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Florida
5th June 2026
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THE HOT STORY

Experts call for greater investment in school principal training

A new report from the Learning Policy Institute argues that effective school principals are one of the most important, yet often overlooked, factors in addressing many of education’s most pressing challenges, including teacher retention, student achievement, chronic absenteeism, and school culture. The report, The Principal Effect: How Investing in School Leaders Is Key to Solving Education's Challenges, synthesizes research showing that strong principals improve academic outcomes by fostering teacher collaboration, providing instructional coaching, involving educators in goal-setting, and creating positive working environments. These conditions help retain teachers, improve school stability, and support stronger student performance. Linda Darling-Hammond, the report’s lead author and chief knowledge officer at the Learning Policy Institute, said policymakers have historically underinvested in leadership development despite evidence of its impact. The report highlights examples of more comprehensive principal development programs in places such as Delaware and Chicago, where aspiring school leaders receive structured training, mentoring, and year-long internships under experienced principals.

TITLE IX

Title IX & State-by-State Sexual Harassment Compliance Requirements

Preparing for the upcoming school year? Vector Solutions’ state-by-state guide helps districts better understand Title IX, sexual abuse, and sexual harassment training requirements. Use it to review reporting and prevention mandates, align role-specific training, and simplify compliance tracking before the school year begins.

Download Guide

 

NATIONAL NEWS

FCC reviews $3bn internet subsidy

The U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is reviewing its $3bn annual E-Rate program, which subsidizes internet access for schools and libraries, amid rising concerns about children's excessive screen time. FCC Chairman Brendan Carr stated that the commission is launching a comprehensive review, with a proposal expected soon. He noted that some school districts are already taking steps to reduce screen time for younger children. The Department of Health and Human Services recently issued a warning about the dangers of excessive screen use, urging parents to limit their children's screen time. The FCC is seeking public input on how to better protect children and support parents and teachers in managing internet access.

STATE NEWS

Florida voters to decide tax fate

The Florida Legislature has approved a constitutional amendment to eliminate property taxes, which will be presented to voters in the upcoming November ballot. The measure passed with a vote of 75-26 in the House and 30-9 in the Senate during a special session. Lawmakers made significant amendments, including preserving property taxes that fund public schools, addressing concerns from local governments and public safety officials about potential budget shortfalls. House Minority Leader Fentrice Driskell raised concerns, asking, "What library do you want us to close? What park do you want us to close?" The homestead exemption is set to increase from $50,000 to $150,000 in 2027, with a potential rise to $500,000 in the future. While supporters claim this will provide tax relief, critics warn it could jeopardize essential services. House Speaker Daniel Perez emphasized that the decision should ultimately rest with the voters.

DeSantis signs Teddy Bridgewater Act

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis recently signed the “Teddy Bridgewater Act,” allowing high school coaches to use personal funds for player expenses like food and transportation. This legislation, named after the Florida native and NFL quarterback, aims to support underprivileged players. DeSantis stated, “He got into this situation where he was paying for meals and rides for some of his players who were underprivileged.” The act imposes strict regulations, limiting spending to $15,000 per team annually and requiring full reporting to a state agency. Additionally, a separate bill addressing coaching salaries will take effect on July 1, aiming to increase compensation for coaches in Florida, where current stipends are significantly lower than in neighboring states.

SAFETY & SECURITY

Schools to strengthen e-bike safety policies

School districts across the United States are introducing stricter rules for student e-bike use as the growing popularity of the vehicles has been accompanied by rising numbers of crashes, injuries, and traffic concerns. Districts are increasingly grappling with how to safely manage e-bikes, which can travel at speeds of up to 28 mph and are often subject to limited regulation. Safety concerns are being reinforced by new research showing a sharp increase in pediatric e-bike injuries. A California emergency department treated 201 children for e-bike-related injuries in 2025, compared with just one case in 2021, with e-bike accidents becoming the leading cause of trauma-related emergency room visits at one children's hospital.

Metal detectors coming to elementary schools

Duval County Public Schools will install metal detectors at 30 elementary schools starting in the 2026-27 school year to enhance campus security. The Duval County School Board approved a $2m contract to expand the use of the CEIA OPENGATE system, previously implemented in middle schools. The specific schools for installation will be determined over the summer, and families will be informed before the new school year. The system allows students to keep personal items while screening for weapons, with alerts triggered for items like knives and guns. Training for district employees handling the screening will occur before the system's rollout. This initiative is part of a broader project to install weapon detection technology across all district schools.

