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Florida
19th March 2026
 

THE HOT STORY

DeSantis faces vaccine mandate backlash

Gov. Ron DeSantis is facing significant challenges in his push to end mandatory vaccines for school children. A recent ruling by U.S. District Judge Brian E. Murphy temporarily blocked federal health officials from cutting vaccine recommendations, undermining DeSantis' efforts. Despite a legislative rejection of his proposal, DeSantis continues to advocate for what he calls "medical freedom," stating: "I know a lot of people in Florida really want to see these protections enacted into law." However, a poll by McLaughlin & Associates revealed that 79% of likely Florida voters support maintaining current vaccine requirements. Experts warn that DeSantis' approach could undermine public health, emphasizing that "public health is a team sport; it's not an individual sport," as noted by Dr. Scott Rivkees, a former Florida surgeon general.

TECHNOLOGY

AI weakens teaching craft

Daniel Buck argues that using artificial intelligence (AI) to reduce teachers’ routine workload can undermine the core work of teaching rather than improve it. He contends that tasks often labeled “administrative,” such as drafting emails, planning questions, and reviewing student work, actually drive reflection, judgment, and relationship-building. Buck, a research fellow at the American Enterprise Institute and former school administrator, warns that outsourcing these activities also outsources the thinking behind them. As he writes: “Far from being side tasks, they are the work of teaching itself.” He also argues that AI-generated feedback can weaken trust and reduce teacher understanding of student needs. For practice leaders, Buck frames AI as a potential efficiency tool that may also erode professional judgment, training quality, and human connection if overused.

AI adoption accelerating in schools

A Stanford review of more than 1,100 studies found that artificial intelligence (AI) use in K–12 education is growing quickly, but strong evidence about its effects remains thin. Only 20 studies used causal methods, and most research focused on technical performance, short-term outcomes, and math. Early results suggest AI can improve performance when it helps students work through reasoning rather than giving answers outright. But findings are mixed for independent student use, raising concerns about true skill development. The review also points to teacher time savings, while warning that policy and spending decisions are outpacing the evidence.

TEACHING

Teachers adapt to remote learning

The COVID-19 pandemic drastically transformed education, forcing schools nationwide to shift to remote learning. Becky Poppy, a fifth-grade teacher, expressed her initial fears, saying: "I think, like everyone, I was afraid about what would happen with my students." Despite the challenges, educators adapted quickly, utilizing technology to maintain connections with students. Nathan Shaker, former principal at Paul Laurence Dunbar Middle School, noted that "to turn a day-to-day classroom into a virtual experience was something brand new… but we pivoted quickly." Many teachers, like Lauren Minetti, have integrated the tools learned during the pandemic into their everyday teaching. Poppy emphasized the importance of relationships, claiming: "If we can do that… we can do anything." The experience highlighted the resilience of educators, with 77% of public schools transitioning to online learning in spring 2020, according to the National Center for Education Statistics.

GOVERNANCE

Legislative session brings relief to Florida schools

Melissa Byrd, a member of the Orange County School Board, argues that Florida’s 2026 legislative session brought welcome stability for schools, with fewer disruptive education reforms than in previous years. She says this allows districts to focus more on students rather than implementing costly policy changes. However, she notes that several beneficial proposals—such as improving efficiency, tackling absenteeism, and standardizing GPA systems—failed to pass. While some approved measures offer modest improvements, Byrd raises concern about a new rule allowing booster clubs to pay coaches, warning it could deepen inequalities between wealthier and poorer schools. She also highlights ongoing underfunding as a major issue, urging lawmakers to increase education budgets and calling on the public to advocate for better support for local schools.

Celebrate the National Day of Prayer

At the latest Miami-Dade School Board meeting, School Board Member Danny Espino of District 5 proposed recognizing May 7, 2026, as the National Day of Prayer. This observance, established by a 1952 resolution signed by President Harry S. Truman, encourages individuals of all faiths to pray for the nation and its leaders. Espino directed the Superintendent to ensure that all schools and district staff respect the rights of students and staff to recognize this day in accordance with School Board Policies 8800 and 8805, as well as state and federal law.

FINANCE

Budget cuts loom for Leon County schools

The Leon County School Board is contemplating significant budget cuts to address a financial shortfall, with a decision expected on March 24. Superintendent Rocky Hanna indicated that nearly $6.8m in cuts could include closing Leon County Virtual School, reducing arts and athletics funding, and cutting staff positions. "None of this is easy," Hanna said, emphasizing the urgency of the situation. The proposed cuts could lead to larger class sizes and fewer course offerings, impacting students and families. If further state funding is not secured, additional cuts could total $13.5m, affecting staffing and extracurricular programs.

CAREER & TECHNICAL EDUCATION

Florida nursing programs face scrutiny

Florida lawmakers are pushing for new legislation to enhance the quality of nursing programs amid a significant nursing shortage. The state needs 60,000 new nurses by 2035, yet it has one of the lowest passage rates for the National Council Licensure Exam (NCLEX), with only 82% of first-time test-takers passing. Willa Hill, executive director of the Florida Nurses Association, expressed disappointment, stating: “It's a disappointment because we remain at the bottom of the pile in terms of NCLEX pass rates in the country.” The proposed bills aim to hold low-performing programs accountable, including requiring refunds for students who fail the exam. However, some private school leaders argue the legislation unfairly targets them and could worsen the nursing shortage.

SAFETY & SECURITY

Campus gun debate renews

Lawmakers in six states, including Florida and Louisiana, are revisiting the contentious issue of allowing firearms on college campuses. Proponents argue that such measures would enhance self-defense during emergencies, while opponents fear they could lead to increased violence. The debate is fueled by recent incidents, such as the shooting at Old Dominion University, which left one dead and two injured. Chris Stone, director of state and local affairs for Gun Owners of America, said: "It's definitely in conjunction with the political fight to expand constitutional carry." However, experts like Joseph Blocher from Duke University emphasize that the legality of gun-free zones on campuses remains complex, stating: "It's clear that there is a power to prohibit guns on school grounds."

NUTRITION

Ultraprocessed foods get defined

The Trump administration is advancing its "Make America Healthy Again" agenda by proposing a definition for ultraprocessed foods, a move supported by health experts and lawmakers. The initiative aims to address the health impacts of ultraprocessed foods, which are linked to obesity and chronic diseases. The Food and Drug Administration is expected to play a key role in informing the public, while the Department of Agriculture may use the definition to influence federal food assistance policies. Experts like Peter Lurie from the Center for Science in the Public Interest emphasize the need for a clear definition to facilitate research and policy initiatives. However, challenges remain in reformulating school meals and addressing the operational limitations faced by schools.

INTERNATIONAL

Bullying in South Korea's schools hits highest level since 2018

Reported school bullying in South Korea has reached its highest level since surveys began in 2018, with 3% of students overall reporting victimization and rates rising for a second consecutive survey. Elementary school students recorded the highest incidence at 5%, compared with 2.4% in middle schools and 1% in high schools, with officials attributing this partly to greater sensitivity among younger pupils and broader reporting. Verbal abuse accounted for the largest share of cases at 40.3%, followed by group bullying and physical violence, while 1.1% of students admitted to being perpetrators, most of whom said they had apologized. In response, the Education Ministry is expanding preventative measures, including new restorative programmes for younger students, as part of efforts to strengthen support systems and improve handling of school violence cases.
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