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Florida
6th January 2026
 

THE HOT STORY

Florida seeks fix for unused vouchers

Florida's school choice program has revealed significant issues, with over $400m in taxpayer-funded education vouchers remaining unused. Approximately 500,000 students have accepted these vouchers, yet many are not utilizing the funds, leading to concerns about accountability. State Senator Carlos Guillermo Smith (D-Orlando) remarked: "Hundreds of millions of dollars have been sitting unspent in so-called scholarship accounts where they could have been funding our public schools." In response to a recent audit highlighting a lack of oversight, lawmakers are proposing reforms for 2026, including measures to recover unspent funds more efficiently. The proposed legislation, FL SB318 (26R), aims to shorten the time frame for deeming accounts inactive and enhance communication with parents regarding voucher balances.

STATE NEWS

DeSantis gears up for state address

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis is set to deliver his annual State of the State address, outlining his agenda for the upcoming legislative session. This address is crucial as it provides insights into the state's condition and proposed measures for public interest, as mandated by the Florida Constitution. DeSantis has previously used this platform to highlight his administration's successes. His latest budget proposal includes $117bn in spending, with significant allocations for education, such as $1.56bn for teacher pay increases and $30.6bn for K-12 education. Additionally, he is advocating for property tax reforms aimed at benefiting homeowners, particularly those aged 65 and older. “This is about returning money to hard-working Floridians,” said Rep. Demi Busatta Cabrera. The governor is also pushing for congressional redistricting, which has raised concerns among voting rights advocates regarding potential partisan advantages.

DISTRICTS

Parents scramble after school closure

Parents are facing a challenging situation following the unexpected closure of Legends Academy, leaving them to quickly find new educational options for their children. With Orange County Public Schools as the only immediate option, many parents are exploring other charter and private schools. The school board explained that the closure was due to “unsustainable financial challenges,” emphasizing the impact Legends Academy had on the community.

Cape Canaveral school faces closure

Just two weeks before the Brevard school board votes on the potential closure of Cape Canaveral's only public elementary school, a meeting is scheduled with city council members. On January 6, the Brevard school board and Cape Canaveral city council will convene at the Educational Service Facility to discuss "matters related to the potential closure of Cape View Elementary School," as stated in the agenda published on Brevard Public Schools' website.

School choice: a thoughtful journey

Jamara Clark, director of student enrollment for the School District of Manatee County, recently presented information on school choice to the school board. Associate Superintendent Kevin Chapman emphasized that "school choice is not a race to the finish line," urging families to conduct thorough research and visit schools to find the best fit for their needs. This approach encourages informed decision-making, ensuring that families select schools that align with their educational goals.

ENROLLMENT

Faith Christian Academy expands for growth

Faith Christian Academy in Plant City is expanding to meet rising demand, reflecting a broader surge in private school enrollment in Florida, which grew by more than 28,000 students between 2022 and 2023. Parents like PTO president Elizabeth Phillips cite smaller class sizes and more individual attention as key reasons for switching from public schools, while the school plans a modular building, new athletics and welcome centers, and enhanced security to accommodate growth.

LEADERSHIP

Alachua County School Board elections heat up

The Alachua County School Board (ACSB) elections are set for November, with three candidates vying for three open seats. Incumbent Sarah Rockwell aims to retain her District 3 position, while Pamela Marshall-Koons withdrew her candidacy after "prayer and careful consideration." Annie Muscato and Jancie Vinson are competing for the District 5 seat, previously held by Janine Plavac, who has not filed to run again. Tina Certain, who will not return to the board, is running for a seat on the Alachua County Commission. The ACSB has faced criticism from the Florida Board of Education for controversial social media comments made by board members, including remarks about public figures. Both Certain and Rockwell have since apologized, with Certain asserting her right to express personal opinions.

Lori Alhadeff steps down from board

Lori Alhadeff, a Broward School Board member since 2018, has announced she will not run for a third term. Alhadeff, whose daughter Alyssa was killed in the Parkland school shooting, is endorsing Sharry Kimmel, a fellow educator, for the District 4 seat. She expressed her desire to focus on “Make Our Schools Safe,” a nonprofit she co-founded, stating: “This moment calls for my full commitment to Make Our Schools Safe and to advancing school safety nationally.” Alhadeff's decision marks the end of an impactful eight-year tenure on the board.

TEACHING

Teens distracted by phones in school

Recent research published in the journal JAMA reveals that adolescents spend an average of seventy minutes on their phones during school hours, which detracts from their focus on learning. Dr. Jason Nagata, the lead author and associate professor of pediatrics at the University of California, San Francisco, said: "That time is literally during the school day when children and adolescents should be in classes." The study tracked phone usage among six hundred forty adolescents, highlighting that most of their screen time was spent on social media platforms rather than educational apps. Despite existing school policies against phone use, many students find ways to circumvent these rules. Experts suggest that parents should model responsible phone use and engage in discussions with their children about the benefits of reducing screen time to enhance academic performance and social skills.

Innovative teaching takes center stage

The Broward Education Foundation is set to host the 29th Annual Innovative Teacher IDEA Expo on January 31, featuring over 35 grant-winning teachers showcasing dynamic teaching strategies. Attendees will gain access to project links, including lesson plans and resources. Kiki Prottsman, an educator and former Director of Education at Microsoft MakeCode, will deliver the keynote address, emphasizing the importance of fun and hands-on learning. Registration costs $50 until January 23, 2026, and $60 on the day of the event, space permitting. The foundation supports innovative teachers in Broward County Public Schools, contributing nearly $5m annually to enhance educational outcomes.

SAFETY & SECURITY

Metal detectors coming to Taylor County

Students and visitors at Taylor County High School are now required to pass through metal detectors before entering the campus. The initiative, announced by district administration in November, aims to "maintain a secure environment" and is described as "an additional layer of protection" against unsafe items. The district emphasized that this change is "not a reflection of distrust." Additionally, Taylor County Middle School will also implement similar measures. School board members in Leon County are considering adopting comparable detection methods. Previously, the district had introduced AI software in security cameras to identify weapons on school campuses.

INTERNATIONAL

Finland takles fake news

Finland embeds media literacy into its national curriculum from preschool, teaching children to identify disinformation and now AI-generated content. As Russia escalates propaganda across Europe, Finnish students learn to question media as a civic skill. “It’s very important to the nation’s safety and to the safety of our democracy,” said Kiia Hakkala, a Helsinki education specialist. With AI literacy now added, students like those at Tapanila Primary School are taught to spot deepfakes. Finland leads Europe in media literacy, supported by efforts like the “ABC Book of Media Literacy” and adult education programs.
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