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Florida
26th June 2026
 

THE HOT STORY

Jolly gains FEA's crucial endorsement

The Florida Education Association (FEA) has endorsed Democrat David Jolly for Governor, highlighting his commitment to public education and support for teachers. "This endorsement is a recognition of David Jolly's advocacy for teachers, support professionals, higher education institutions, and our neighborhood public schools," the FEA stated. Representing 120,000 members in Pre-K-12 and higher education, the FEA emphasized the importance of strengthening public education and supporting workers as essential for community development and Florida's economic future. Jolly expressed gratitude for the endorsement, stating:, "I'm proud to have the support of the Florida Education Association," and reaffirmed his dedication to ensuring every student in Florida has the opportunity to succeed. The FEA also raised concerns about funding issues and the impact of anti-worker legislation on education. Jolly is competing in a crowded gubernatorial race against several Republican candidates.

STATE NEWS

Florida's reading scores hit rock bottom

Florida, once a leader in education reform, is now facing a significant decline in student reading achievement. A recent national study ranked Florida last in growth on reading tests from 2022 to 2025, revealing that students are performing below their 2019 levels. The findings echo the latest National Assessment of Educational Progress results, which showed Florida students experiencing the largest drop in fourth- and eighth-grade reading and math scores. Thibaut Delloue, a Policy Fellow at the Florida Charter Institute, emphasized the need for Florida's education leaders to prioritize knowledge-centered curricula, stating: "Curriculum, however, is increasingly being recognized as a vital component in improving literacy." The success of Southern states like Louisiana and Tennessee in literacy achievement highlights the importance of curriculum reform and knowledge-building in education.

SAFETY & SECURITY

New school safety grants open

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, on behalf of the U.S. Department of Education, has launched the School Safety Enhancement grant program, making $93m available to help states improve physical school security and emergency response capabilities. State educational agencies can apply for competitive grants ranging from $500,000 to $5m, with federal officials expecting to award funding to approximately 30 states. States receiving grants will distribute the funds to local school districts through a secondary subgrant process. The program, which was developed in response to recommendations from the U.S. Department of Justice’s review of the Robb Elementary School shooting in Uvalde, Texas, will fund projects such as interior door locks, secure entry systems, perimeter security, visitor screening, metal detectors, emergency communication systems, and safety training for school personnel and school resource officers.

WORKFORCE

Teacher exam scam rocks Florida

Fort Lauderdale woman Kashaundra Knowles has been arrested for allegedly taking statewide teacher exams for other educators, charging $1,000 per test over two years. Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier stated: “She fraudulently took tests for other people, and now there are teachers here in Broward County that have no business being in the classroom." Knowles reportedly disguised herself to resemble her clients, even dressing as a man for an elementary education exam. Broward Superintendent Howard Hepburn expressed his dismay, saying: “Just like we don't expect kids to cheat in the classroom, we don't expect teachers to cheat either." The school district plans to investigate the implicated educators, with immediate termination expected for those found guilty. Knowles faces charges of organized scheme to defraud and is believed to have taken exams for at least eight individuals statewide.

Layoffs hit Palm Beach schools hard

The School District of Palm Beach County has confirmed the start of layoffs, affecting 76 media clerks, with the potential for hundreds more to follow. These cuts are a response to declining student enrollment and to fund recent teacher pay raises. Media clerks play vital roles in supporting media specialists and managing classrooms. School Board Member Gloria Branch had previously warned about the potential consequences of the raises, stating: “I don't want to lose anybody. This is serious stuff.”

DISTRICTS

Orange County schools face tough times

Orange County Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Maria Vazquez has addressed significant challenges facing the district, including declining enrollment and rising health care costs. "We are now taking a thoughtful pause to develop a long-term plan for under-enrolled schools while continuing to deliver a high-quality education for every student that walks through our doors," Vazquez said. The district has closed seven schools due to enrollment declines and is exploring new educational opportunities, such as micro schools. Additionally, health care costs for employees are rising sharply, with contributions expected to increase from $10,555 to $11,611 next year. Vazquez emphasized the need for transparency in negotiations with the Orange County Classroom Teachers Association, stating that without an agreement, the district could face unsustainable costs of up to $20m per month for health care.

Miami-Dade schools' new HQ plan

Miami-Dade County Public Schools is advancing plans for a new headquarters in Miami's Omni neighborhood. The school board recently approved a transaction and development agreement with a South Florida developer to relocate its main offices to two floors of a proposed high-rise tower. This project aims to utilize public land and could also facilitate the relocation of iPrep Academy, a highly regarded public school. School board member Joe Geller noted that the parking lot property involved is valued at approximately $27.5m, while the new administrative space is expected to be worth significantly more. The board is also negotiating with the city of Miami regarding future tax revenue and the use of other district-owned properties.

School board celebrates achievements and changes

The Monroe County School Board met earlier this month to discuss various topics, including personnel and safety. During the Great Educational Moments (GEM) segment, the food services department was recognized for its exceptional service, with Deputy Superintendent Amber Acevedo praising Lucia Cuculino, Denise Pollack, and Susan Lawson for their dedication. The board also announced an increase in student participation in sports, with 846 boys and 583 girls involved. New requirements for cardiac screenings for student-athletes were introduced, along with new sports like pickleball and beach volleyball. The district acknowledged "Ocean Guardian" schools for their environmental projects. Superintendent Ed Tierney reported that 639 graduating students received $13.3m in scholarships, and 737 students opted for summer school.

GOVERNANCE

Miami-Dade School Board narrows superintendent search

The Miami-Dade School Board is in the process of selecting a new superintendent from 21 applicants. A preliminary analysis revealed that eight candidates meet all the board's minimum requirements, including Jose Bueno and Rafael Villalobos, both high-ranking officials in the public school system. The board is also considering candidates who lack one or two qualifications, with some members expressing a willingness to interview them. Board Chair Mari Tere Rojas emphasized the importance of adhering to qualifications, stating: “If your first assignment was turning in a resume where you left out information that was part of our minimum requirements, I'm sorry, I'm not moving you along.” The timeline for vetting candidates has been extended, with finalists expected to be selected by the end of a special meeting on July 21, and the new superintendent potentially named by August 13.

SCHOOL TRANSPORTATION

Polk County schools seek bus drivers

Polk County Public Schools is urgently seeking to hire about 70 new bus drivers by the end of summer break due to a nationwide driver shortage. 

PERFORMING ARTS

Students shine in summer musical

More than 90 students from 22 Orange County Public Schools (OCPS) high schools will perform "In the Heights" at Edgewater High School from today until June 28. This summer program marks the first collaboration among OCPS students for a musical production. The program is free for all participants, and performances are scheduled for 7 p.m. on June 26, 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. on June 27, and 2 p.m. on June 28.  

HIGHER EDUCATION

Florida universities face new admission rules

Madhurima Paturi, attorney and founder of Paturi Law, expressed concerns over a proposed amendment to Florida's general admissions regulation, stating: “It is so unfortunate if they have to stop studying after the high school degree or they have to go to the different state to get the pursue the higher degree.” The amendment, which would prevent individuals not lawfully present in the U.S. from enrolling in state universities, is set for discussion during the Florida Board of Governors meeting. If approved, it could impact many students, particularly those who are undocumented. Paturi noted that Florida could join four other states with similar regulations, potentially leading to legal challenges. The amendment follows previous attempts to limit access to higher education for undocumented students, including the failed Senate Bill 1052 and the repeal of a 2014 law allowing in-state tuition for certain undocumented graduates.
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