The big news: Florida’s school voucher program is really growing, and so is its price tag. It’s expected to hit $4 billion as more students enroll and income limits are removed.
House committee members are discussing how to adjust the state’s education funding to keep up with this expansion. Meanwhile, Governor Ron DeSantis is pushing for a budget plan that would take millions from public schools to fund these vouchers.
School superintendents are reminding state officials to consider district schools, which serve most Florida kids, as they make these decisions. Read more here.
Important topics:
- Block scheduling: Four high schools in Pinellas County will drop block scheduling in the fall. Students are upset and protesting.
- Book challenges: Volusia County schools will remove “The Kite Runner” from libraries after a controversial moment in a school board meeting.
- College leadership: Governor DeSantis has appointed another former Republican to the state college board, raising questions about political influence in education.
- Early education: Two national childcare chains are set to open locations in Lee County, aiming to expand access to early education.
- High school graduation: Students at Jones High School in Orange County are disappointed that their graduation ceremony will be held far from campus.
- Immigration enforcement: Governor DeSantis believes Florida universities should not accept students without permanent legal status and has criticized existing U.S. laws for education access.
- Public comment: Brevard County school board is close to finalizing new public comment rules after losing a lawsuit that challenged their limits.
- Security: Miami-Dade schools are considering equipping staff with wearable panic buttons for emergencies. Additionally, Seminole County has introduced a firearm detection K9 for increased safety.
- Special education: A federal probe is underway concerning Seminole County’s handling of special needs education after a parent’s complaint.
- Police matters: A teacher in Marion County has been arrested for allegedly having an inappropriate relationship with a student.
Before you go: Have you been following the mystery surrounding Duolingo’s mascot?
