Education Slice
Become more informed in minutes....
Education Slice Logo
Florida
12th May 2026
Together with

THE HOT STORY

Florida lawmakers face budget showdown

Florida lawmakers are convening today for a two-week special session to finalize a budget of approximately $115bn, following a regular session that ended without an agreement. House Speaker Daniel Perez and Senate President Ben Albritton, both Republicans, are navigating significant disagreements over education funding, Everglades restoration, and tax cuts. “We will not be pushed by artificial deadlines,” Perez said, highlighting the tensions between the House and Senate. The House advocates for a leaner budget, while the Senate proposes a larger plan amid fears of federal funding cuts. The Florida Education Association has filed a lawsuit against the state's voucher system, arguing it diverts funds from public schools.

USE ASSESSMENT DATA WITH CONFIDENCE

From Assessment Data to Instructional Impact

Turn assessment results into instructional plans that support stronger literacy outcomes. School leaders across Florida are looking for ways to provide teachers with ongoing insight into student learning while minimizing disruption to classroom instruction. With increasing expectations around early identification, progress monitoring, and effective intervention, educators need accurate and timely information that reflects student progress. Using this insight, school leaders can help address unfinished learning, focus instructional support, and strengthen instruction across classrooms and schools.  

Explore how timely, accurate insight into student learning supports instructional planning, ongoing progress monitoring, and more purposeful instructional decisions that lead to stronger literacy outcomes for students across Florida schools.

Explore Data Insights

 

WORKFORCE

Broward schools cut 1,000 jobs

Broward County School Board has approved a plan to eliminate 1,000 job positions, aiming to save approximately $54m amid ongoing budget challenges due to declining student enrollment. Superintendent Howard Hepburn noted: "These 1,000 positions in our reduction is for a purpose, and that's to align our staff into our enrollment realities now and also in the future." The cuts include 300 filled positions and 700 vacancies, affecting various roles, including teachers and mental health counselors. Board member Adam Cervera expressed concern, remarking: "We cannot and should not cut any teacher or those folks who interact with our students on a day-to-day basis." The decision has sparked significant backlash from employees and advocates, who argue that the cuts will negatively impact student support and the overall functioning of the district.

Florida's top teacher finalists revealed

Kyndall Brown, an agriculture teacher at Harmony Middle School and Osceola County's Teacher of the Year, has been named one of five finalists for the 2027 Florida Teacher of the Year. Chosen from 74 district teachers, the winner will be announced in July. 

FINANCE

Leon County Schools face financial crisis

The Leon County School District is facing a "financial crisis" due to rising costs, declining enrollment, and insufficient state funding. The school board is set to meet on May 11 to hear presentations from three companies that may assist in addressing these challenges. Board Chair Marcus Nicolas noted: "We're just not growing as a district," highlighting the need for strategies to boost enrollment. The district has already implemented $7.8m in budget cuts, affecting arts, athletics, and staffing. One company, Caissa K-12, has successfully helped other districts increase enrollment and secure funding. Additionally, TPG Cultural Exchange aims to address the teacher shortage by connecting districts with international educators. The Florida Educator Health Trust will also present solutions for managing rising health care costs.  

DISTRICTS

Miami-Dade schools face potential closures

Miami-Dade County Public Schools is considering closing or repurposing nine schools due to declining enrollment. The school board plans to vote on this proposal in June. Superintendent Dr. Howard Hepburn highlighted the financial impact, stating that the district has lost over 40,000 students in the past decade, resulting in a loss of over $30m in revenue. The current enrollment stands at 313,220, down approximately 13,000 from the previous year. This decline has been linked to Florida's expanded voucher program and fewer immigrant families moving to the area. Schools under consideration for closure include Parkway Elementary, Rainbow Park Elementary, and others, with some being combined into K-8 or 6-12 centers.

Orange County schools face closures

Seven schools in Orange County have closed this year, with the potential for seven more closures next year, raising concerns among residents. The primary reasons for these closures include Florida's expanded school voucher program, which has diverted students from public schools, and recent immigration policy changes that have led to enrollment declines. Aaron Lewis, co-founder and president of the Framily Support Network, emphasized that "a strong public education system cannot exist without a stable population of families who can afford to raise children." Lewis highlights a deeper issue: a declining birth rate and rising living costs, particularly housing, which are preventing families from growing. He says that without addressing both the educational system and the socioeconomic factors affecting family stability, the trend of school closures is likely to continue.

