Millions spent on D.C. lobbying for Florida school boards: Is it worth it or not?
A small group of Florida school boards have spent hundreds of thousands of taxpayer dollars on lobbying in Washington, D.C. — unusual given that the money could be used to pay teachers, bus drivers, maintenance workers and other employees. Hiring outside firms to lobby in the Florida Legislature is relatively common for public school districts, but federal government lobbying among them is almost unseen. [Source: WGCU]
One of Florida's best-kept secrets offers debt-free degree and a head start on life
Dual enrollment – one of the Florida’s best-kept secrets – allows public secondary, charter, homeschool and private school students to take college or university courses while earning credit toward a high school diploma, a career certificate or an associate or bachelor’s degree at a state public or eligible private institution. The program is free – Florida being one of the only states to fully fund dual enrollment. [Source: Pensacola News Journal]
Bill would allow the incarcerated to obtain credits for vocational licenses
A bill that would ensure that credits earned from prison-based classes count toward professional licensing requirements is headed to Gov. Ron DeSantis’ desk for consideration. The measure requires the Correctional Education Program (CEP) within the Department of Corrections to provide educational programming to inmates in state correctional facilities. The CEP provides 92 career and technical education courses in 37 vocational trades that are aligned to Florida’s in-demand occupations. [Source: Florida Phoenix]
'New Ivies’ schools named by Forbes. Did Florida make the list?
Employer preference for Ivy League graduates has decreased, with 37% of executives less likely to hire them compared to five years ago. Forbes released its "New Ivies" list, highlighting 20 public and private institutions seen as attracting top future professionals. More from the Gainesville Sun and the Daytona Beach News Journal.
Florida passes bill requiring school staff training on human trafficking
A bill that would require teachers and other school staff in Florida to be trained in recognizing and reporting human trafficking has passed the state House and Senate. Under SB 444, Florida teachers, administrators and school support staff like cafeteria workers would be required to take training to help them identify human trafficking. [Source: Central Florida Public Media]
ALSO AROUND FLORIDA:
› This century-old Pasco school wants to avoid a state takeover. Can it?
As the 2025 testing season begins, Pasco County’s oldest elementary school faces a challenge: Get students to improve their performance on state exams, or expect to lose local control of the school. Cox has earned a D grade from the state each year since 2019, placing it on the state’s watch list. Schools in Florida that don’t improve can be converted to charter schools or handed over to education management firms. Others simply close their doors.
› FAMU names presidential finalists, ‘clouds hanging over’ the search
FAMU has named four finalists for president, with a final vote scheduled next month. How the search committee developed its list is under question, however, with some trustees saying there are “clouds hanging” over the process. Under Florida law, presidential search committees, comprising university trustees, stakeholders, and a university system Board of Governors (BOG) member, work on a confidential search before presenting a list of finalists to the public and trustees. FAMU trustees questioned whether to investigate the legality of the search so far.
› The law that helped Miami schools make millions off bus camera tickets may change
The law that allows Florida’s school districts to adopt camera programs to ticket drivers who pass stopped school buses is getting a massive overhaul. A new Florida House bill aims to amend the law to update the current process for contesting the tickets, which will reduce the role of courts and increase responsibilities for school districts.
› UF Therapy Night program offers free statewide mental health counseling services
UF Therapy Night, a free mental health counseling program run by UF student volunteers, is expanding its services to Floridians outside of Alachua County. The program, believed to be the first of its kind, addresses mental health concerns ranging from anxiety and depression to PTSD and suicidal thoughts.