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In a recent election, Florida voters rejected Amendment 1, which aimed to require school board candidates to declare a political party affiliation. The amendment fell short of the necessary 60% approval, garnering only 55%. This outcome ensures that school board races will continue to be non-partisan, allowing voters with "no party affiliation" to participate. Zander Moricz, Executive Director of the Social Equity Through Education Alliance, stated: “This is not something anyone's asking for,” emphasizing that the amendment originated from the government rather than the community. Supporters, including Rep. Joel Rudman, argued that party affiliation would enhance transparency in elections, asserting that citizens deserve to know the values of candidates. However, the amendment's failure reflects a preference for maintaining the current non-partisan structure in Florida's school board elections.

 

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Donald Trump’s second term could bring radical changes to U.S. education, emphasizing school choice, cuts to K-12 spending, and reduced federal oversight. Aligned with conservative parent groups like Moms for Liberty, Trump has promised to curtail funding for schools that teach “woke” curricula, including critical race theory, and has endorsed the idea of parents electing school principals directly. Key to this agenda will be his choice of education secretary, with candidates like Louisiana’s Cade Brumley, Oklahoma’s Ryan Walters, and Moms for Liberty co-founder Tiffany Justice, reportedly in consideration. Trump’s bold plans, however, face an uphill battle in Congress, which previously opposed his attempts to slash the Department of Education’s budget and merge it with other agencies. While he speaks about abolishing the department or shrinking it to a minimal staff focused solely on “reading, writing, and arithmetic,” Education Week contends that realizing these goals will depend largely on a cooperative Congress and his ability to galvanize public support for sweeping education reforms.

 

Education Week News

Congress is considering a bill to repeal two provisions—Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and Government Pension Offset (GPO)—that reduce Social Security benefits for certain public-sector workers with separate government pensions. Advocates claim these rules unfairly penalize teachers and other state or local employees not covered by Social Security, particularly those unaware of potential benefit reductions. However, critics argue repeal would cost $196 billion over the next decade, largely benefiting retirees who already qualify for substantial pensions. Instead, experts propose making Social Security mandatory for all public-sector workers, simplifying coverage, and ensuring fair benefits distribution, especially for lower-income public workers. Such a shift would eliminate split-coverage complexities and strengthen retirement security for vulnerable groups. Unions, however, remain divided, supporting the repeal while opposing mandatory Social Security expansion. The debate highlights tensions between cost, fairness, and the goal of ensuring a stable retirement for all public employees. 

 

The 74 (Online)

The one-half cent sales tax in Escambia County has been crucial for funding the construction and renovation of schools since its introduction in 1997. Renewed by 68% of voters in 2014, this tax is the primary source of funding for new facilities, as the district receives no state support for such projects. Keith Wasdin, director of facilities planning for Escambia County Public Schools, emphasized: “There are no other funds to do what we do without the one-half cent sales tax.” The latest project funded by this tax is the $44m Myrtle Grove Elementary, alongside several other new and renovated schools. A Half-Cent Sales Tax Watchdog Committee has been monitoring expenditures since the tax's inception.

 

Pensacola News Journal

In a significant move, voters in Pinellas County have approved a property tax increase aimed at enhancing funding for local schools. With nearly 68% support, the measure renews and doubles the existing local-option property tax from 50 cents to $1 per $1,000 of assessed property value. This increase is expected to bolster teacher bonuses and improve arts, reading, and technology programs. Laura Hine, a member of the Pinellas County School Board, noted that the average homeowner will see an increase of about $10 per month. The tax renewal was crucial, as failure to pass it could have led to a mass exodus of teachers due to the loss of nearly $7,000 in annual bonuses. The previous tax had received strong support in past elections, indicating a consistent commitment to funding education in the area.

 

Florida Politics

Denise Carlin has made history by winning the first elected superintendent position in Lee County since 1974, securing 68% of the vote. With over 247,000 votes, Carlin, a long-time educator in the district, emphasized her commitment to safe schools and improved student achievement. "Parents deserve to have the peace of mind that their children are safe at school," she stated. Carlin plans to address the current teacher shortage and improve Black graduation rates, acknowledging the challenges ahead, including a dissatisfied local NAACP chapter. She also aims to manage the aftermath of Hurricane Milton, which damaged local schools. Carlin's extensive experience in the Lee County School District includes roles as a teacher, principal, and chief of staff, overseeing a $2.7 bn budget. The position of superintendent became elected following a 2022 referendum, changing the dynamics of school governance in the district.

 

News-Press.com

Vanessa Chaviano has won the District 7 seat on the Lee County School Board, defeating Sheridan Chester with 204,476 votes, or 69.22% of the total. Chester garnered 90,935 votes, or 30.78%, according to the Lee County Elections Office. Chaviano's campaign focused on enhancing student achievement, improving teacher retention, and ensuring school safety. She stated: "I want to improve vocational programs and make sure every classroom has a highly effective teacher." With 25 years of residency in Lee County and a strong background in education and business, Chaviano is a parent of two students in the district and aims to leverage her experience to benefit the school board. The position carries a four-year term and an annual salary of just over $40,000.