Tampa Council votes on speed cameras

The Tampa City Council has taken initial steps toward expanding the city's speed camera program, with a vote on first reading to increase the number of schools with cameras from 12 to 18. Council members expressed concerns about the contractor, RedSpeed, which conducted the study justifying the expansion and is known to share data with Flock Safety, raising privacy issues. Council Member Luis Viera argued that concerns about misuse should not hinder the program's potential benefits for child safety, remarking: "The potential misuse of the ordinance should not preclude the reasonable use." The council is set to hold a final public hearing and vote on July 16, with discussions ongoing about how to allocate the estimated $14.7m in revenue, emphasizing that funds should be dedicated to school safety.

GOVERNANCE

New principals take charge in Volusia

The Volusia County School Board has approved new principal and assistant principal appointments for the 2026-2027 school year, impacting several schools in the Ormond area. Jodi Lewitt, previously the assistant principal at Seabreeze High School, will take over as principal, succeeding Tucker Harris, who is moving to a district role. Beachside Elementary will welcome Christina Donohue as its new principal, while Kelly Moore will lead Tomoka Elementary after Julie Roseboom's retirement. Champion Elementary's new principal, Samantha Fabulich, expressed excitement about continuing the school's progress, stating: "We are champions on the move." Other appointments include Dr. Faith Harris to Blue Lake Elementary and several assistant principal changes across the district.

DISTRICTS

Graduates soar with $40m in scholarships

In Naples, Florida, over 3,400 students from Collier County Public Schools graduated, collectively earning more than $40m in scholarships. Graduates are set to attend prestigious institutions such as Harvard University, Yale University, and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. A notable opportunity is the Harold P. Bovenkerk Scholarship for Engineering and Natural Sciences, exclusive to Collier County students. This year, 28 seniors received Bovenkerk Scholarships, totaling $1.2m in awards. The program, launched in 2023, has supported 153 students with over $7m in funding, backed by a $25m endowment. The scholarship honors Harold P. Bovenkerk, a pioneer in synthetic diamond technology, whose legacy continues to benefit local students.

New school set to rise downtown

The Legacy Future Scholars Academy has received unanimous approval from the Fort Pierce City Commission to transform a vacant retail building at 510 Orange Ave into a school. Despite city staff's recommendation for denial, the commission supported the project, which plans to invest about $1m in renovations. The school aims to accommodate up to 200 students from pre-kindergarten to eighth grade, featuring eight classrooms, a cafeteria, and an indoor gym. City Planning Director Kevin Freeman raised concerns about property-sharing agreements for parking, but Commissioner Curtis Johnson noted that the school had provided a backup plan. The school’s mascot will be the Peacocks, reflecting its location in the Peacock Arts District.

SOCIAL & COMMUNITY

Foster families face summer food crisis

In Temple Terrace summer break intensifies the financial strain on families, particularly those in foster care. "Families were coming to us and saying, 'Hey we'd love to say yes, but grocery prices keep rising,'" said Janet Rinaldi, executive director of West Florida Foster Care Services. To address this issue, Rinaldi and volunteers established a free market to provide essential groceries for over 150 foster families, a significant increase from just 15 families two years ago. The partnership with Feeding Tampa Bay’s Retail Rescue Program has been crucial in this effort. Alicia McMillan, a foster and adoptive mom, highlighted the additional burden during summer, stating: "It goes quickly and it leaves a lot of cost." The initiative aims to ensure that no child goes hungry during this challenging time.

FURTHER EDUCATION

New president for Polk State College

Anastasios "Stasi" Kamoutsas has been appointed as the new president of Polk State College, effective July 6. The decision was unanimous among the board of trustees, following a national search that attracted over 100 applicants. Kamoutsas, who previously served as Florida's Education Commissioner for a year, has a strong background in education and has been a key figure in Governor Ron DeSantis' administration. He expressed his commitment to enhancing Polk State's role as a vital economic engine for the community. His appointment continues a trend of DeSantis allies taking leadership roles in Florida's public colleges.

HIGHER EDUCATION

Bell's bold vision for UF

During a recent forum in Gainesville, former University of Alabama President Stuart Bell addressed concerns regarding his stance on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) policies. He emphasized his commitment to "reshaping higher education" and focusing on "student achievement, academic excellence," and aligning with Florida's values. Bell stated: "I'm certainly not coming to Florida to bring DEI or any form of woke back. Period." He highlighted his previous experience in Alabama, where he replaced the DEI division with a Division of Opportunities, Connections, and Success to comply with state law. Bell's leadership aims to foster a culture of merit and accountability, ensuring success for all students, regardless of background. As UF seeks stability after a leadership transition, Bell's appointment is pending final approval from the Board of Governors.
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