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Brendan Carr, chair of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), has proposed ending subsidies for wireless internet on school buses, a program initiated during the COVID-19 pandemic. Carr criticized the previous administration's policies, arguing that they "failed to demonstrate that these funding decisions would advance legitimate classroom or library purposes." The U.S. Senate previously voted to repeal these subsidies, with Senate Commerce Committee chair Ted Cruz (R-TX) highlighting concerns over parental consent and filtering requirements for the distributed hotspots. Former FCC Chair Jessica Rosenworcel had supported the program, arguing it would assist students, particularly those in rural areas, in completing homework during long bus rides.

 

Reuters

Thousands of undocumented students in Florida risk seeing their education derailed after lawmakers repealed a decade-old law granting access to in-state tuition at public colleges and universities. The change, signed into law by Gov. Ron DeSantis, means students like Carlie, a Haitian immigrant, face tuition costs rising from around $6,000 a year to more than $30,000, forcing many to abandon their studies. Advocates warn that the repeal, once a bipartisan policy, reflects a broader national shift as Republican-led states and the Trump administration push to dismantle tuition waivers and scholarships for undocumented students. While some turn to online study out of fear of detention, others say they have given up on higher education entirely, trading their academic ambitions for low-wage work.

 

WINK News

Tampa Bay Fl News

Orange County Public Schools has stated it will comply with state vaccine guidelines, following an announcement from Florida's Surgeon General Joseph Ladapo and Gov. Ron DeSantis to eliminate vaccine mandates. The Florida Education Association expressed concerns, stating: "When leaders talk about pulling back vaccines, they're talking about disrupting student learning and making schools less safe." If the proposal is enacted, Florida would become the first state to abolish all vaccine mandates. Ladapo argued for personal choice regarding vaccinations, reportedly comparing mandates to "slavery." The Florida Department of Health plans to remove certain vaccine requirements, pending legislative approval. Clinton McCracken, president of the Orange County Classroom Teachers Association, emphasized the need for safe learning environments, stating: "We believe our schools must be safe, welcoming spaces."

 

Florida Politics

Local10

The Miami Herald

Orlando Weekly

Krista Goodrich, a member of the District 2 School Board, argues for the importance of unity in supporting Volusia County Schools amid negative narratives. She highlights the dedication of school leaders and the community's role in fostering student success. Goodrich notes: "Our school leaders are working tirelessly for the well-being and academic success of our students." Under Superintendent Dr. Carmen Balgobin, the district has achieved significant progress, including an A-rating for the first time in 16 years. Key improvements include rising student proficiency in subjects like math and ELA, alongside strong fiscal responsibility and expanding career programs. Goodrich urges the community to engage positively rather than spread misinformation, and invites constituents to reach out for accurate information about schools and their performance.

 

Ormond Beach Observer

Principal Anthony Serianni of Volusia County Schools discusses the district's new online driver education program, which aligns with Florida's updated requirements. The initiative aims to enhance student preparedness for safe driving, emphasizing that it is designed to "better prepare students for safe driving on the road." This program represents a significant step forward in driver education within the district.

 

Fox 35 Orlando

Union leaders in Pinellas County are expressing dissatisfaction with the district's proposed 0.7% raise for teachers, which they argue fails to match the rising cost of living in Tampa Bay. The raise is part of the $100m in state-provided salary increases promoted by Gov. Ron DeSantis. Deputy Superintendent Stephanie Woodford stated: "A raise of less than 1% is what we are able to do," highlighting the district's financial constraints.

 

Tampa Bay Times

Florida Virtual School (FLVS), in collaboration with the University of Florida and the Concord Consortium, has launched a pilot course titled AI in Math aimed at middle and high school students. This initiative introduces students to artificial intelligence concepts through interactive lessons, supplementing their Algebra I curriculum. Approximately 80 students participated in the 10-hour course, which resulted in “measurable gains in AI literacy, math motivation and confidence,” according to FLVS. The success of this program has encouraged the school to explore further applications of AI in education.

 

Tampa Bay Times

Lee County Schools are committed to ensuring that every student has access to meals this academic year. New initiatives include informative posters in cafeterias, guiding students on how to address meal-related concerns. Forrest Walker, principal of Three Oaks Middle School, noted: “It has made a tremendous difference...not only does it allow them to get to know our cafeteria manager and her assistant, but it gives an opportunity and a platform to discuss concerns.” The school menu is also improving, with students reporting better quality and variety. In the first three days of the school year, the district served more lunches than the previous year, reflecting increased demand. Lee County Schools aims to serve over 10m lunches this year, reinforcing their mission: a meal for every student, every day.

 

WINK News

Assistant Professor Elisabeth Kames from Florida Polytechnic University has secured a $200,000 grant from the National Science Foundation to explore innovative methods for teaching engineering design. The research aims to enhance understanding of how students engage with open-ended design challenges using neurocognitive tools like electroencephalography (EEG). Kames said: “The goal is to inform instructional practices within Florida Poly... to better prepare students for the complex challenges they’re going to face in industry.” The study will involve over 200 engineering students, who will wear specialized caps to measure brain activity while solving design problems. This research seeks to correlate brain patterns with student engagement, ultimately improving teaching strategies in engineering education. Kames expressed her excitement about the project, thanking the National Science Foundation for their support.

 

Florida Politics