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Florida
12th June 2026
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THE HOT STORY

Student behavior remains top challenge in U.S. classrooms

A new RAND Corporation survey has found that student misbehavior has surpassed low pay as teachers’ leading source of job-related stress, with a majority of educators ranking classroom management among their top three concerns. While teachers continue to report higher levels of stress, burnout, and depression than comparable working adults, the share planning to leave the profession has declined, with 18% saying they intend to leave at the end of the school year, down from 23% in 2022-23. Nearly one-quarter of teachers, and 30% of those in their first five years, said they plan to remain in the classroom as long as possible. The report also found that teachers work an average of 50 hours per week in school, spend an additional 13 hours on secondary jobs, and continue to absorb classroom costs themselves, spending an average of $665 annually on supplies. Despite receiving pay raises, 61% of teachers earned less in real terms after inflation, highlighting the ongoing financial pressures facing the profession.

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

 

STATE NEWS

Lawsuit challenges Florida's school voucher program

A lawsuit filed by the Florida teachers union is challenging the Family Empowerment Scholarship Program, claiming it diverts $5bn from public schools to private institutions. Kevin Daly from the Teachers Association of Lee County emphasized that the issue is not about parental choice but rather the allocation of taxpayer funds, stating: "The amount of teachers you need is directly related to the students you have." The program, which expanded eligibility to all K-12 students in 2023, has been praised by some, including Samantha Dupree of Homeschool Haven, who noted that it opens new opportunities for families. However, Daly argues that private schools receiving public funds should be held to the same standards as public schools. The Diocese of Venice supports the program, citing increased enrollment in Catholic schools. The courts will ultimately decide the constitutionality of the voucher program, with no hearing date announced yet.

DISTRICTS

Miami-Dade schools face enrollment crisis

In the upcoming school year, Miami-Dade County is projected to see an increase of about 10,000 students using vouchers for private schools, bringing the total to 82,500. Conversely, traditional public school enrollment is expected to decline by 8,000, resulting in an estimated 217,100 students. This trend reflects a significant drop in enrollment over the past two decades, with a 38.3% decrease since the 2006-2007 school year. Factors contributing to this decline include fewer immigrants, declining birth rates, and families relocating for affordability. Ron Steiger, Chief Financial Officer of Miami-Dade County Public Schools, stated: “The number of private school students hasn't changed all that much over the decades... What's changed is that now they are funded, not entirely, but partially funded by the taxpayers.” The district is also facing budget cuts and inflation challenges, prompting a need for a more sustainable financial strategy.

Pasco schools achieve record academic success

Pasco District Schools are celebrating their best academic performance in years, as revealed in a presentation by Deputy Superintendent Monica Ilse at the June 2 school board meeting. Notably, 29 schools improved their letter grades, with 47% now rated as “A” schools, a significant increase from 31% last year. Superintendent John Legg emphasized that Pasco is now an “A” district for the first time since 2008, with no “D” or “F” schools for the first time since 2004. Board chair Colleen Beaudoin attributed this success to reduced teacher vacancies, thanks to a 1-mill property tax increase approved by voters in 2022. While Pasco students showed gains in various subjects, they still lagged behind the state average in math, although 4th-grade math proficiency improved by 13 points from last year. 

Monroe County Schools rise above challenges

Monroe County School District Superintendent Ed Tierney reflected on the 2025-2026 school year, highlighting resilience and commitment to student achievement. Despite challenges like declining enrollment, Tierney said: "The district has taken proactive steps to address these challenges while maintaining quality educational opportunities." Initiatives such as the Kindergarten Kick-Off aimed to engage new families, while the "One Team, One Goal" program provided additional academic support. The district also celebrated student-athletes' successes, with many excelling at higher levels. Additionally, the Lofts at Trumbo project, approved by Key West City officials, aims to address local housing shortages, showcasing the district's commitment to community needs.

