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As federal funding for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is set to lapse on November 1, millions of students from low-income families are at risk of hunger. Approximately 44m individuals in 22m households rely on SNAP, with nearly 39% being children. Mallory DePrekel, CEO of Communities in Schools of Michigan, expressed concern: "We're dipping into our rainy day funds, and we seem to have had a lot of rainy days recently." Schools are coordinating with local food banks and community organizations to address the increasing food insecurity among students. The National School Boards Association has urged Congress to resolve the funding impasse, emphasizing that "schools are doing everything they can to provide safe, stable environments where students can learn and thrive—but they cannot do it alone."

 

Education Week News

Starting July 2026, the U.S. Department of Education will bar employers with a “substantial illegal purpose” from qualifying for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program. This includes organizations linked to human trafficking, terrorism, or child abuse law violations. Officials say it ensures public funds benefit legitimate public service groups, not those breaking laws. However, critics argue the rule’s vagueness may allow political targeting, including of groups supporting immigration or gender-affirming care. “It’s an unconstitutional overreach,” said advocacy group Protect Borrowers, which plans to challenge the policy in court.

 

Politico

U.S. Department of Education

The ongoing government shutdown has left school leaders anxious about the future of grant funding and federal support. Education Secretary Linda McMahon highlighted the shutdown's implications, stating: “Two weeks in, millions of American students are still going to school.” While many schools are currently funded, concerns are rising over the potential depletion of resources for preschool programs and school meals. Julia Martin, director of policy and government affairs at the Bruman Group, noted that districts are worried about covering meal costs as federal reimbursements dwindle. The Education Department has halted new grant competitions, leaving schools reliant on existing funds. As the shutdown continues, states may inadvertently violate federal laws due to a lack of guidance, according to Katy Neas, CEO of The Arc of the United States. McMahon has acknowledged that only Congress can fully eliminate the Education Department, despite ongoing efforts to transfer its functions to other agencies.

 

Local10

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has directed the Florida Board of Governors to cease hiring foreign workers on H1B visas in state universities. He criticized the H1B program, claiming it is abused by companies replacing American workers. The program, established in 1990, allows employers to hire foreigners with specialized knowledge, capped at 85,000 visas annually. DeSantis' directive follows a review by his Department of Government Efficiency, which will present findings to the Board of Governors next week. Dr. Donald Landry, interim president of the University of Florida, acknowledged the complexity of the issue but supported the review, stating, "We know that H1B is not handled in a pristine fashion." Additionally, DeSantis plans to end grants for diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives at Florida's public universities, citing $33m in DEI-related grants found during the review.

 

The Gainesville Sun

Florida Politics

Volusia County Schools and the Volusia United Educators Instructional union have reached a preliminary agreement to raise base teacher salaries to $50,000 annually. This deal, pending ratification by the Volusia County School Board, also includes a 0.65% salary increase funded by the Teacher Salary Increase Allocation, two days of paid bereavement leave, and a $2 increase in the retention supplement multiplier for each year of service. The agreement also includes retention and longevity supplements for experienced teachers.

 

Ormond Beach Observer

Tayla King, a former preschool teacher at Creative Learning Lab Academy in Fort Pierce, Florida, expressed her frustration over unpaid wages due to the government shutdown. "It just felt like I was just doing that [teaching] for no reason," she said, highlighting the emotional toll of working without pay. Teachers at the now-defunct school are owed between $1,000 and $5,000 each, making it difficult for them to meet their financial obligations. King, who left another job to support the school's mission, is now in financial debt and struggling to contact the United States Department of Labor for assistance during the shutdown.

 

WPTV

Florida's Education Commissioner Anastasios "Stasi" Kamoutsas criticized Leon County Schools' leadership during a board meeting, calling for improved management amid stalled teacher pay negotiations. Superintendent Rocky Hanna described Kamoutsas' unexpected appearance as an intimidation tactic, stating, "He's young, he's immature (and) he's a bully." Teachers rejected a proposed $40 monthly raise, deeming it "a slap in the face," and negotiations have resumed after a previous agreement was voted down. Kamoutsas highlighted the district's failure to prioritize teacher pay despite nearly $6 bn allocated by Gov. Ron DeSantis over the past six years. He also pointed out the high salary of Leon Classroom Teachers Association President Scott Mazur, which he believes contributes to teacher frustration.

