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On Thursday, the Senate voted 50-38 along party lines to end a Federal Communications Commission (FCC) rule that used federal funding to cover Wi-Fi hotspots that could be used outside of school and libraries. A similar House resolution was introduced in February to strike down the recent inclusion of Wi-Fi hotspots in the E-rate program, which has helped connect schools and libraries to affordable telecommunications services for the last 29 years. In fiscal year 2025, schools and districts requested a total of $27.5m for Wi-Fi hotspots alone. The devices are often used to help students who don’t have home internet access complete homework assignments that require digital connections. Sen. Ted Cruz (R-TX) introduced the resolution of disapproval for the program under the Congressional Review Act. The House companion bill awaits a vote; should it proceed both chambers would need to reconcile any differences in committee before approving a final version for President Donald Trump’s signature. FCC Commissioner Anna Gomez said the vote will exacerbate economic disparities, adding: “Those with sufficient internet access are increasingly separated from those without, and this decision risks widening that gap even further." Additionally, the Supreme Court is to decide in the coming months whether the funding mechanism for the E-rate program as a whole is unconstitutional.

 

School Transportation News

K-12 Dive

The Verge

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Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier, along with Republican leaders from 19 states, is urging a federal appeals court to reconsider a ruling that favored the Leon County school system in a case involving a student's gender identity. The ruling, described as "disastrous for parents everywhere," involved a 13-year-old student who wished to use a male name and they/them pronouns, despite parental objections. The state officials argue that parents have a fundamental right to make decisions regarding their children's care, noting: "Purposefully withholding from a parent critical information about supposed medical treatment violates that right." The case has garnered support from various groups nationwide, and the Littlejohns have requested an "en banc" hearing from the appeals court.

 

Orlando Weekly

As students in Central Florida explore their post-high school options, many are opting for hands-on career and technical programs rather than traditional four-year universities. A notable example is a local dental assisting program aimed at preparing students from Orange County Public Schools for the workforce in under a year. This shift reflects a growing trend, with more students prioritizing immediate career readiness.

 

Fox 35 Orlando

The Polk County School Board has unanimously approved a five-year contract extension for Superintendent Fred Heid, increasing his annual salary to $283,000, with potential bonuses. The contract, effective from July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2030, includes a one-time payment of $40,000 for back pay and updates to his retirement benefits. Heid's performance will be evaluated based on student achievement, fiscal responsibility, staff development, community engagement, and strategic plan implementation. Board member Sara Beth Wyatt expressed her enthusiasm, saying: "I am thrilled to support this tonight and that Superintendent Heid isn't just ditching us." Additionally, the board appointed James Greene as the new general counsel, with a three-year contract at $215,000 annually. Greene, previously with Pasco County Schools and the FBI, will begin on June 16, 2025.

 

Lakeland Ledger

The Volusia County School Board has agreed to a $200,000 settlement with a student victim of former teacher Arin Hankerd, who is currently serving 21 years in prison for sexual abuse. The victim, referred to as Jane Doe, was only 15 when Hankerd groomed her and engaged in inappropriate conduct in his classroom. Despite multiple complaints against Hankerd dating back to 2019, he remained in the classroom until his arrest in 2023.

 

Daytona Beach News Journal

Shirley Batten Price, a dedicated bus operator for Hernando County School District, is retiring this month after an impressive 47 years of service. Initially joining the transportation team in August 1970, she retired in May 2012 but returned in August 2013, explaining: "I actually missed the kids and my coworkers." Throughout her career, she has transported countless students, witnessing significant changes in school transportation. Ralph Leath, the transportation director, praised her commitment: "Shirley has lived this belief and model as she has transported hundreds of thousands of kids." The Hernando County School Board honored her contributions, recognizing the vital role bus drivers play in student safety and education.

 

Hernando Sun

A federal judge has decided to allow Rumeysa Ozturk, a Tufts University doctoral student detained in Louisiana, to appear remotely at her bail hearing instead of being transported to Vermont. U.S. District Judge William Sessions made this decision to expedite her release, stating "She really shouldn't be forced to undergo another week of detention," according to her lawyer, Monica Allard from the American Civil Liberties Union of Vermont. Ozturk, a Turkish citizen, was arrested on March 25 after co-authoring an opinion piece criticizing the university's response to Israel's actions in Gaza. Her case has gained attention amid the Trump administration's efforts to deport pro-Palestinian activists. Ozturk's health has reportedly deteriorated during her detention, with several asthma attacks occurring.

 

U.S. News

Florida International University has concluded its presidential search, naming interim president Jeanette Nuñez as the sole candidate. Nuñez, a former lieutenant governor, was appointed interim president in February after a recommendation from Gov. Ron DeSantis' office. Rogelio Tovar, chair of the Board of Trustees, stated: “I did not suggest the lieutenant governor as interim president not thinking she should be the full-time president.” Despite the procedural nature of the search, it faced criticism from students and faculty who felt her appointment lacked democratic legitimacy. Concerns were raised regarding her stance on immigration, particularly her opposition to in-state tuition waivers for undocumented students. The FIU police department has also enrolled in the 287(g) program to assist with immigration enforcement. The university invites community participation in the next phase of the search process, with open forums scheduled for May 21.

 

News 13

The Miami Herald

Eight seniors from The College Academy at Broward College have been awarded full four-year scholarships through the National QuestBridge Scholars program, valued at over $300,000. BCPS Superintendent Dr. Howard Hepburn praised the students, stating, “This remarkable achievement by our College Academy students is a powerful testament to their hard work, dedication and the exceptional educational environment fostered at The College Academy at Broward College.” The College Academy allows high school students to earn both a diploma and an Associate of Arts degree by completing college coursework. Over the past 30 years, more than 40,000 students have been admitted to colleges partnered with QuestBridge, with total scholarship awards exceeding $5bn.

 

Local10

The European Union (EU) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Ukraine have completed a comprehensive initiative to restore educational infrastructure implemented in partnership with the Ministry for Development of Communities and Territories of Ukraine. The project covered 66 schools across 11 oblasts affected by war. Thanks to renovated premises, upgraded shelters and newly supplied equipment, more than 21,600 students and teachers have been able to return to safe and conducive learning conditions. The selected institutions, coordinated with the Ministry for Communities and Territories Development, had a damage level not exceeding 60%. The scope of work included roof and window replacement, repairs of heating and sanitary systems, refurbishment of bomb shelters, improvement of accessibility, and other essential repair interventions.

 

UNDP

School districts across the U.S. are cautioning students against a hazardous TikTok trend known as the "Chromebook Challenge," which involves inserting metal objects into USB ports to create sparks and smoke. David Winston, principal of Lincoln Park Middle School of Morris County in New Jersey, emphasized the importance of responsible behavior, warning: "We expect our students to make responsible choices and refrain from any behavior that could result in injury, property damage, disciplinary action, or the loss of privileges." He warned that such actions could be classified as vandalism or even arson if a fire occurs. While no Chromebook fires have been reported in New Jersey, incidents have emerged in Connecticut, including a case where a student was hospitalized and faces criminal charges.

 

The Courier Journal

New Jersey Herald

CNET