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Florida
22nd April 2026
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THE HOT STORY

Florida's new law reshapes private schools

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis recently signed SB 182 into law, allowing private schools with 150 or fewer students to operate in commercially zoned buildings starting July 1. Initially introduced by Sen. Shevrin Jones and Rep. Yvonne Hinson, the bill evolved from a mentorship program proposal to include significant education priorities. The House passed it 91-11, while the Senate approved it unanimously. The mentorship program aims to pair retired teachers with struggling classroom teachers, emphasizing support without personal agendas. Additionally, the law addresses zoning changes, enabling small private schools to function in commercial areas without special exemptions. Teach Florida, advocating for equitable funding for nonpublic schools, highlighted that 41,000 students were unable to utilize state scholarship vouchers due to a lack of available seats.

THE LATEST IN SPECIAL EDUCATION

What’s Shaping Special Education in Florida Today

As guidance around special education continues to evolve, Florida leaders are navigating how best to support students with learning disabilities while staying aligned to current research and practice. To help leaders stay current, a curated collection of the latest special education insights and free resources brings together expert perspectives, research‑aligned guidance, and recent district evidence.

Notably, a Miami‑Dade County Public Schools study examining students with IEPs using Read 180 found significant gains in reading performance, including increases in Lexile® measures and FAST ELA scores. Together, these resources highlight current thinking on special education as intervention and instructional approaches used to support students with learning disabilities within broader systems of support.


 

STATE NEWS

Florida investigates ChatGPT after shooting

Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier has announced a criminal investigation into ChatGPT and its parent company, OpenAI, following a review of messages exchanged between the chatbot and Phoenix Ikner, the suspect in a shooting at Florida State University that resulted in two deaths. Uthmeier stated that the messages indicated ChatGPT "offered significant advice to the shooter before he committed such heinous crimes." The investigation will explore whether human involvement in the chatbot's design and operation could lead to criminal liability. Uthmeier's office plans to subpoena OpenAI for records related to user threats. This inquiry follows a civil investigation into the company's potential liability. Uthmeier emphasized the need to determine if “human beings may have been involved” in the chatbot's actions.

NATIONAL NEWS

Book bans hit record highs

According to the American Library Association (ALA), book bans and attempts to remove titles are at unprecedented levels. The ALA's State of America's Libraries Report revealed that Patricia McCormick's “Sold” topped the list of most challenged books for 2025. Other notable titles include “The Perks of Being a Wallflower” by Stephen Chbosky and “Gender Queer” by Maia Kobabe. The ALA recorded challenges to 4,235 different works, with a significant shift in objections coming from government officials and conservative activists rather than local parents. “In 2025, book bans were not sparked by concerned parents,” said Sarah Lamdan, executive director of ALA's Office for Intellectual Freedom. The report highlights a politically-driven campaign against certain books, with actual removals exceeding 5,600.

WORKFORCE

Report highlights gap between assistant teachers’ impact and policy support

Assistant teachers play a central role in early childhood classrooms, yet most state policies fail to reflect their importance, with limited training requirements, low pay, and restricted career progression. A report from the National Institute for Early Education Research found that only one-third of state-funded preschool programs require minimum credentials, such as a Child Development Associate qualification, and just 30% meet recommended standards for ongoing professional development. This lack of requirements contributes to low wages, averaging $11.88 per hour, and creates a cycle where assistant teachers struggle to afford further education needed for advancement. While assistant teachers often function as co-educators, supporting children’s learning and development alongside lead teachers, many states have responded to staffing shortages by lowering standards rather than improving training and compensation. However, some states, including New Mexico and Alabama, are adopting stronger approaches by requiring higher qualifications, offering structured training, and improving pay, aiming to professionalize the role and strengthen the early education workforce.

Broward County faces emotional job cuts

At a Broward County School Board workshop, district employees passionately urged board members to reconsider the proposed cuts of 800 jobs due to a $90m budget shortfall linked to declining student enrollment. "We value our positions, and we feel that we are a necessity for Broward County Public Schools and our students," said Monica Garcia, a mental-health counselor facing job loss. Superintendent Howard Hepburn noted that the district has lost about 40,000 students over the past decade, leading to significant financial challenges. The proposed cuts aim to save approximately $35m, with additional measures targeting a total of $75m in savings. Board member Adam Cervera expressed strong opposition to the cuts, emphasizing their impact on lower-level staff.

Teacher's return sparks controversy

In a contentious case from Brevard, a teacher, Melissa Calhoun, has been cleared to return to the classroom after being ousted for using a student's chosen name without parental consent. An arbitrator ruled that she was wrongly reprimanded, stating: "The letter of reprimand issued to her was in violation of Brevard Federation of Teachers' collective bargaining agreement." Despite this, Superintendent Mark Rendell refused to rehire her, citing concerns over her participation in a student's social gender transition without required consent. Another teacher, Kerry Clapper, who was also investigated, was cleared but now faces potential license suspension from Florida Education Commissioner Anastasios Kamoutsas.

FINANCE

Budget cuts threaten student opportunities

The Leon County School Board has approved $7.8m in budget cuts, significantly impacting arts and athletics funding, which has been reduced by 50%. Parents and former students express concern that these cuts will limit opportunities and exacerbate economic disparities among students. Superintendent Rocky Hanna acknowledged the tough decision, noting that the district has been in financial limbo due to stagnant state funding. The cuts raise equity concerns, as schools may increasingly rely on fundraising, potentially widening the gap between students who can afford to participate and those who cannot. McChulloch-Johnson warned that this could lead to a "have versus have not" scenario in extracurricular activities, affecting students' mental well-being.