 

Tallahassee.com

An Orlando group of charter schools is utilizing a $2.3m federal grant from the U.S. Department of Education to share best practices for educating students with disabilities. UCP Charter Schools network, the only recipient in Florida this year, aims to showcase its innovative approach over the next few years. Dr. Ilene Wilkins, CEO and superintendent, emphasized the importance of customizing education to meet diverse student needs, stating, "Kids have such diverse needs nowadays that you really want to customize an education that could meet every student’s need."

 

News 13

Five elementary and middle schools in Brevard County have been recognized among the top 50 in Florida by U.S. News and World Report. The rankings are determined by state assessment scores in math and reading, while also considering the socioeconomic context of the student body. Freedom 7 Elementary School of International Studies achieved the highest rank in the county at No. 13, with math proficiency at 91% and reading proficiency at 89%. Other notable schools include West Shore Jr./Sr. High School, ranked No. 6 among middle schools, and Edgewood Jr./Sr. High School, ranked No. 8, with math proficiency at 95% and reading proficiency at 94%.

 

Florida Today

Flagler Schools is grappling with the implications of a new law mandating later start times for middle and high schools, effective from the 2026-2027 school year. The law requires middle schools to start no earlier than 8 a.m. and high schools at 8:30 a.m., citing health and academic benefits for students. Superintendent LaShakia Moore emphasized the significant financial impacts, stating that "the later start times would have major financial impacts on the district." A district analysis indicated that implementing these changes could require seven additional bus routes, costing approximately $100,000 each.

 

Ormond Beach Observer

The Duval County School Board is set to vote on November 4 regarding the sale of its downtown headquarters and a potential move to Baymeadows. Chase Properties has proposed $17.2m for the current riverfront property, intending to redevelop it into condos and commercial space. The board is considering relocating to the Southeastern Grocers building for $13.6m or the former Suddath building.

 

The Florida Times-Union

School crossing guards play a crucial role in ensuring children's safety as they travel to and from school. However, an investigation by the Associated Press (AP) and Cox Media Group reveals that this job can be perilous. The investigation found that at least 230 crossing guards across 37 states and Washington, D.C., were struck by vehicles over the past decade, with nearly three dozen fatalities. Notably, drivers who hit crossing guards often face no criminal charges. The Bureau of Labor Statistics indicates that crossing guards rank among the most dangerous jobs, with a high fatality rate. Only New Jersey and Massachusetts have made significant efforts to track crossing guard safety, implementing measures after several fatalities. Factors contributing to these incidents include distracted driving, speeding, and inadequate road design. Many crossing guards are senior citizens, with over half of those documented being over 65 years old.

 

U.S. News

In Florida, two drivers, Karen Coring and Lars Larsen, are challenging fines from the state's new school bus camera program, which aims to enhance student safety. Coring, who received a $225 ticket, was shocked to find out she missed a hearing she was never notified about, resulting in her fine increasing to $270. Both drivers argue they were wrongfully ticketed, with video evidence raising questions about their actions when the bus's stop arm was deployed.

 

Tallahassee News

Miami Dade College (MDC) and Junior Achievement of Greater Miami (JA Miami) are set to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on October 30, 2025, to enhance educational opportunities for students pursuing teaching careers. This partnership will integrate JA’s curriculum in financial literacy, entrepreneurship, and career readiness into MDC’s Teaching Academies Dual Enrollment Program, addressing the local teacher shortage. The MOU will enable Teaching Academy students to gain hands-on experience by teaching financial literacy to K-5 students in JA Miami’s partner classrooms, fostering a new generation of educators.

 

Miami's Community Newspapers