Florida Education News Roundup: Appeals Court Ruling, School Funding, and More

Strategic Insights -

The past week in Florida saw significant developments in the world of education, from a state law banning teachers from using preferred pronouns being upheld by a federal appeals court to a proposed property tax hike in St. Johns County that could lead to raises for teachers. Meanwhile, the state budget includes millions of dollars in new funding for several universities, and a Seminole County police officer was named the state's school resource officer of the year. Here are the key takeaways from these stories and others:

Key Takeaways:

  • The 11th Circuit Court of Appeals upheld a state law banning teachers from using preferred pronouns in the classroom, ruling that the law does not violate the First Amendment rights of teachers acting as government employees.
  • The Miami-Dade school district is facing a $45 million shortfall in federal funds after the Trump administration froze $6.8 billion in funds that were supposed to be released to school districts.
  • A physical education teacher at a Westchester Elementary School in Coral Springs was arrested and charged with possessing child pornography.
  • A 5th-grader at Sandhill Elementary School in Polk County suffered traumatic injuries after being struck in the head with a metal drink container by a fellow student.
  • A veteran Oviedo police officer was named the Florida school resource officer of the year by the Florida Association of School Resource Officers.
  • Free meals will continue for all students in Volusia County schools during the 2025-2026 school year due to the district qualifying for the Community Eligibility Provision.
  • St. Johns County teachers will receive raises ranging from $4,500 to $8,888 due to a property tax hike approved by voters last November.
  • The Escambia school district will require electrocardiogram tests for all high school student-athletes for the 2026-2027 academic year, as mandated by a new state law.
  • School Superintendent Mike Swindle said that Hendry County schools may have to lay off employees if a proposed Florida Power & Light rate hike is approved.
  • The state budget includes $128 million in new funds for Florida State University, $65.5 million for Florida A&M, and $44 million for Tallahassee State College.
  • Gov. Ron DeSantis vetoed a $1 million study that would have examined the impact of a property tax cut on local schools and governments.
  • The Trump administration's budget bill includes a tax credit voucher program that would direct federal funds to private school tuition.

Statistics:

  • The 11th Circuit Court of Appeals upheld the state law banning teachers from using preferred pronouns in the classroom.
  • The Miami-Dade school district is facing a $45 million shortfall in federal funds.
  • 43 students were arrested on campuses in Polk County during the past school year, up from 5 the previous year.
  • The number of reports for assault/threat/intimidation in Polk County increased by 36.4% and for fighting with injury/intervention by 80.9% during the past school year.
  • The Escambia school district has been offering free ECGs to student-athletes for the past four years.
  • The proposed FPL rate hike would add $211,000 to the school district's annual expenses.
  • The state budget includes $128 million in new funds for Florida State University, $65.5 million for Florida A&M, and $44 million for Tallahassee State College.

Sources:

  • News Service of Florida
  • Florida Phoenix
  • Education Week
  • Orlando Sentinel
  • WCTV
  • WEAR
  • WFTX
  • WFTV
  • NextSteps: Step Up For Students
  • Tallahassee Democrat
  • Lakeland Ledger
  • WSVN
  • WFOR
  • WTVJ
  • WPLG