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Florida
26th May 2026
 

THE HOT STORY

Florida lawmakers finalize $115bn budget

Florida lawmakers have reached a late-night agreement on the state's $115bn budget, which will cover the fiscal year starting July 1. The spending plan includes significant funding for private school scholarships, Everglades restoration, and a drug assistance program for HIV patients. Legislators are expected to vote on the budget this week before sending it to Gov. Ron DeSantis. Notably, $4.5bn is allocated for private school scholarships, addressing concerns from districts facing declining enrollment. The budget also sets aside $514m for Everglades restoration, a priority for DeSantis, who stated: "The amount is well above the statutory minimum." Additionally, $20m is designated for the Cancer Innovation Fund, and $75m for the AIDS Assistance Program, which faced earlier cuts.

NATIONAL NEWS

FSU aims to boost Memorial Day awareness

Florida State University (FSU) is addressing a concerning trend revealed by a recent survey, which found that only 48% of Americans understand the significance of Memorial Day. The FSU Institute for Governance and Civics (IGC) is launching the Founding Voices Program, an educational initiative aimed at enhancing civics education in public middle schools. The survey highlighted a troubling lack of awareness, particularly among younger generations, with only 27% of Generation Z and 38% of millennials recognizing the holiday's purpose of honoring military personnel who died in service.

TECHNOLOGY

AI boom strains school tech

K–12 school districts across the U.S. are facing rising device costs and longer delivery times as the global artificial intelligence boom disrupts technology supply chains and manufacturing capacity. The rapid expansion of AI infrastructure has increased demand for processors, memory, and storage components, reducing supply for student devices such as Chromebooks and driving frequent price increases. Some manufacturers have reportedly raised prices even after purchase orders were submitted. In response, many districts have accelerated purchasing timelines, delayed refresh cycles, reduced device orders, or shifted from one-to-one programs toward shared-device models. Leasing arrangements and deferred payment plans are also becoming more common as schools try to manage budget pressure. Districts are increasingly focused on extending device life through protective cases, repair programs, and salvaging parts from retired hardware. Industry experts warned that supply constraints and elevated costs for components such as RAM and SSDs could continue through 2028 or 2029.

DISTRICTS

Hernando County offers AI guidelines

As artificial intelligence (AI) becomes increasingly integrated into education, the Hernando County School District is developing guidelines for its use. The guidelines aim to establish AI as a supportive tool rather than a replacement for educators. Jesse Diaz, supervisor of instructional technology, noted that the guidelines will be updated annually to adapt to evolving technology.

Colucci honored for athletic leadership

Monica Colucci, vice chair of the Miami-Dade County School Board, has been recognized by the Florida High School Athletic Association (FHSAA) for her service as president of the FHSAA Board of Directors from 2023 to 2025. Craig Damon, executive director of the FHSAA, presented her with a special award, commending her leadership and commitment. “I am truly honored to be recognized by the Florida High School Athletic Association,” Colucci said. She emphasized the importance of supporting student-athletes and the role of athletics in their lives. Throughout her tenure, Colucci focused on expanding opportunities for teamwork, discipline, and leadership among student-athletes.

Medulla Elementary honors McCullough

Anita McCullough, a beloved teacher at Medulla Elementary School, is retiring after 55 years in education, with 53 of those years spent at the same school. At 76, she has taught multiple generations and is known for her engaging teaching style. "Every day is a happy memory," McCullough said, reflecting on her long career. She has witnessed significant changes in education, including increased state mandates and reduced teacher autonomy. As she prepares to leave, the school community has celebrated her contributions with special events, including "Mrs. McCullough Day."

Principal skydives after students earn top grades

Harns Marsh Middle School principal Alex Dworzanski celebrated the school’s expected rise to an A rating by skydiving from 10,000 feet, overcoming his fear of heights in the process. The school has steadily improved from a C to a B rating, with preliminary results now suggesting top marks. Dworzanski said the stunt was inspired by students’ hard work and determination, while pupils praised his motivational and entertaining leadership style. The official rating is expected to be confirmed later this summer.

HEALTH & WELLBEING

Stable purpose boosts teen wellbeing

A new Cornell University study has found that teenagers who maintain a stable sense of purpose over time report higher well-being and self-esteem than those whose sense of purpose fluctuates significantly from day to day. The research, published in the Journal of Research on Adolescence, tracked 320 high school students over a 70-day period during a mentorship-based learning challenge run by nonprofit organization GripTape, with participants receiving funding and guidance to pursue personal interests. Researchers found teens felt most purposeful on days they met with mentors, suggesting that consistent support, mentorship, and opportunities for self-directed learning can help young people build more enduring emotional resilience and life direction.

EARLY EDUCATION

Kickstart kindergarten with confidence

Starting kindergarten is a significant milestone for families and students. To ease this transition, Miami-Dade County Public Schools (M-DCPS) is hosting Transition to Kindergarten (TTK) activities, inviting families to connect with their new school. The initiative aims to ensure a smooth start to elementary school by offering campus tours, orientation, and enrollment information. Families can expect to visit their child's future school, learn about kindergarten expectations, access resources for home learning, and receive guidance on registration. M-DCPS is dedicated to preparing every child for a successful kindergarten experience, stating: "We look forward to welcoming its newest learners and partnering with families."

HIGHER EDUCATION

Linda McMahon pressures University of Florida over presidential search

U.S. Education Secretary Linda McMahon has weighed in on the University of Florida’s presidential search, publicly backing efforts to continue Republican-led opposition to diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives in higher education. McMahon reposted criticism from Senator Rick Scott regarding the university’s search process and said UF “deserves a president” committed to advancing reforms against DEI policies, although she did not mention sole finalist Stuart Bell by name. Bell, currently president of the University of Alabama, has faced scrutiny from conservative activists over diversity and inclusion initiatives implemented during his tenure, while also receiving support from Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis and UF Board of Trustees Chair Mori Hosseini. The increasingly politicized search has also drawn criticism over transparency, including questions surrounding a $2m severance payment to Interim President Donald Landry and a $100,000 teaching contract awarded to Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier.

INTERNATIONAL

Mexico City promotes 'responsible digital learning'

Mexico City lawmakers have unanimously approved reforms to the capital’s Education Law that will introduce stricter regulations on cell phone use in primary and secondary schools, while still allowing devices for authorized educational activities. The legislation requires authorities to develop guidelines and oversight mechanisms aimed at reducing classroom distractions and addressing concerns around student mental health, cyberbullying, and online exploitation, while promoting what lawmakers described as “responsible digital learning.” Officials said the reform does not amount to a total ban on phones in schools, arguing that balancing technology and student well-being is more effective than outright prohibition. The rules will apply to both public and private schools once enacted by Mayor Clara Brugada and published in the city’s Official Gazette.
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