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The state Senate has introduced a new bill, SB 318, aimed at addressing accountability issues within Florida's school choice voucher system. Sen. Don Gaetz, R-Crestview, raised the issue of education reform, claiming: "The architecture of our current funding system has scrambled together the funds for public schools, private schools, home schooling and unique ability scholarships." The bill proposes creating a categorical fund for scholarships, requiring a minimum of $250m to cover unexpected costs, and establishing clear deadlines for scholarship applications. It also mandates the Department of Education to investigate complaints regarding school choice laws and potential fraud. Gaetz acknowledged that while the bill is not "perfect," it is essential to prevent further issues that could jeopardize school choice in Florida. The bill aims to improve student tracking and the overall funding process.

 

Florida Phoenix

Florida's 2026 legislative session has seen the approval of seven amendments and one bill aimed at reducing property taxes. Supporters argue that this move will provide financial relief to homeowners, while critics warn it may shift the financial burden to local governments. State economists estimate that eliminating homesteaded property taxes could cost local governments $14.1bn in the 2027-28 fiscal year and $18.3bn in subsequent years. Rep. Toby Overdorf said: "Local government property tax is increasing at an unsustainable rate. It is time to put money back in the hands of Floridians." However, critics like Charles Chapman from the Florida League of Cities caution that such proposals could destabilize local services and infrastructure. The Florida Policy Institute noted that alternative funding sources would be necessary to maintain essential services if property taxes are eliminated.

 

TCPalm

The number of children awaiting subsidized childcare in Florida has surged to nearly 26,000 this year, following the end of federal COVID-era funding. Many low-income families are struggling to afford childcare, which is essential for maintaining employment. The Florida School Readiness program, which serves about 210,000 children, has seen its waitlist grow significantly, with parents now waiting around six months for assistance. Scott Fritz, chief executive of the Early Learning Coalition of Orange County, noted that “there's huge waitlists” despite many families qualifying for the program. The recent legislative changes aimed at increasing eligibility did not come with additional funding, exacerbating the situation. As a result, childcare centers are experiencing decreased enrollment, impacting their operations and the families they serve.

 

Orlando Sentinel

Sun Sentinel

Brian Alaback, Director of Professional Learning at Escambia County Public Schools, emphasizes the importance of ongoing training for teachers to stay current with evolving standards and technology. In Florida, teachers must complete specific training to maintain certification, including courses on teaching students with disabilities and evidence-based instruction. Alaback noted that misconceptions about teaching persist, such as the belief that teachers are already fully trained. With the rise of AI technologies, teachers must learn to integrate these tools into their instruction effectively. The district faces challenges in providing face-to-face training due to a shortage of substitute teachers, leading to a reliance on virtual training. Alaback said: “Student achievement is our main driver,” highlighting the need for tailored support based on classroom observations and student proficiency.

 

Pensacola News Journal

ICE agents mistakenly detained a high school intern outside Rhode Island Superior Court, triggering outrage from Gov. Dan McKee and Chief Justice Paul Suttell. The teen, driven by Judge Joseph McBurney, was surrounded by agents who restrained and questioned him before confirming his identity and releasing him. ICE claimed they were pursuing a child predator and that the intern resembled the target. The incident, caught on video, spurred renewed criticism of courthouse arrests and calls for expanded virtual hearings. “This was not a harmless mistake,” said McKee, calling ICE’s actions “shameful.”

 

CNN

Students from five Brevard Public Schools showcased their financial acumen during the Junior Achievement Space Coast Stock Exchange Challenge, a dynamic simulation aimed at teaching real-world investing skills. The event, held at Eastern Florida State College, featured teams from Viera High, Space Coast Jr/Sr High, Heritage High, Cocoa High, and Cocoa Beach Jr/Sr High. Viera High emerged as the standout performer, clinching first, second, and third places. BPS Superintendent Mark Rendell said: "It was a high-energy day of strategy, teamwork, and hands-on learning." The competition highlighted the importance of financial literacy among students.

 

SpaceCoastDaily.com

The Osceola County Sheriff’s Office has paused the use of school zone speed cameras due to confusion over their placement. The Florida Department of Transportation's (FDOT) guidelines specify that cameras must be installed 100 feet before the school zone warning sign. However, many cameras in Osceola County are located outside these zones. Verra Mobility, the company responsible for the cameras, expressed confidence in their compliance with statutory requirements but respects the county's decision to review the situation. In the interim, deputies will enforce speed limits in school zones manually. Montes emphasized the importance of safety, stating: “You can still be issued a ticket for running too fast through these school zones.”

 

News 13

Florida's DOGE team has requested state universities to provide comprehensive data on all undergraduate courses, including syllabi and faculty names, by December 3. The DeSantis administration aims to "identify opportunities to improve higher education in Florida" through this initiative. This request follows a series of audits targeting various sectors, including universities, and is part of a broader effort to assess program performance. Robert Cassanello, president of the statewide faculty union, criticized the request as "theater" and expressed concerns about its impact on faculty morale. He remarked: "I don't know what DeSantis thinks he's gonna find in the syllabi." The initiative aligns with Gov. DeSantis's goal to eliminate perceived waste in higher education, particularly regarding diversity and inclusion efforts.

 

Sun Sentinel

Local officials and law enforcement have denounced the harassment Muslim students at the University of South Florida (USF) endured during a prayer session. Abu Tahir, a member of the Muslim Student Association, recounted the incident where men shouted insults and taunted the students, explaining: "The morning after, when I watched the videos again I had to relive the whole thing again." The USF police are investigating the incident, which was livestreamed by a hate group, Warriors for Christ. Malak Albustami, president of the Muslim Student Association, emphasized the need for university support, saying: "Show us that we matter." The group has submitted demands for safety measures and a public statement against Islamophobia.

 

Tampa Bay Times

The Alberta government has released a report from the Aggression and Complexity Action Team, outlining seven recommendations to address escalating violence and increasing classroom complexity, issues that have been raised for years by teachers and the Alberta Teachers’ Association (ATA). Complexity refers to the challenges of teaching diverse learners with varying needs. The report suggests setting class size criteria, hiring more teachers and educational assistants, clarifying staff roles in clinical and therapeutic support, expanding early childhood funding, and improving access to pre-Grade 1 services. Education Minister Demetrios Nicolaides stated that the report offers a clear path to improve classroom conditions and ensure student success. ATA president Jason Schilling noted these recommendations echo what teachers have demanded for years, particularly during the recent strike, which was ended when the government invoked the notwithstanding clause. Premier Danielle Smith highlighted a $10bn education investment this year and announced plans to hire 3,000 teachers and 1,500 education assistants over three years. A new cabinet committee co-chaired by Smith and Nicolaides will oversee the report’s implementation “over the next few months.”

 

Calgary Herald

CBC News

The Globe and Mail

Fifty out of 303 abducted schoolchildren from St. Mary’s School in Niger state, Nigeria, have escaped and reunited with their families, according to Most Rev. Bulus Dauwa Yohanna. The remaining 253 students and 12 teachers are still held. Pope Leo XIV expressed sorrow and urged immediate release. No group has claimed responsibility, and authorities remain silent on rescue efforts. In a separate incident, 38 kidnapped worshippers in Kwara state were freed. President Tinubu vowed continued efforts to ensure nationwide safety, saying: “Every Nigerian...has the right to safety.”

 

Politico