Florida’s traditional public schools will enroll fewer students in coming years
Enrollment in Florida’s traditional public schools is expected to decrease in the coming years while voucher programs expand, according to a new report from state economists. The report, compiled by the state Education Estimating Conference, said enrollment in traditional public schools is projected to go from 2,805,298 in the 2025-2026 fiscal year to 2,742,162 in the 2029-2030 fiscal year. More from the News Service of Florida and WINK News.
In Florida, it’s easier for elementary schools to get ‘A’ grade than for students
Lawmakers moved a state bill forward Tuesday aiming to change the school grading scale, so it is no longer easier for a school to get an “A” than it is for a student. As the scale stands, if an elementary school student in Florida gets a 62% that is likely a very low “B,” but an elementary school with that rate gets an A grade. Florida House Bill 1483 would implement gradual changes to raise the standards starting in the 2026-27 school year. [Source: WPLG]
Florida House passes 'transparency' bill for college president picks
Despite a veto threat from Gov. Ron DeSantis, the Florida House on Wednesday passed a bill that would limit his sway in state university and college presidential searches. The legislation, which only a handful of GOP members voted against, says officials like the governor can’t talk with higher education leadership about a presidential position vacancy or an anticipated vacancy. [Source: WUSF]
School boards urge public to ask Florida lawmakers for better funding
Florida’s education budget was top of mind in school board meetings as officials reviewed how vouchers, inflation, proposed funding changes and other factors look likely to force major spending reductions in local schools. “A lot of people don’t know why our budget is being so impacted,” Pinellas County school board chairperson Laura Hine said, laying blame primarily at Florida Empowerment Scholarships, which she contended pull too much money out of district schools without requiring the same level of accountability. [Source: Tampa Bay Times]
A quiet revolution in Florida classrooms: How CTE might be the future of workforce equity
Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs in Florida are providing an alternative path to economic mobility, especially for marginalized students. CTE programs offer training in high-demand fields, leading to well-paying jobs and bypassing the need for a four-year degree and associated debt. CTE programs offer a more affordable and accessible path to a successful career compared to traditional four-year colleges, particularly for students from underserved communities. [Source: Sarasota Herald-Tribune]
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ALSO AROUND FLORIDA:
› Historically Black Tampa education institution becoming microschool
The brick school building has stood as a beacon on the northern edge of downtown Tampa for all of Evelyn Wilson’s 95 years. St. Peter Claver Catholic School, which Wilson attended from 1935 until 1947, was built in 1894, long before the nearby interstates plowed through a bustling center of Black life in Tampa. It has educated more than 2,500 students, mostly Black, who came from a nearby public housing complex and beyond.
› FAU develops AI-powered translator for sign language with 98% accuracy
Florida Atlantic University wants to make it easier for deaf and hard of hearing individuals to communicate with the world. To do that, the College of Engineering and Computer Science developed an American Sign Language interpretation system that uses machine learning and hand point tracking technology to translate ASL gestures into text in real-time.
› FAMU's closed search for its next president: Who may be in the running?
Despite the current secret stage of Florida A&M University’s search for a new president, the lack of official information has not stopped a few names from bubbling up as possible candidates for the opening. FAMU’s presidential search committee reviewed candidate applications in a closed meeting at the end of last month after the application window closed in mid-March, and the next step is to conduct first-round interviews.
› Orange school district reaches deal for school resource officers
Orange County Public Schools has settled its dispute with five local police departments over the cost of police protection, reaching a tentative agreement that will keep officers on campuses through the 2026-27 school year, the district announced Wednesday. Though the the disagreement revolved around the cost of stationing officers on campuses, the district did not provide financial details in its announcement.