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Florida
11th June 2026
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THE HOT STORY

Florida Supreme Court upholds new map

The Florida Supreme Court has decided not to block the state's newly drawn congressional map, allowing it to remain in effect for the 2026 midterm elections. Voting rights groups, including Equal Ground Education Fund, argue that the map unfairly favors Republicans and violates Florida's Fair Districts Amendment. Despite the ongoing legal challenge, candidate qualifying ends soon, ensuring the new districts will be used this election cycle. Genesis Robinson, executive director of Equal Ground, criticized the ruling, stating: "The time to protect voters from irreparable harm is before another election takes place under this map." Justice Jorge Labarga, the only dissenting voice, expressed concern over the court's decision not to intervene given the approaching election. The ruling represents a significant win for Gov. Ron DeSantis and Republican lawmakers, as the new congressional districts will remain unchanged for the upcoming elections.

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

 

NATIONAL NEWS

Title IX, student privacy, and religious rights dominate Congressional hearing

Superintendents from the Loudoun County, San Francisco, and Chicago school districts faced intense questioning on Wednesday from the U.S. House education committee over policies related to transgender students, parental rights, and school transparency. Republican lawmakers raised concerns about restroom and locker room access, parental notification of student gender transitions, and religious opt-outs from classroom content, while district leaders maintained that their policies comply with applicable state and federal laws and prioritize safe, inclusive learning environments. The hearing highlighted ongoing legal tensions surrounding Title IX, conflicting federal and state directives on transgender rights, and recent court rulings on parental involvement in education. Democratic committee members criticized the proceedings as a politically motivated distraction from broader education issues, including civil rights enforcement, student safety, and support for students with disabilities.

STATE NEWS

Tax relief or local chaos?

The upcoming constitutional amendment on Florida's November ballot proposes significant changes to property taxes, including increasing the homestead exemption for non-school ad valorem taxes to $250,000 by 2028. It also aims to limit future assessment growth on non-homesteaded properties from 10% to 5% and introduces a residency waiting period for new residents. Gov. Ron DeSantis described the original proposal as “the most transformational property tax proposal in American history,” but the Legislature modified it, excluding school taxes and removing a state trust fund for local governments. DeSantis expressed disappointment over these changes but indicated he would work with lawmakers to implement necessary programs if the amendment passes. He emphasized the importance of informing voters about potential savings, stating: “Don’t you want to know?” as he criticized media coverage of the proposal.

FINANCE

Vote on property tax heats up

Duval County voters will decide on November 3 whether to continue a 1 mill property tax aimed at enhancing teacher salaries. The Jacksonville City Council unanimously called for the election after discussions highlighted the importance of giving residents a choice. "I believe in the fundamental of giving the people a choice to vote for a tax or not vote for a tax," said City Council member Mike Gay. The tax, initially approved in August 2022 with 53% support, is projected to generate $121m annually for teacher pay and school staff improvements. City Council member Tyrona Clark-Murray emphasized that rejecting the tax would mean saying "no" to over 100,000 children. The council voted 15-0 to place the referendum on the ballot, allowing voters to make the final decision.

DISTRICTS

Revolutionizing Miami-Dade school planning

At the recent Miami-Dade County Public Schools (M-DCPS) board meeting, a proposal was introduced to modernize the district's attendance boundary, student assignment, and school planning processes. The aim is to create a system that is "more transparent, predictable, accessible, and responsive" to the needs of today's families. With 65% of M-DCPS students now attending schools through choice options, the district faces a changing educational landscape. The proposal seeks to enhance engagement opportunities, improve communication, and align school planning with current realities. "We have the chance to build a school system designed for the next generation of students," the proposal emphasizes, highlighting the importance of adapting to demographic shifts and ensuring high-quality public education for future generations.

GOVERNANCE

Citrus County School Board race heats up

The Citrus County School Board race is heating up as two incumbents, Thomas Kennedy Jr. and Joe Faherty, seem poised for automatic re-election unless unexpected candidates emerge before the qualifying deadline. The only contested race features John Thrumston, a former County Commissioner, against Mike Mullen, a retired Assistant Superintendent with 35 years in public education. Mullen expressed his readiness to contribute to the School Board, stating: “Now, I'm ready to bring that experience to the School Board and continue working for the success of every child in Citrus County.” Thrumston emphasized the importance of choice for voters, highlighting the critical transition period for schools and the need to address retention issues for both students and teachers.

Dr. Jennings launches school board bid

Dr. Bernard W. H. Jennings, community leader and chair of the Board of Trustees at Florida Memorial University, has announced his candidacy for the Miami-Dade County School Board, District 1. With extensive experience in education and public service, Jennings aims to enhance student success and parental engagement. “I believe every child deserves access to a world-class education,” said Jennings, emphasizing his commitment to safe schools and career pathways. He is known for initiating Florida’s HB 775, the Ethan Good Dad Act, which promotes parental involvement. His campaign will prioritize academic excellence, teacher support, school safety, and fiscal accountability, aiming to prepare every child for success in a changing world.

New leaders take charge in schools

Indian River County is welcoming new leadership in several local schools for the upcoming academic year, effective June 1. Robert Riskin has been appointed principal of Sebastian River High School, while Joy Griffin transitions from Vero Beach High School to lead Sebastian River Middle School. Joanna Roux, previously an assistant principal, will now head Treasure Coast Elementary.

