Education Slice
Become more informed in minutes....
Education Slice Logo
Florida
9th April 2026
Together with

THE HOT STORY

Camera bills target special ed

As discussions around cellphone use in classrooms intensify, a new focus emerges on surveillance cameras in special education settings. States like Florida, Iowa, Maryland, South Carolina, and Tennessee are proposing legislation to install cameras in self-contained special education classrooms, aiming to enhance accountability and curb harmful practices. Lindsay Kubatzky, director of policy and advocacy at the National Center for Learning Disabilities, noted: “There’s usually an impetus for why these pieces of legislation are being introduced.” While many parents support the initiative, concerns about privacy and the potential alienation of students with special needs persist. Jacquelie Rodriguez, CEO of the National Center for Learning Disabilities, emphasized the need for better teacher training rather than relying on cameras, stating: “I think it’s the ability for someone to check a box and say they did something about it.” The debate continues as states navigate the balance between safety and privacy in education.

MODEL SCHOOLS CONFERENCE

Empower Bright Futures at the 2026 Model Schools Conference in Orlando!

Don’t miss Model Schools Conference 2026, taking place June 28-July 1 in sunny Orlando, Florida! Immerse yourself in inspiring stories, innovative strategies, and practical tools designed to help you tackle challenges head-on and drive meaningful change. Connect with passionate educators from across the state and beyond, gain valuable insights, and leave energized to transform your districts, schools, and classrooms.

Register today!

 

NATIONAL NEWS

Democrats flip school board seats

In recent elections, Democratic-backed candidates successfully flipped school board seats in traditionally conservative states, signaling potential challenges for Republicans ahead of the midterms. Voters in Missouri, Wisconsin, and Oklahoma participated in local elections, resulting in significant losses for conservative-aligned candidates. Jonathan Collins, co-director of the Politics and Education Program at Columbia University, said: “Nothing better represents America's aspirations for tomorrow than schools.” Analysts suggest that these results may indicate voter fatigue with education-related culture wars, as Jon Valant from the Brookings Institution noted: “There is now a lot of fatigue when it comes to the culture-war issues.” While these elections are not definitive predictors of broader electoral outcomes, they may serve as early warnings for the GOP as they navigate a changing political landscape.

SAFETY & SECURITY

Armed drones enter schools

Mithril Defense is rolling out a school security system that uses ceiling-mounted high-speed drones to respond to active shooter incidents before law enforcement arrives. The “Campus Guardian Angel” system can provide live surveillance, navigate mapped campuses remotely, and deploy deterrents including strobe lights and pepper gel. The company says the drones can reach 100 miles per hour and operate in coordinated groups during emergencies. The technology is launching in schools in Florida and Georgia, but critics argue it could create new risks and draw funding away from stronger prevention strategies.

DISTRICTS

Enrollment decline sparks financial crisis

Enrollment in Florida's Union and Glades counties is declining, prompting state intervention to manage their financial difficulties. "Union and Glades are the canary in the coal mine," said Sen. Jennifer Bradley, R-Fleming Island. The Florida Department of Education appointed a financial board to assist both districts, which are struggling to maintain the required 3% fund balance. Union County faces a $1.4m deficit due to a drop in student numbers, while Glades County has seen a $337,000 reduction in anticipated funds. Superintendent Mike Ripplinger attributed the decline to the state's universal voucher program, which has led many families to choose homeschooling or private schools. Efforts to stabilize funding through proposed legislation have not progressed, leaving these districts in a precarious position.

Schools face closure amid low enrollment

Hillsborough County Public Schools has announced the closure of three schools—Graham Elementary, Madison Middle, and Pizzo K-8—due to low enrollment and undercapacity. Additionally, Sulphur Springs K-8 will transition to an elementary school, with middle school students reassigned to other institutions. District officials stated that the changes aim to "increase operational efficiency." Currently, Sulphur Springs has only 120 students enrolled in grades six to eight, limiting the availability of programs and electives. The district believes that relocating these students will provide them with better opportunities and resources than they currently receive at Sulphur Springs.

