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The University of Florida (UF) recently unveiled the fastest university-owned supercomputer, HiPerGator, at a ceremony attended by over 125 guests, including U.S. Representative Kat Cammack. This launch is part of UF's ongoing artificial intelligence (AI) initiative, which aims to enhance workforce development and national competitiveness. "As Florida's flagship university, UF has embraced a bold and audacious vision: to be the nation's AI university," said UF Board of Trustees Chair Mori Hosseini. The $33m upgrade features the new NVIDIA DGX B200 SuperPOD, which is 30 times faster than its predecessor. HiPerGator ranks No. 3 globally for speed and No. 4 for efficiency, supporting nearly 7,000 users and over 230 AI courses.

 

Alachua County Today

10 Expert Tips to Prevent Bullying and Suicide in Schools  

In recognition of Bullying Prevention Month, this guide provides 10 evidence-based strategies for K-12 leaders to help reduce bullying and suicide risk. From staff training to parent involvement and policy creation, discover practical steps to build a safer and more connected school community.  

Download Guide

 

Pinellas County school employees will receive additional pay starting in late October after the school board approved new contract agreements. The board unanimously supported deals for teachers, bus drivers, and non-bargaining non-administrative staff, expressing a desire to provide even more. The agreements reflect ongoing efforts to enhance compensation for school staff amid ongoing negotiations.

 

Tampa Bay Times

Brevard Public Schools is grappling with a significant teacher shortage, reporting 124 instructional job openings as of early October, the highest among surrounding Florida counties. Teacher union leader Anthony Colucci highlighted that heavy workloads, student discipline issues, and ongoing culture wars contribute to this crisis. During a recent school board meeting, Colucci criticized the board for not rehiring Melissa Calhoun, a former teacher cleared to return on probation, stating it sends a "devastating" message to educators. While board member Megan Wright downplayed the vacancy issue, Colucci warned that "the demands put upon (teachers) are overwhelming and stressful." He noted that many teachers feel micromanaged and lack the freedom to address students' needs effectively. Despite these challenges, Colucci affirmed that Brevard offers a solid contract with protections and benefits for teachers.

 

Florida Today

Concerns are rising among educators regarding the decline of longer, more challenging texts in English/language arts classrooms. Laura Patranella, a fifth-grade teacher in Seguin, Texas, emphasizes the importance of reading full novels, such as Sharon Creech's Love That Dog, to foster deep discussions and emotional connections among students. “That was a really powerful time for everyone,” Patranella noted about her students' collective experience. Research indicates that prolonged reading of complete works is essential for developing reading skills, as Maryanne Wolf, director of the Center for Dyslexia, Diverse Learners, and Social Justice at the University of California, Los Angeles, said: “The reading brain needs to be exercised.” However, a 2023 EdWeek survey revealed that a quarter of educators in grades three to eight primarily rely on excerpts, raising questions about the future of novel reading in schools.

 

Education Week News

Broward Children’s Center (BCC) is currently accepting limited enrollment for its BCC Academy, which serves children with developmental disabilities and medical fragility. Established in 1971, BCC Academy offers a nurturing environment with a comprehensive curriculum and specialized services tailored to each child's needs. "BCC Academy is committed to creating an equitable learning environment where every child thrives," said Edith Moore, Director of Education. The academy provides various support services, including Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) and therapy options. Additionally, BCC Academy offers flexible care options for working families and financial assistance through the Family Empowerment Scholarship Program.

 

Miami's Community Newspapers

Duval County Public Schools teachers will benefit from $3.6m in federal grants aimed at enhancing civics education. The University of North Florida and Florida State College at Jacksonville received the funding to prepare educators for the 250th anniversary of America's founding in 2026. Diane Yendol-Hoppey, a professor at UNF, emphasized that "civics isn't just memorizing dates and facts — it's about preparing students to think critically and participate in democracy." The grants will support programs for middle and high school teachers, with UNF focusing on a three-year initiative to help 90 civics teachers deepen their understanding of foundational documents. Superintendent Christopher Bernier expressed excitement over the funding, stating it provides an opportunity to make civics education come alive for students and the community.

 

The Florida Times-Union

Broward County high school students can now use cellphones during lunch after the School Board voted 5-4 to amend a previous ban. The policy change allows students to talk, text, and surf the web during their lunch period, effective immediately. However, the ban remains for students in kindergarten through eighth grade, and cellphone use is still prohibited during instructional time unless authorized by a teacher. Board member Jeff Holness said: "I believe there is adequate research to suggest that excessive use of cellphones is problematic," but acknowledged that limited use during lunch could be beneficial. The decision followed complaints from students and parents about the difficulty of enforcing the ban. Some board members expressed concerns about the social impact of the ban, with member Rebecca Thompson noting: "Our students, especially our high school students, are the next leaders."

 

Sun Sentinel

In Florida, the Mater Academy charter school's push for access to unused public school space highlights a growing issue: many school districts are facing an increasing number of vacant classrooms. Officials from counties like Pinellas, Broward, and Duval have acknowledged the need for more efficient use of their facilities. This situation raises questions about how best to utilize these spaces as charter schools seek to expand their reach.

 

Tampa Bay Times

In Broward County, Florida, Jennifer Levi, a mother of three, is advocating for a charter school managed by Broward County Public Schools (BCPS) to better support students with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Levi emphasized that her son is part of a "population that is significantly underserved." This initiative comes amid a concerning decline in student enrollment, with BCPS Superintendent Howard Hepburn noting a drop of about 8,000 to 9,000 students, resulting in a financial loss of approximately $85m-$90m. The situation is further complicated by the recent approval of Florida Senate Bill 2510, which facilitates the establishment of charter schools in the state. Hepburn expressed concerns about the implications of having charter schools operating within public school facilities, stating, "When you have a competitor in your building... that's the journey that we're concerned about."

 

Local10

The Jacksonville City Council is considering a significant land swap to facilitate the proposed University of Florida (UF) graduate campus in LaVilla. Council Ordinance 2025-0783, introduced on October 14, proposes exchanging city-owned property at 200 N. Lee St. for a 2.04-acre lot on West Bay Street owned by Vestcor Inc. This swap, valued at $3.23m, would allow the city to reduce its maximum indebtedness to UF from $105m to $100m. The Downtown Investment Authority previously recommended this exchange, which would provide UF with six properties totaling 25.28 acres, valued between $30.22m and $31.62m. UF has secured $245m in funding for the campus, which is set to open in fall 2026, with a benchmark cost of $1,000 per square foot for the first phase, amounting to $200m, according to Eric Bram, managing director of Rieth Jones Advisors.

 

Jax Daily Record

Quebec Education Minister Sonia LeBel says she has no plans to alter what is often called the province's "three-tier" school system, which is made up of private schools, selective public schools, and public schools. “Private schools complement public schools. They do not replace them, but they are part of them and share the same goal: student success,” said the minister, adding: “It is up to families to choose what suits them best. We must not pit the two against each other. We must all work together toward the same goal. That is what we are doing." For years, experts have criticized Quebec’s three-tiered education system, arguing that private schools receive the most gifted and affluent students, while students with special needs are overrepresented in regular public schools, leaving teachers overwhelmed. 

 

CTV News