Florida rural school districts’ financial stress is the ‘canary in coal mine’
The state stepped in last week to help manage the distressed finances of two rural school districts, and that could be just an inkling of what’s to come, state leaders say, as enrollment continues to decline. “Union and Glades (counties) are the canary in the coal mine,” said Sen. Jennifer Bradley, R-Fleming Island, who represents Union County. Last week, the Florida Department of Education appointed a financial board to both Union and Glades counties’ school districts to help with “operations, management and finances and to make recommendations for financial recovery,” because their projected fund balances were below 2 percent. [Source: News Service of Florida]
Still no state budget as Florida schools prepare for expected cuts
As lawmakers left Tallahassee in mid-March without a budget deal, school officials across Florida held out hope that they’d have some clear direction soon. Their fiscal year begins July 1, with hiring decisions due in April, so knowing what the financial picture looks like makes a big difference. There had been some speculation that the Legislature might hold a budget special session next week. But leaders nixed that idea Wednesday afternoon, saying they have no agreements in place. [Source: Tampa Bay Times]
Florida virtual school taps Texas voucher program via loophole
A Florida-based virtual school could receive Texas taxpayer funds through the state's new $1 billion private school voucher program, despite provisions in the law meant to block out-of-state schools from joining the program. State records show that the Texas Comptroller's office approved NFC Academy — North Forest Baptist Church Academy based in Tallahassee — to participate in the voucher program on March 13. The school, which teaches a biblical worldview to students in grades K-12, had been "pursuing approval" for the Texas program, according to its website. [Source: Government Technology]
Step Up For Students says school choice voucher applications are up despite concerns
A rising number of students are seeking the taxpayer-funded school choice vouchers, with 500,000 already applying for next school year since the window opened Feb. 1, Step Up For Students said this week. Voucher popularity continues to rise even as lawmakers have raised concerns about transparency and missing money in the state’s booming voucher program. Despite concerns, the Legislature failed to pass any major reforms in the 2026 Session. [Source: Florida Politics]
Florida’s new anti-terrorism law has education implications
Gov. Ron DeSantis signed into law a measure that gives his administration broad powers to deem a group a terrorist organization and take action against it. Critics have raised concerns that the measure could have a chilling effect on free speech at college and university campuses, where students have conducted pro-Palestinian rallies during wars with Israel. Students determined to be supporting state-labeled terrorist organizations could be expelled. [Source: Tampa Bay Times]
ALSO AROUND FLORIDA:
› Jacksonville Public Education Fund examines early literacy
Duval County’s longstanding literacy woes cannot be solved by a solitary organization, educator or person. The Jacksonville Public Education Fund identified nine practices in a recent research brief that it believes will enhance the local literacy landscape. Jacksonville Today thanks our sponsors. Become one. Nevertheless, if the Duval literacy rate is going to improve, more must be done. “Early literacy is one of the most important predictors of later-life success,” says Shannon Varga, the senior director of research and data for the Jacksonville Public Education Fund.
› How Hillsborough College is planning for potential Rays stadium construction
Hillsborough College’s Dale Mabry campus could look very different by the end of the year. If the city and county approve a deal for a Tampa Bay Rays stadium in Tampa — which could happen next month — construction could start in the fall, Rays CEO Ken Babby has said. As bulldozers take down the college’s buildings, where does that leave students? According to college and Rays leadership, in a temporary campus made of portable trailers.
› Palm Beach County schools chief rejects 3.5% teacher raise recommendation
Palm Beach County teachers will remain without a raise for now as the schools superintendent has rejected a 3.5% raise recommended by a special magistrate. The matter isn’t over yet, as the School Board is expected to make a final decision at a May 6 meeting. If the School Board sides with Superintendent Mike Burke’s recommendation, teachers would get a smaller raise than the Palm Beach County Classroom Teachers Association or the magistrate have proposed.
› University of Florida leads AI education task force
he University of Florida is leading a project to shape how artificial intelligence will be used in the state’s K-12 classrooms. The state’s K-12 AI Education Task Force will be organized and chaired by the university. The task force, which also includes educators from around the state, is tasked with developing the state as a national leader for AI literacy, education and innovation.