Rampell resigns amid NPR station turmoil

Richard Rampell, the board chair of South Florida's flagship NPR station, WLRN, resigned amid a legal dispute with the Miami-Dade County School Board, which holds the station's broadcasting license. In his resignation letter, Rampell accused the school board of trying to “emasculate our journalistic independence and steal our money.” He stated: “I resigned of my own accord because I do not want to be an accomplice to the sellout of our station.” The school board had sued WLRN, claiming that the South Florida Public Media Group violated its contract by acquiring a competing radio station. Rampell expressed concerns about the school board's influence over WLRN, stating: “I am mistrustful of the school board and their motives.”

WORKFORCE

Teachers left hanging on raises

The Palm Beach County School District has proposed a 1.5% recurring raise and a 1.5% one-time bonus for teachers, but Superintendent Mike Burke rejected a special magistrate's recommendation for a 3.5% raise. The district's budget constraints, stemming from a $66m reduction in state funding due to a 7,000-student enrollment decline, have led to this impasse. Classroom Teachers Association President Gordan Longhofer expressed disappointment, stating: “Teachers are beyond disappointed and flabbergasted at the misguided action of Superintendent Mike Burke.” The School Board is set to make a final decision on May 6, with the union urging them to support the magistrate's recommendation. District spokesman Sean Cooley noted that the budget is determined by state funding and enrollment, emphasizing the need for a resolution to provide raises to teachers as quickly as possible.

CHARTERS

School board approves exciting new program

The Orange Center Elementary School board unanimously approved a pilot program with Lift Orlando, transitioning from a STEM magnet to a STEAM charter school. Vicki-Elaine Felder, OCPS School Board District 5 member, said: “I believe that we are on the verge of seriously reimagining what it means for traditional public schools and charter schools to join together to make this work.” Parents, including Dana Wallace, expressed excitement about the change, emphasizing the importance of keeping the school in their community. Lift Orlando President Eddy Moratin noted that they are already engaging with parents and educators to design a school based on best practices and innovative educational approaches.

Fun learning returns to Rock Springs

Rock Springs Elementary School is set to launch Apopka's first elementary-level STEAM Scholastic Academy next academic year. Principal Robin King emphasized the goal of making learning enjoyable, stating, "I just want to bring fun back to the classroom." To prepare, teachers will train at the Orlando Science Center and develop new lesson plans. Monthly activities will allow all students to engage in hands-on engineering and science tasks. King plans to hire a full-time STEAM teacher and establish a STEAM lab in the second year, where students can explore various components of science, technology, engineering, and math.  

HIGHER EDUCATION

FSU's graduate programs shine nationally

Florida State University (FSU) has received significant recognition in the 2026 U.S. News & World Report rankings, with sixteen graduate programs placing in the Top 25 among public universities. Notably, FSU's College of Law tied for No. 1 in Florida and ranked No. 34 nationally. FSU President Richard McCullough said: “These rankings show the strength of Florida State across the board,” highlighting the university's commitment to quality education. The rankings, which consider factors like enrollment and job attainment, serve as a valuable tool for prospective students. Other notable programs include the College of Nursing's Doctor of Nursing Practice, ranked best in Florida, and the Anne Spencer Daves College of Education, which ranked No. 8 among public universities.

MDC wins national grant for admissions

Miami Dade College (MDC) has been awarded a national grant from Lumina Foundation’s Great Admissions Redesign initiative, which is investing over $3.5m to enhance the college admissions process and broaden student access. The grant will enable MDC to implement the Multi-Term Enrollment Model, allowing students to register for multiple academic terms simultaneously. This redesign aims to streamline admissions, improve student persistence, and increase enrollment rates. “This recognition highlights our commitment to making college more accessible,” said MDC President Madeline Pumariega. The initiative is part of a larger effort to boost post-high school attainment and achieve Lumina’s Goal 2040, which seeks for 75% of working-age adults to hold a valuable credential. MDC will collaborate with Indian River State College and St. Petersburg College on this project.
Industry Slice Logo

Education Slice delivers the latest, most relevant and useful intelligence to key educators, administrators, decision makers and teaching influencers, each weekday morning..

Content is selected to an exacting brief from hundreds of influential media sources and summarised by experienced journalists into an easy-to-read digest email. Education Slice enhances the performance and decision-making capabilities of individuals and teams by delivering the relevant news, innovations and knowledge in a cost-effective way.

If you are interested in sponsorship opportunities within Education Slice, please get in touch via email sales team

Follow us on FacebookFollow us on XFollow us on Linkedin

This e-mail has been sent to [[EMAIL_TO]]

Click here to unsubscribe