TECHNOLOGY

Roblox settles with three states, commits to stronger child protections

Roblox has reached a $35.8m settlement with attorneys general in West Virginia, Alabama, and Nevada over allegations that it failed to adequately protect children on its platform, agreeing to implement stronger safety measures and fund education initiatives. The agreements require Roblox to enhance safeguards, including verifying the ages of all users and restricting adults from contacting users under 16, while part of the settlement funds will support child safety education programs. The settlements follow years of scrutiny over the platform’s exposure to harmful interactions, with officials stating the company had not done enough to prevent risks to young users. Roblox said it has already introduced multiple safety updates, including new account types for younger users, and will continue investing in protections. Despite the settlements, legal pressure remains, with several other US states—including Tennessee, Texas, and Florida—continuing to pursue separate lawsuits over child safety concerns.

Ai demand raises school tech prices

The School District of Osceola County is considering a contract update with United Data Technologies to manage rising computer costs tied to growing AI demand. District leaders may move from fixed pricing to interim pricing as RAM shortages push up device prices. Jorge Diaz, technology services manager at Quantum Computer Solutions, said AI systems are “basically getting the first dibs” on RAM chips, leaving others with limited supply. With about 80,000 students in its 1-to-1 device program, the district could face substantially higher replacement costs.

DISTRICTS

Pinellas updates student conduct

Pinellas County school officials are proposing several student code of conduct changes for the fall, with new rules for e-bikes, smart glasses, and water bottles. Students would have to walk battery-powered bikes on campus, store them in designated areas, and avoid charging lithium ion batteries at school. The district also wants to bar smart glasses and similar recording devices during the school day, on buses, and at school events. Dywayne Hinds, the area superintendent overseeing the code, said schools were requesting “guidelines” on the wearable devices. The board is set to review the proposal on May 19, with final adoption planned for June 23.

New Jupiter Farms school proposal sparks debate

In Jupiter Farms, a proposal by Calvary Church to build a 980-student kindergarten through twelfth-grade school is stirring controversy. The school would be located on an 18.8-acre plot on Rocky Pines Road. Calvary Church Dean Butters expressed the need for a Christian school, stating: “We really feel like a Christian school in this community is demanded and we really want to supply it.” However, some residents, including Matthew Gitkin, are concerned about the school's size and its potential impact on the rural character of Jupiter Farms, fearing it may “change the characteristics of Jupiter Farms forever.” The church plans to fund the project, which could include up to 60 teachers and staff.

SOCIAL & COMMUNITY

Empowering young parents to succeed

The Young Parent Education Program (Y-PEP) in Lee County has seen significant growth after transitioning to an online, self-paced learning model under Second Mile Education. Britany, a single mother, shared: "They don't just take care of my education, they take care of, of course, my baby." The program has already produced its first graduates, inspiring others to pursue their education. Liana, a junior, expressed her gratitude, stating: "Honestly, Second Mile was really helpful coming in here." Alexis 'Lexi' Thomas-Giambrone, dean of students, emphasized the community aspect, saying: "We are all a community, because at the end of the day, these are, this is our future." The program's flexible schedule has proven beneficial for young parents balancing education and childcare.

HIGHER EDUCATION

Judge denies UF College Republicans reinstatement

A federal judge has denied the request to reinstate the University of Florida College Republicans chapter, which was deactivated after a member performed a Nazi salute. U.S. District Judge Mark Walker stated that while he agrees targeting a student organization based on viewpoint is wrong, the chapter has not "met (their) burden." The case highlights ongoing debates about First Amendment protections in public universities, especially as Governor Ron DeSantis promotes Florida as a free speech stronghold. The chapter argues that the university's actions constitute viewpoint discrimination, making it harder for them to exercise their rights. Attorney Anthony Sabatini, representing the chapter, expressed satisfaction with the expedited trial process, aiming for resolution before the fall semester.

INTERNATIONAL

Smartphone ban in U.K. schools coming soon

The British government is set to legislate a ban on smartphones in schools across England, as announced by Baroness Jacqui Smith, the education minister. This move formalizes existing policies and introduces a "clear legal requirement" for schools to enforce the ban, including confiscating phones before class. The proposed amendment to the Children's Wellbeing and Schools Bill follows ongoing debates about social media restrictions for children under 16. Baroness Smith acknowledged the strong feelings surrounding the issue, stating: "We recognize the strength of feeling on this issue, both in this House and beyond." The law will only apply to England, as education powers are devolved in the U.K.. Laura Trott, the education secretary, emphasized the importance of this step for improving classroom behavior and academic performance.

AND FINALLY...

Pennsylvania educator named National Teacher of the Year

Leon Smith, a high school history teacher at Haverford High School in Havertown, Pennsylvania, has been named the 2026 National Teacher of the Year. With a 25-year career dedicated to teaching Advanced Placement classes in U.S. history and African American studies, Smith emphasizes the importance of recognizing students' hidden talents. He stated: "An adult can tell you that they see something in you that maybe you didn't see in yourself." Smith's teaching approach includes community-building exercises and critical discussions, aiming to foster civic engagement among his students. His efforts extend beyond the classroom, as he takes students to the state Capitol to engage with policymakers. The Council of Chief State School Officers commended his focus on inclusivity in history education. As Teacher of the Year, Smith will advocate for the vital role educators play in shaping future generations.
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