Back-to-School Season in Full Swing: Controversies and Developments Across Florida

Strategic Insights -

Florida's school districts and charter schools are bracing for the new academic year as the state's back-to-school tax holiday kicks off this Friday. Meanwhile, controversies surrounding school spending, teacher salaries, and security measures are making headlines. The Florida Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) is set to audit Broward County's government spending, including contracts awarded by the Broward County School Board, in response to concerns about large contract awards. In other districts, there are debates over dress codes for teachers, school security upgrades, and proposed budget increases.

Key Takeaways:

  • The back-to-school tax holiday, which excludes sales tax on certain school supplies and electronics, begins this Friday and runs through August 31.
  • The Florida Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) will audit Broward County's government spending, including contracts awarded by the Broward County School Board.
  • The Leon County School Board is seeking to seize the assets of Renaissance Academy, Charter School USA, after the school announced it wouldn't open in August.
  • Lake Wales High School has acquired a portable metal detection system for $20,000 to enhance security.
  • The Pasco County School Board will vote on a $2.8 billion budget for the 2025-2026 school year, which includes a 5.32 millage rate.
  • The Seminole County School District is revising its mold remediation protocol after recent incidents at Madison County High School.
  • The Bradford County School Board has approved a dress code for teachers, which prohibits certain clothing items and jewelry.
  • Bills seeking to set a minimum U.S. teacher salary at $60,000 a year and pay support employees at least $45,000 a year have been filed in Congress.

Statistics:

  • The projected cost of upgrading school security statewide is estimated to be $1 million per year, according to Leon County School officials.
  • The Leon County School District's budget for the 2025-2026 school year is expected to be $2.8 billion.
  • The proposed five-year contract for the Broward County School Board to purchase laptops for students is worth $115 million.
  • The Leon County School District's proposed budget will be discussed at a school board meeting this week.
  • The Florida High School Athletic Association has fined Gulf High School's football program $21,500 for allowing ineligible players to participate last season.
  • The Florida Department of Education has ranked the Seminole County School District as the highest-ranked district in central Florida, despite recent controversies.

Sources:

  • [Around the State: Broward schools targeted for DOGE audit, back-to-school tax holiday starts Friday, and more](https://nextstepsblog.org/2025/07/broward-schools-targeted-for-doge-audit-back-to-school-tax-holiday-starts-friday-and-more/)
  • [Miami Herald: City of Miami to continue providing free citizenship classes](https://www.miamiherald.com/news/local/community/miami-dade/article311488293.html)
  • [Sun Sentinel: Broward schools get DOGE warning before scheduled vote on laptops](https://www.sun-sentinel.com/2025/07/28/broward-schools-get-doge-warning-before-scheduled-vote-on-laptops/)
  • [Jacksonville Today: IDEA River Bluff teacher accused of sexual battery](https://jaxtoday.org/2025/07/28/idea-river-bluff-teacher-accused-of-sexual-battery/)
  • [Lakeland Ledger: Lake Wales High School acquires portable metal detection system](https://www.theledger.com/story/news/education/2025/07/28/lake-wales-high-school-acquires-portable-metal-detection-system/84443268007/)
  • [Fort Myers News-Press: Lee County school board to vote on $2.8 billion budget](https://www.news-press.com/story/news/local/2025/07/28/lee-county-school-board-asked-to-approve-2-8-billion-budget/85404162007/)
  • [Suncoast News: Pasco school board finalizes $1.75 million sale of historic Schwettman campus](https://www.suncoastnews.com/news/pasco-schools-finalize-1-75m-sale-of-historic-schwettman-campus-after-brief-standoff/article_4baedb71-1963-4e62-9460-3d9b55e6e04c.html)
  • [Spectrum News 13: Lake County school board considering proposal to spend $156,500 for crossing guards](https://mynews13.com/fl/orlando/news/2025/07/28/back-to-school)
  • [WTXL: Leon County School Board discusses charter school budget and building](https://www.wtxl.com/southwest-tallahassee/leon-county-school-board-discusses-charter-school-building-and-budget-ahead-of-tuesdays-board-meeting)
  • [WCTV: Leon County Schools considers using drones for security](https://www.wctv.tv/2025/07/28/leon-county-schools-considers-using-drones-school-security-price-tag-remains-high/?utm_source=taboola&utm_medium=organicclicks&tbref=hp)
  • [Tallahassee Democrat: Gadsden County football program banned from playoffs, fined $21,500](https://www.tallahassee.com/story/sports/high-school/2025/07/28/football-gadsden-county-coach-eight-players-one-year-suspension-russell-ellington-fhsaa-florida-high/85409317007/)
  • [WCJB: Bradford County officials ratify new dress code for teachers](https://www.wcjb.com/2025/07/29/bradford-county-officials-ratify-new-dress-code-teachers/)
  • [WCTV: Madison County School Board gives update on mold remediation](https://www.wctv.tv/2025/07/27/madison-county-school-board-gives-update-mold-remediation/?utm_source=taboola&utm_medium=organicclicks&tbref=hp)
  • [News Service of Florida: Florida's month-long back-to-school tax holiday begins Friday](https://www.wmnf.org/floridas-month-long-back-to-school-tax-holiday-begins-friday/)
  • [NextSteps: Step Up For Students](https://nextstepsblog.org)