 

News-Press.com

In the recent general election, Manatee County voters elected Heather Felton and Charlie Kennedy to the School Board. Felton secured 28,431 votes, defeating Mark Stanoch by 7,450 votes or 15%. She aims to raise teacher salaries and assist parents in finding services for their children. Kennedy won the District 3 race with 20,999 votes, beating Lynch by 5,480 votes or 15%. He plans to enhance the district's “B” grade and focus on school construction. Both candidates will serve a four-year term, succeeding outgoing members Gina Messenger and Mary Foreman. Felton raised over $17,000 for her campaign, while Kennedy raised over $20,000.

 

Bradenton.com

Anne Douglas, a seasoned teacher from Orange County Public Schools, secured a decisive victory over Kyle Goudy for the District 4 school board seat, garnering approximately 58% of the votes. In addition, voters approved the renewal of the school district's half-cent sales tax, projected to generate about $350m annually. This tax has historically funded the renovation of 136 campuses and the construction of 65 new ones. Douglas' win marks a significant change in the local educational landscape, as she aims to enhance the quality of education in the district.

 

Orlando Sentinel

Ken Frink has been elected to the Citrus County School Board District 2, defeating Victoria Smith with 60% of the vote. He expressed his excitement, stating, “I am absolutely elated the voters of Citrus County believed in me.” Frink, who has a background in civil engineering and government, previously served as the Crystal River City Manager before resigning to marry Councilwoman Cindi Frink. His campaign raised approximately $70,000, with significant contributions from developers. In contrast, Smith, a Citrus High School teacher and past President of the Citrus County Education Association, raised $46,300, facing scrutiny over her husband's influence in local education.

 

Florida Politics

Michelle Bonczek has been elected as the District 4 school board member in Hernando County, winning by approximately ten percentage points. After her victory, Bonczek expressed her satisfaction, stating: “I did everything I could do.” She competed against Mark Cioffi, who significantly outspent her in the campaign, with expenditures of $68,697 compared to Bonczek's $3,635. In the primary election, Bonczek received 28.84% of the votes, while Cioffi secured 44.34%. A Florida native, Bonczek has experience as a substitute teacher and is currently a stay-at-home mother. Looking ahead, she is eager to begin her role, saying: “So hopefully, after I get sworn in, we can get to business and start to really make our schools great.”

 

Hernando Sun

The Miami-Dade School Board elections have concluded, with incumbent Mary Blanco winning District 7 and former state representative Joe Geller securing District 3. This outcome preserves a conservative majority on the board, which now consists of five conservative members and four aligned with Democratic values. Blanco, who received 68% of the vote, emphasized mental health and parental rights in her campaign. Geller, leading with 55% of the vote, was backed by the United Teachers of Dade and focused on educational reforms. Despite the political stakes, many voters expressed disengagement, with one stating: “I haven't done my research, but I'd rather just not pick.” The elections highlight the growing politicization of local school boards amid broader educational debates.

 

The Miami Herald

Incumbent Rocky Hanna is leading the Leon County Superintendent of Schools race with 73% of the vote, significantly ahead of Chiles High Principal Joe Burgess, who has 26%. Early voting accounted for about 60% of ballots cast. Hanna, who has a 36-year tenure in the district, is campaigning on increasing student enrollment and capital improvements, while Burgess emphasizes transparency and teacher support. Despite a contentious campaign, both candidates have maintained a nonpartisan approach. Hanna is currently on probation due to a prior investigation, while Burgess has criticized Hanna's spending decisions, including a $100,000 rebranding initiative. The election concludes on November 19, with the winner set to take office shortly after.

 

Tallahassee.com

An employee of Santa Rosa County District Schools has resigned following an investigation into alleged financial improprieties. District spokesperson Nadia Colin stated, "Based on information gathered during the investigation, the district concluded that (the) employee engaged in financial improprieties." The specific amount of money involved has not been disclosed. The employee resigned "with prejudice" after being informed of impending disciplinary actions. The district is restructuring the Office of Professional Learning, led by Kelly Short, who has not commented on the situation. The Florida Department of Law Enforcement is continuing its investigation into the matter, which has been rumored for weeks. Access to the employee's discipline file has been denied due to the ongoing investigation, as per Florida statute.

 

Pensacola News Journal

Niceville High School and Fort Walton Beach High School in Okaloosa County have been recognized on the 2024 College Board AP School Honor Roll, achieving Silver-level distinction for their Advanced Placement (AP) programs. According to the Okaloosa County School District, this recognition highlights the schools' commitment to expanding access to college-level coursework and fostering a culture of academic excellence. To qualify for the AP School Honor Roll, schools must meet specific criteria, including that at least 40% of graduates take an AP exam and 25% score three or higher. Superintendent Marcus Chambers stated: “We congratulate the students and staff... for this remarkable accomplishment,” emphasizing the high standards set within the district.

 

The Northwest Florida Daily News

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has announced that starting in the 2027-2028 school year, students eligible for free or reduced-price school meals will no longer incur processing fees. Currently, families can face fees as high as $3.25 per transaction, significantly increasing costs for low-income households. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack stated: “While today's action to eliminate extra fees for lower-income households is a major step in the right direction, the most equitable path forward is to offer every child access to healthy school meals at no cost.” The decision follows a report from the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, which highlighted that school lunch fees cost families over $100 million annually. The USDA aims to alleviate financial burdens for families earning under 185% of federal poverty guidelines, which is approximately $57,720 for a family of four.

 

Los Angeles Times