GOVERNANCE

New superintendent search heats up

More than 20 candidates have applied for the position of superintendent of Miami-Dade County Public Schools, as confirmed by the district to the Miami Herald. The application window closed on Wednesday, and the district has shared the names of the applicants, which include notable figures such as Chief of Staff Jose Bueno and South Region Superintendent Rafael Villalobos. Current Superintendent Jose Dotres, who took over in January 2022, has a contract that ends on February 14, 2027. The board has engaged a national search firm for the process, with a budget not exceeding $30,000. The new superintendent will face challenges, including declining enrollment in traditional public schools, which has prompted discussions about potential school closures. Despite these challenges, the district remains significant, with over 200,000 students and a budget exceeding $7bn.

Celebrating excellence in Key West education

Ten exceptional educators from Key West High School were honored with the David Wolkowsky Teachers of Merit Awards and the Harry & Linda Bryant Classroom Enhancement Award, totaling $66,000 in recognition of their dedication. The awards, managed by the Community Foundation of the Florida Keys, included a $25,000 Teacher of Merit Award to Paula Mercer, while others received $5,000 each.

New leadership at Arnold School

Loren Tillman has been appointed as the new athletic director at Arnold School, succeeding Rick Green, who retired. With over 30 years of experience in education and athletic administration, Tillman has previously served as athletic director at several schools.

CONSTRUCTION AND RENOVATION

Gators gear up for stadium makeover

The University of Florida Board of Trustees has approved financing for significant construction projects, including a $1.45bn renovation of Ben Hill Griffin Stadium, set to begin after the 2026 football season. Trustee Chair Mori Hosseini said: "This $1.45bn project will breathe new life into one of the nation's most iconic college football venues." The renovation aims to enhance facilities, including larger concourses and upgraded restrooms, while maintaining the stadium's capacity of 88,548. Additionally, UF's new Jacksonville campus will start classes by fall 2026 after a $4.6m renovation, with further expansion planned. The board also discussed a capital budget request for 2027-2028, focusing on addressing aging infrastructure issues on campus.

South Santa Rosa school opens doors

Soundside High School, a $132m facility, is set to open on August 10, welcoming approximately 550 students, primarily freshmen and sophomores. Located between Gulf Breeze and Navarre, the 250,000-square-foot school aims to alleviate overcrowding in local high schools. The school will eventually accommodate up to 1,800 students, with additional grades being added in subsequent years.

SOCIAL & COMMUNITY

How to keep teens connected this summer

In Decatur County, local teens and Pastor Jimmy Thomas emphasize the importance of intentional engagement during summer to prevent isolation. Brooklyn Dawkins, a recent high school graduate, noted that the gap between school-year activities and summer can leave teens without meaningful connections. "Unless if it's, like, some type of holiday, there's something to do. But between that space, there's not much," Dawkins said. Thomas highlighted the need for constructive activities, stating: "We should teach them how to do something constructive and productive at the time." He encourages families to utilize community resources like the YMCA and explore creative hobbies to help teens build confidence and life skills.

Students rally for smoke-free parks

During a recent city council meeting, students from Osceola High School's SWAT (Students Working Against Tobacco) voiced their concerns about smoking at Lakefront Park. Jada Copeland, a senior and co-chair of the Youth Advocacy Board of Florida SWAT, emphasized their commitment to a tobacco-free future, stating, “We're trying to even push it to the county.”

HIGHER EDUCATION

FAMU lawsuit revived: A legal win

Florida A&M University (FAMU) supporters achieved a significant legal victory as the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit revived a lawsuit claiming the State of Florida underfunded the university by nearly $2bn over the past 30 years. The court ruled that a lower court had prematurely dismissed the case, stating: “Simply put, the district court weighed the evidence instead of determining whether genuine disputes of material fact existed.” The lawsuit, initiated by current and former FAMU students, argues that funding disparities have hindered the university's growth and ability to compete with predominantly white institutions. While Florida officials assert that funding is based on objective criteria, advocates maintain that historical inequities must be addressed. The case's outcome could influence similar lawsuits across the nation, highlighting the ongoing debate over funding equity for historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs).
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