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Florida
16th June 2026
 

THE HOT STORY

Job cuts loom for school staff

Thousands of public-school employees in the U.S. are facing potential job losses as financial pressures mount within the education system. Leaders from seven of the ten largest school districts are planning staff reductions to balance budgets, with significant cuts already reported in districts like Los Angeles and Chicago. "These are all things that are really coming to a head," said Warren Morgan, CEO of Cleveland Metropolitan School District, which is set to lay off around 400 employees. The decline in enrollment, rising costs, and the end of pandemic-era federal aid are key factors driving these cuts. The National Center for Education Statistics reported a drop of 1.2 million public-school students from 2020 to 2022, with projections indicating a further decline of 2.7 million by 2031. As districts grapple with these challenges, many are forced to make tough decisions regarding staffing and budgets.

STATE NEWS

Florida takes TikTok to court

Florida's Attorney General James Uthmeier filed a lawsuit against TikTok on Monday, alleging the platform violates state law by allowing children under 14 to create accounts. "TikTok knowingly deceives parents and allows children to be exposed to harmful and inappropriate content in direct violation of Florida law," Uthmeier said. The lawsuit seeks a court order for TikTok, owned by ByteDance, to comply with the law and demands financial damages. This case is part of a broader trend, with over 25 state attorneys general suing TikTok for its addictive design, which they claim contributes to a mental health crisis among youth. The law, known as H.B. 3, mandates that social media platforms prevent users under 14 from accessing their services and require parental consent for users under 16.

Tax cut proposal could cost billions

State economists have projected that if voters approve the property tax cut on the November ballot, local governments will face significant financial losses, amounting to nearly $5 bn in the first year and almost $12 bn by the fifth year. The amendment, which requires 60% voter support, aims to increase the homestead exemption from $50,000 to $150,000 in 2027 and $250,000 in 2028. Governor Ron DeSantis emphasized that this proposal will provide "the biggest property tax cut in Florida history," aimed at helping homeowners amid rising costs. However, local officials have expressed concerns that these cuts will hinder their ability to deliver essential services. A lawsuit has been filed against the state, claiming the ballot measure is misleading, but even a court ruling against the state may not remove it from the ballot.

NATIONAL NEWS

Middle schoolers need urgent help

Education Week looks at how younger students are showing signs of learning recovery, but 13-year-olds are struggling to keep up, with reading scores stagnating at levels seen 50 years ago. Kymyona Burk, a senior policy fellow at ExcelinEd, emphasized the need for immediate action, stating: "We can't afford to let students lose momentum during this important stage of development." While some states, like Virginia and Mississippi, are implementing policies to support adolescent literacy, many others lag behind. Burk suggests practical steps for improvement, including training teachers beyond 3rd grade, reexamining bell schedules for extra help, and engaging parents as partners in education. With only 14% of 13-year-olds reading for fun most days, it is crucial for education leaders to prioritize middle school literacy to ensure students thrive.

GOVERNANCE

Candidates clash for Sarasota School Board

Heidi Brandt, Teresa DeWitt, and Jimmy Glover are competing for the District 1 seat on the Sarasota School Board, currently held by Bridget Ziegler. During a forum, the candidates discussed their visions for the district, emphasizing support for public education. Brandt, president of Southside Elementary's parent-teacher council, stated: “I would say I'm the voice of the parents, the teachers and the children in our community.” DeWitt highlighted her involvement in the district's Student Advisory Council and her advocacy for parental choice. Glover, who has served in various educational roles, expressed concerns about the lack of leadership on the board, saying: “What I've heard is that they feel like they are not being listened to.” The candidates also addressed pressing issues such as the voucher system and grade-level reading, with Glover advocating for more accountability and DeWitt calling for fiscal responsibility.

EARLY EDUCATION

Teacher shortage hits Orlando preschools hard

The ongoing teacher shortage in Orlando preschools is forcing many facilities to rely on substitutes, impacting the quality of early education. Felicia and Rodnecia Jones, owners of Little People Learning Center, noted: “Being inconsistent in a younger classroom really can affect the learning.” Despite raising pay and offering bonuses, they struggle to retain staff, with many teachers leaving for better-paying opportunities. According to a recent survey by the National Association for the Education of Young Children, 38% of preschools in Florida operate under capacity due to staffing issues. Schools in wealthier areas can attract and retain teachers more easily, while those serving low- and middle-income families face significant challenges. Jennifer Grant, CEO of the Early Learning Coalition of Seminole County, highlighted the impact of the shortage, stating: “I’ve even seen schools that have sent kids home.”

HEALTH & WELLBEING

Healing words: a classroom revolution

At Joel E. Ferris High School in Spokane, Washington, a unique creative writing class led by Emily Torres and therapist Sean Barrett addresses the needs of students grappling with trauma. Jayden, a senior, shared: “This class has showed me that my trauma doesn't make me a bad person.” The course combines traditional English with social-emotional learning, allowing students to express their feelings through poetry and essays. With about 75% of students nationally experiencing adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), this innovative approach aims to foster positive relationships and emotional healing. Experts like Melissa Reeves and Scott Woitaszewski acknowledge the class's potential but emphasize the need for careful implementation and trained educators. The program has already shown significant benefits, with students reporting improved emotional well-being and a sense of community.

SOCIAL & COMMUNITY

Transforming lives through education

The Parramore Kidz Zone in Orlando has significantly improved educational outcomes for local youth, raising high school graduation rates from 50% to over 90%. Launched in 2006, the program has served 9,000 children and is modeled after the Harlem Children's Zone. Joseph Caesar, the program supervisor, said: "In the beginning, the goal was simply to get kids off the street." The initiative has led to an 81.2% drop in juvenile arrests and a 49.7% decrease in teen births. Kidz Zone offers a "cradle to career" approach, providing mentorship, after-school programs, and career development opportunities. More than 90% of participants in the student advocate program have been accepted into college, trade school, or the military.

INTERNATIONAL

U.K. Government moves to restrict under-16s from social platforms

U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer has announced plans to ban social media access for children under 16, describing the move as a necessary step to protect young people from harmful online content, cyberbullying, and potential mental health risks. The proposed legislation would prohibit under-16s from using major social media platforms and introduce additional restrictions on online services, including gaming apps, by limiting or removing the ability for children to communicate with strangers online. The measures would go beyond Australia’s recently introduced social media restrictions. Starmer said the government intends to pass legislation by the end of 2026, with the ban expected to take effect by spring 2027. He acknowledged the challenges of enforcement and the likelihood that some teenagers may attempt to circumvent the rules, but argued that laws also serve to establish social norms and expectations.
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