Empowering education in Jefferson County

Since 2000, the Jefferson County Education Foundation has been instrumental in providing vital resources to students and teachers in one of Florida's smallest school districts. The foundation has funded classroom grants, STEM programs, and essential supplies to bridge the resource gap faced by rural schools. Co-Chair Dr. Glyndell Presley emphasized the foundation's mission, stating: “It’s been very important in this rural county… we provide many grants to teachers where they’re able to focus on English, math, science, STEM… we also look at resiliency and career and technical education.” Over the past two decades, the foundation has generated over $173m in funding, directly benefiting teacher initiatives and student enrichment.  

Empowering fathers: Team Dad initiative

Team Dad, a program initiated by the Capital Area Healthy Start Coalition, is now integrated into the Wakulla County School system to support fathers with young children. Launched in 2023, the program aims to provide essential resources and educational tools to help fathers navigate their roles. Kendrick Harris, Fatherhood Program Coordinator, highlighted the significance of the initiative, stating: "When dad has a firm grip of who he is... we help that dad along the way." The program meets fathers on their schedules, offering monthly meetings to ensure they receive the necessary support. Harris emphasized the broader impact of father-focused programs, believing they can significantly improve community dynamics.

Flagler Schools earns conservation honor

Flagler Schools has been designated as a Guy Harvey Conservation District for the 2025-26 school year, highlighting its dedication to environmental education. This recognition involves teacher professional development, experiential learning, and environmental leadership. Jessica Harvey, CEO of the Guy Harvey Foundation, said: “We are inspired by the work and commitment of the educators and schools in Flagler Schools that, through the Guy Harvey Conservation Education Program, promote marine science and strengthen conservation education.” The program provides educators with resources and training, enabling them to become Guy Harvey Conservation Educators. Currently, Matanzas High School and Wadsworth Elementary School are recognized as Guy Harvey Conservation Schools, with 15 district educators also acknowledged for their contributions.

HIGHER EDUCATION

New student loan rules shake up families

Major changes to federal student loan rules will take effect on July 1, prompting families in Southwest Florida to reconsider their college funding strategies. The U.S. Department of Education aims to simplify repayment and reduce excessive borrowing, stating: "Beginning this summer, the Department will implement commonsense loan limits on how much students and parents can borrow." These reforms, stemming from President Donald Trump's Working Families Tax Cuts Act, include new borrowing caps and a new income-driven repayment plan called the Repayment Assistance Plan (RAP). Kimberly Cahalan, a mother from Estero, emphasized the importance of scholarships and grants to minimize debt, saying: "We basically tried whatever we could do to not have him have debt." Borrowers are urged to act quickly, especially Parent PLUS borrowers, to avoid losing access to certain repayment options. The Department of Education reports that the average federal student loan debt is nearly $40,000 nationwide, with changes continuing through 2028.

Astronaut inspires at Florida Tech

Nearly 2,000 students graduated from Florida Tech during the Spring Commencement ceremonies. Retired shuttle astronaut Winston Scott delivered the keynote address, sharing his experiences in space and inspiring graduates. Florida Tech President John Nicklow emphasized the importance of a positive attitude, commenting: "Your attitude is the key to your success." The event celebrated the achievements of the graduates and highlighted the university's commitment to fostering a supportive educational environment.

INTERNATIONAL

Advocates push for national school meal scheme across Australia

Calls are growing for Australia to introduce a nationwide free school lunch program, as educators and nutrition experts warn that food insecurity is affecting students’ health, concentration, and academic performance. Australia is one of the few high-income countries without a universal school meal program, unlike nations such as Japan, Sweden, and Estonia. Advocates say expanding access to nutritious meals could improve educational outcomes and reduce inequality among students. The push follows the success of Tasmania’s School Food Matters initiative, founded by Julie Dunbabin in 2020. The program currently delivers around 21,500 cooked meals each week to 60 public schools across the state, supported largely by approximately A$14.6 million ($10.56 million) in state government funding over the past two years.
Industry Slice Logo

Education Slice delivers the latest, most relevant and useful intelligence to key educators, administrators, decision makers and teaching influencers, each weekday morning..

Content is selected to an exacting brief from hundreds of influential media sources and summarised by experienced journalists into an easy-to-read digest email. Education Slice enhances the performance and decision-making capabilities of individuals and teams by delivering the relevant news, innovations and knowledge in a cost-effective way.

If you are interested in sponsorship opportunities within Education Slice, please get in touch via email sales team

Follow us on FacebookFollow us on XFollow us on Linkedin

This e-mail has been sent to [[EMAIL_TO]]

Click here to unsubscribe