m students in Australia’s public schools.
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