PRIVATE SCHOOLS

New fees for private school athletes

Students at private schools in Polk County will now face a $400 fee to participate in athletic teams at public schools, following a unanimous decision by the Polk County School Board on June 9. This measure stems from Florida's SB 538, sponsored by Sen. Corey Simon, which allows school districts to charge activity fees for non-enrolled students. The law, signed by Gov. Ron DeSantis on May 22, applies to every sport a private student competes in and does not affect home-schooled or charter school students. The new regulations require school districts to set and publish fee rates by July 1 each year, with reports to be submitted to the Florida Department of Education. "Students must play at the school for which they are zoned," the law states, while also limiting participation to one school per academic year, with exceptions for certain circumstances.

HEALTH & SAFETY

School board raises AI safety alarm

The Palm Beach County School Board has expressed serious safety and health concerns regarding "Project Tango," a proposed AI data center complex located just 1,200 feet from Saddle View Elementary School. In a letter to Mayor Baxter and county commissioners, the board outlined potential risks, including industrial noise, environmental health impacts, and public safety hazards related to lithium battery fires. The board is requesting access to public records and impact studies to assess noise levels, environmental effects, and emergency response plans. "As the governing body responsible for the education and welfare of students and staff, the School Board has a fundamental responsibility to provide safe learning environments," the letter states.

SOCIAL & COMMUNITY

Scheme looks to fight hunger

As summer break begins, many students in Central Florida lose access to school meals. To combat this, the School District of Osceola County has partnered with the Celebration Foundation to launch the Learning without Hunger program. This initiative includes two markets where students can freely choose food each week, ensuring they have resources during the break. The program serves around 8,000 students monthly, aiming to reduce food insecurity and stigma while fostering a supportive community.

CAREER & TECHNICAL EDUCATION

Aviation education gets a boost

Pasco-Hernando State College has secured a $3m state grant to enhance its airframe and powerplant program at the Brooksville-Tampa Bay Regional Airport, as announced by Gov. Ron DeSantis. This funding, part of the Florida Job Growth Grant Fund, aims to address workforce needs in the aerospace industry, with an expected 100 students completing the program annually. DeSantis emphasized the importance of this investment, stating: “This will expand the college's capacity to meet regional workforce needs and will assure graduates are prepared for high-skill in-demand aviation careers.” The grant will support the renovation of classrooms and labs, as well as the relocation of the professional pilot program, fostering real-world training for students.

HIGHER EDUCATION

UF board backs Bell's presidency

The University of Florida's Board of Trustees has unanimously approved Stuart Bell as the next president, pending ratification by the Board of Governors. Mori Hosseini, chair of the Board, expressed strong support, stating: “The Board of Trustees' unanimous vote today is a resounding and undeniable show of support for Dr. Stuart Bell.” Bell, the former president of the University of Alabama, expressed his eagerness to lead, saying: “I am extremely honored and humbled by the Board of Trustees vote today.” However, the decision has faced criticism, particularly from U.S. Sen. Rick Scott, who condemned the lack of transparency in the selection process, noting that UF failed to interview multiple candidates as required by Florida law. The Board of Governors is expected to vote on Bell's presidency on June 25.

Foster named new dean at FSU

Kirk Foster, a prominent researcher from the University of Texas at Arlington, has been appointed as the new dean of the College of Social Work at Florida State University, starting August 17th. With over 20 years of experience in higher education and community engagement, Foster expressed his enthusiasm, stating, "The ability to come and be the next leader was an opportunity that I simply couldn't say no to." FSU Provost Jim Clark praised Foster's vision and experience, emphasizing the importance of social workers in Florida. Foster aims to enhance the college's national and international reputation, saying, "I'm bringing into this an excitement... to continue the trajectory of the college." He plans to focus on careful listening to the community and stakeholders as the college expands its programs in mental health, child welfare, and community leadership.

INTERNATIONAL

Canada moves to limit social media access for under-16s

Canada has introduced the Safe Social Media Act (Bill C-34), which would require social media platforms to restrict access for users under 16 unless they can demonstrate adequate safeguards for young people. The proposed legislation would also impose new safety requirements on AI chatbots, including measures to respond to users expressing suicidal thoughts, self-harm, or violent intentions, while establishing a Digital Safety Commission to oversee compliance. Companies that breach the rules could face penalties of up to C$10m ($7.15m) or 3% of global revenue, whichever is greater. The bill leaves key details, including age-verification methods and exemption criteria, to be determined through future regulations, while critics have raised concerns about privacy implications and enforcement challenges.

Japan to introduce digital and hybrid textbooks under new education law

Japan's parliament has approved legislation that will give digital textbooks official status alongside traditional paper textbooks, with the Education Ministry targeting implementation from the 2030 academic year at the earliest. Under the revised law, schools will be able to use one of three officially recognized formats: paper textbooks, fully digital textbooks, or hybrid versions combining both. Local education boards will decide which format schools under their jurisdiction adopt, while textbooks will continue to be provided free of charge to elementary and junior high school students. The government believes digital textbooks can improve student engagement, support personalized learning, and enable more innovative teaching methods. The law also expands state oversight to include educational videos and audio content accessed through QR codes embedded in textbooks. Currently, digital textbooks are classified only as supplementary teaching materials because they are digital copies of approved paper textbooks.
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