Unlocking Florida’s Future: Bills on the ‘Gulf of America,’ Special Session Kickoff, and the Education Recovery Challenge – Your Guide from NextSteps: Step Up For Students

New Name for the Gulf: There’s a proposed change in Florida that would rename the “Gulf of Mexico” to the “Gulf of America.” This change would be reflected in state laws and school materials. Legislation was filed after an executive order by President Trump. If approved, schools will need to update their instructional materials to match the new name.

Legislative Updates: The Florida Senate is reviving a bill that would prevent government buildings and schools from displaying political flags. This proposal aims to maintain neutrality in public spaces. A committee has already approved it. Additionally, there is a push to repeal a law that mandates later start times for middle and high schools. Lawmakers are also working to adjust retirement rules for school employees to help combat labor shortages. As immigration issues are tackled in the special session, there are still tensions between Governor DeSantis and legislative leaders.

Academic Challenges: A report indicates that Florida students are facing difficulties in catching up on their studies after the pandemic. In light of this, school boards in various districts are discussing measures such as banning cell phone use during school hours to improve focus. There’s also a new financial literacy course using scriptural references approved in Brevard County.

Local School News: Across the state, school districts are making strides. In Broward, officials have altered their response to school threats, improving safety protocols. Orange County is setting aside affordable housing units for school employees to support staff well-being. Meanwhile, a former teacher in Palm Beach faces potential sanctions related to serious allegations, although no criminal charges are in place.

Building Improvements: Elbert Elementary in Polk County is set to reopen this summer after a $50 million upgrade. Lee County is considering a proposal to limit cell phone access during school hours, hoping to foster a better learning environment. In Brevard, the school board has adopted a new financial literacy program focused on practical money management skills.

Teacher Pay and Vacancies: St. Johns County is working to improve teacher salaries using funds from recent tax increases as they look to fill vacancies due to a high demand for educators. In Marion County, turnaround plans are underway for underperforming schools to help boost their ratings and performance moving forward.

Scholarship Applications Surge: Over 245,000 students in Florida have applied for K-12 scholarships, reflecting a growing interest in alternative educational options. This follows substantial changes in how education funding operates in the state.

Wider Education Challenges: A study reveals a significant number of students nationwide have not regained their pre-pandemic educational levels. In Florida, many students are particularly behind in math and reading skills. The impact of chronic absenteeism is notable, with recent statistics showing a rise in the number of students missing significant school time.

Tuition Waivers Under Scrutiny: A claim regarding in-state tuition waivers for undocumented students in Florida has been flagged as mostly inaccurate, with the actual financial impact being difficult to assess.