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Florida
30th March 2026
 

THE HOT STORY

IES overhaul faces political limits

A new Trump administration-backed report has outlined a potential overhaul of the Institute of Education Sciences (IES), calling for a narrower research focus, faster data delivery, and closer alignment with the practical needs of schools. While some reforms could be implemented internally, more significant changes would require congressional approval, which remains unlikely given political divisions. The Institute is attempting to stabilize after major layoffs in 2025, with modest rehiring and budget preservation offering some recovery, but experts warn that rebuilding staff capacity is essential for any meaningful transformation. Stakeholders broadly support the report’s recommendations, including prioritizing key national challenges and improving research usability, but question whether the agency can execute them without sufficient resources and bipartisan backing.

NATIONAL NEWS

Borrowers face a SAVE shakeup

The U.S. Department of Education has announced that more than 7m borrowers enrolled in the Biden-era SAVE repayment plan will be required to choose a new repayment option within 90 days, with notices being issued in phases starting Friday and repayments set to resume from July 1 after the plan was struck down by a federal appeals court. Borrowers had been in forbearance since July 2024 during ongoing legal challenges, but interest has continued to accrue, and most will now face higher monthly payments under alternative plans that typically require at least 10% of discretionary income, compared with as little as 5% under SAVE.

WORKFORCE

Support roles lead education hiring

Federal data shows that the fastest-growing education jobs over the next decade will be non-classroom roles, including substitute teachers, therapists, and technology staff, as shifting student enrollment and tighter school budgets limit demand for traditional teaching positions. Growth is being driven by increased focus on early intervention services for students with disabilities, as well as rising reliance on IT infrastructure in schools. However, districts face persistent hiring challenges, particularly for lower-paid support roles and specialized health professionals who have more lucrative opportunities outside education. Declining student enrollment, expiring federal funding, and budget deficits are also constraining overall job growth, meaning gains in support roles may not offset broader reductions in teaching positions.

HEALTH & WELLBEING

COVID-19: A new chapter unfolds

As of early 2026, COVID-19 has dropped out of the top 10 causes of death in Florida, marking a significant shift since the pandemic began. The state has seen a decline in severe cases, with the emergence of a new variant, BA.3.2, which may evade immunity but primarily causes mild symptoms. Dr. Katelyn Jetelina noted, “We now reliably see two waves each year: one in winter, one in summer.” Despite the milder nature of the virus, about 200 people are still hospitalized statewide. Vaccination rates have declined, with only 17% of adults receiving the latest vaccine, as public trust in health authorities wanes. Long COVID remains a concern, affecting around 8% of those infected. Dr. Nancy Klimas emphasized, “Long COVID is very real and very debilitating.” As the pandemic evolves, habits around hygiene and health continue to change.

EARLY EDUCATION

Lakewood Ranch preschool expands

Rennee Lux, an educator who entered the field as a single mother searching for childcare, is set to become director of the new KLA Schools of Lakewood Ranch. The early childhood center is expected to open in September with space for 200 children and a design centered on exploration, creativity, and child-led learning.

SAFETY & SECURITY

E-bike safety training rolls out

Osceola County students will soon benefit from a new e-bike safety training program, initiated by the Osceola School District in collaboration with the Osceola County Sheriff's Office and MetroPlan Orlando. The pilot program, available at Celebration K-8 and Celebration High School, aims to educate students on traffic laws and safe riding practices, especially as e-bike usage rises. “We selected those two schools because of the high number of e-bikes and some traffic crashes that have occurred out there,” said Lester Yeates, Director of Safety, Security, and Emergency Management.

DISTRICTS

Students learn about unpleasant odors

Students at Hidden Oaks Middle School in Palm City experienced a distressing day when a roofing project led to an "unpleasant odor" that caused nausea among some. School administrators informed parents that maintenance crews were using a non-toxic spray, but later updates revealed the smell was actually linked to a portable toilet. Principal Christopher Forte said: "The odor appears to be associated with activity involving a portable restroom on campus."

Trailblazer principal reflects on journey

Barbara Shorter made history as the first Black female high school principal in Pinellas County, overcoming significant challenges along the way. Reflecting on her journey, she recalled: “To me, that was my greatest achievement, becoming principal of Gibbs.” Under her leadership, Gibbs High School not only retained its accreditation but also underwent significant improvements, including a new building.

NUTRITION

Spain serves food for thought

Addey Blakeney, an American teacher in Seville, Spain, has shared her experiences comparing school lunches in Spain to those in Ohio. "I remember in elementary school having spaghetti, pizza, grilled cheeses and occasional salads or vegetables but it was nothing like here," Blakeney said. She highlights the variety of fresh foods available, including cooked vegetables, salads, and local fish, which are not common in U.S. schools. Blakeney's TikTok account showcases meals like Lomo Adobado and Fabada asturiana, emphasizing the healthier options and longer lunch breaks in Spain. She believes that the U.S. could benefit from adopting a similar approach to school lunches, stating: "With a greater variety of fruits and vegetables and less processed foods." A recent study in Health Affairs Scholar found that many parents in California feel their children's school lunches lack quality and healthiness.

HIGHER EDUCATION

UF holds in-state MBA tuition

Florida’s Board of Governors voted to keep in-state tuition unchanged for the University of Florida’s weekend part-time MBA program while approving about a 20% increase for out-of-state students at the Jacksonville and Miami campuses. Board members split over whether a market-rate program should distinguish between resident and nonresident pricing, with some focused on access and others on competitiveness. UF leaders argued the pricing change would help strengthen the program’s standing, and interim.

Funding boost for marine research

Florida Atlantic University's Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute has received a $300,000 donation from the Robertson Family Fund to enhance marine research, particularly focusing on coral and seagrass populations. Geoff Robertson expressed his pride in continuing his family's legacy, stating:, “I am so pleased to be continuing the legacy started by my parents to support environmental science at FAU Harbor Branch.” The funding will bolster the Robertson Coral Reef Research & Conservation Program, led by research professor Joshua Voss, which aims to address coral declines and develop restoration methods.

INTERNATIONAL

China tightens school conduct rules

China’s Ministry of Education has rolled out 20 new prohibitions for basic education, targeting academic overload, unethical teacher behavior, and unfair admissions practices. The measures ban teachers from using livestream tips, paid content, or other indirect tactics to pressure parents for money. Schools are also barred from exceeding curriculum limits, overloading students with homework and exams, or cutting into required sleep, breaks, weekends, and holidays. The rules further strengthen student protections by banning discrimination, abuse, sexual harassment, and conduct that harms student dignity.
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