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The U.S. Department of Education is more than six months late in releasing its latest Civil Rights Data Collection, a nationwide survey that tracks issues such as bullying, harassment, disability services, internet access, school discipline, and educational opportunities across public schools. Researchers, advocates, and lawmakers rely on the data to identify inequities and shape policies, including proposals to expand access to Advanced Placement courses, increase school counseling services, and address disparities in school discipline. The Education Department has not explained the delay, although observers point to recent staffing reductions, government disruptions, and broader changes within the agency as possible factors. The uncertainty comes as the department prepares to move its Office for Civil Rights to the Department of Justice, raising questions about the future of the data collection. Education advocates warn that without current information, policymakers and school leaders have limited visibility into whether students' civil rights are being protected, making it more difficult to identify problems and target resources where they are most needed.

 

NPR

An increasing number of high-income families are opting for alternative K-8 schools that emphasize life skills, entrepreneurship, project-based learning, and AI-powered personalized instruction over traditional academic models. Parents say rapid advances in AI are reshaping the workforce, making skills such as communication, problem-solving, negotiation, and adaptability more valuable than conventional classroom learning alone. Schools such as Alpha School and Forge Prep are expanding rapidly, despite annual tuition reaching as much as $75,000. Alpha combines two hours of AI-based tutoring with hands-on workshops, while Forge Prep centers its curriculum on real-world problem-solving and entrepreneurial projects, even offering eligible graduates up to $200,000 in startup funding. Although supporters argue these models better prepare students for the future, education experts caution that there is limited empirical evidence on their effectiveness and warn they could narrow student diversity or diminish the professional role of teachers.

 

Wall Street Journal

Waymond Jackson Jr., head of Alabama nonprofit Ed Farm, is urging policymakers to balance concerns about student screen time with greater investment in digital access and technology education, arguing that millions of students risk being left behind in an increasingly digital workforce. While lawmakers across the U.S. consider restrictions on smartphone and social media use in schools, Jackson says many students still lack reliable internet access, computers, and opportunities to develop critical digital skills, noting that roughly one-third of U.S. workers lack basic digital literacy even though most jobs now require it. He argues that schools should expand access to hands-on technology education, including coding, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and digital media, rather than treating technology primarily as a distraction. 

 

The 74

Electric school buses are increasingly being used to supply electricity back to U.S. power grids during periods of peak demand, with more than 230 buses across 21 states and 31 utility partnerships now participating in vehicle-to-grid (V2G) programs. The buses, which sit largely idle during the summer when electricity demand typically peaks, can return stored energy to utilities during heat waves, helping ease pressure on aging power grids while generating additional revenue for school districts. Although the current fleet can supply only about 8 megawatt-hours of electricity at any one time, supporters view the technology as an important step toward integrating electric vehicles into the nation's energy infrastructure. California is leading adoption through projects including Oakland USDs 74-bus fleet, which is expected to generate 2.1 gigawatt-hours of electricity annually, while a larger San Francisco project will initially deploy 104 buses before expanding to 238 vehicles. Similar initiatives are also underway in states including Connecticut, North Carolina, and Florida, where electric school buses are being explored as backup power sources for emergency shelters and cooling centers during hurricanes.

 

Reuters

The Hernando County School District is addressing student retention concerns with a proposal for the Dynamic Sports Performance Academy at D.S. Parrott Middle School, set to launch in the 2027-28 school year. Principal Dr. Christopher Clifford emphasized the need to demonstrate why students should remain in public education, stating: “It's our burden to bare. We have to prove and show reasons why students should stay with public education.” The academy aims to provide a local, cost-free alternative to expensive private sports programs, focusing on both academics and athletics. The program will include courses in plyometrics, sports psychology, and leadership skills. While the projected enrollment is 60 students, board members expressed caution regarding the financial implications, suggesting the need for data from magnet applications before proceeding.

 

Hernando Sun

The City of Tallahassee's TEMPO program is set to graduate 160 formerly at-risk students on July 2nd, marking the largest GED graduating class since its inception in 2017. The ceremony will take place at the Old West Enrichment Center from 6:00-8:00 p.m., and the public is invited to attend. This ninth cohort brings the total number of participants served to over 4,200. Mayor John E. Dailey said, "The City of Tallahassee's TEMPO program continues to yield amazing results," highlighting its impact on educational and vocational opportunities. Among the graduates, 120 will receive their General Education Diploma, while 40 will earn technical certificates in various fields, including cosmetology and aviation mechanics.

 

Tallahassee News

Manatee County Commission Chairman Tal Siddique is taking steps to resolve a funding dispute by directing county administrators to reimburse Manatee County Schools over $2.5m that was previously withheld for tax collection fees. Siddique plans to propose this motion at the upcoming commission meeting on July 28, aiming to allocate excess fees from the tax collector's office back to the schools. “They (excess fees) jumped up a lot,” he said. “They're excess by definition and weren't needed. The school district needs it. Let's give it to them.” This issue arose in 2024 due to disagreements over who should cover tax collection fees for a voter-approved school property tax. Superintendent Laurie Breslin expressed gratitude for Siddique's efforts, stating that collaboration can help avoid unnecessary legal costs and benefit students directly.

 

Bradenton.com

During a political forum hosted by the Flagler County Association of Realtors, candidates for the Flagler County Commission, City Council, and School Board discussed their positions on Florida Amendment 3, which proposes increasing homestead exemptions and limiting property tax revenue spending. District 1 candidate Theresa Pontieri expressed her support, stating: "I absolutely support tax cuts," while her opponents showed mixed reactions. District 4 candidates also voiced their opinions, with incumbent Leann Pennington supporting the amendment but expressing concerns about potential tax shifts. In the City Council race, District 1 candidate Jeani Duarte supported the amendment, emphasizing her belief in homeowners. The forum highlighted various local issues, including infrastructure and economic development, with candidates advocating for a more business-friendly environment.

 

Ormond Beach Observer

JT White, a candidate for the District 2 school board seat in Manatee County, emphasizes the need for a balanced approach to education that prioritizes human interaction over technology. Drawing from his experiences as the son of a retired principal, White said: “That is the type of impact that you want to have. That’s lasting for a lifetime.” He aims to reduce spending on ineffective technology and reinvest in quality educators and trade education. White believes that students should have access to hands-on training in trades like carpentry and culinary arts as early as seventh grade. He expressed concern about the current state of trade education, saying: “Our trade education is mediocre, to say the least.”

 

Sarasota Observer

The Girl Scouts of Southeast Florida (GSSEF) awarded $20,000 in scholarships to young women from various cities, including Fort Lauderdale and Weston, who will begin their college journey this fall. Since its launch in 2008, the scholarship program has expanded significantly, with awards increasing by 2,500% over 18 years, benefiting 57 local girls. Lisa Johnson, CEO of GSSEF, said: “We work closely with community leaders so our Girl Scouts can have the opportunity to receive the financial boost they often need to turn their dreams of higher education into a reality.” Notable recipients include Anneliese Hsiao, who received two scholarships totaling $6,000 for her studies at the University of California, Berkeley, and Fadya Rauf, awarded the $2,500 Robin Trapani Memorial Scholarship for her tuition at Florida International University. The scholarships were presented during the 2026 Gold Awards ceremony, highlighting the commitment of GSSEF to empower girls through education.

 

Miami's Community Newspapers