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Florida
4th November 2026
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THE HOT STORY

Democratic midterm victories set stage for education oversight battles

Democrats have regained control of Congress following the 2026 midterm elections, positioning them to challenge President Donald Trump's education policies and reshape federal K-12 oversight. At 06:00 EST, the Democrats had 54 Senate seats, compared to 44 for the Republicans, and 228 against 139 in the House, and had also won several gubernatorial contests, including in Texas, where Gina Hinojosa won against Greg Abbott. Lawmakers are expected to push back against the administration's efforts to dismantle the Department of Education, reverse the transfer of major education programs to other federal agencies, and investigate cuts to education research and civil rights enforcement. Proposed priorities include increasing funding for disadvantaged students and special education, improving teacher salaries, expanding preschool access, and strengthening oversight of artificial intelligence in classrooms. Democrats also plan to challenge Trump's federal tax-credit scholarship program, although its adoption by 31 states could complicate repeal efforts. With Trump remaining in office, significant legislative changes will require bipartisan cooperation, potentially creating gridlock. However, education technology regulation and student data protection could provide opportunities for cross-party agreement.

F.A.S.T PREPARATION

FAST Gains Are Built Before Spring

92% of Florida schools using Lumos with fidelity see a 10–15% lift on FAST scores. The schools that gain the most don’t cram in spring. They use the winter months.

With PM1 results in hand and PM2 underway, November is when your PLCs can turn that data into targeted practice inside existing intervention blocks — so students keep climbing toward the PM3 accountability window in the spring.

What Lumos gives your campus:
  • Two full-length, tech-enhanced practice tests that mirror the FAST format
  • Aligned to Florida’s B.E.S.T. Standards and the FAST blueprint
  • AI-powered intervention that targets each student’s gaps
  • Blended print + online: the same practice in class or at home

See the print and online samples for yourself.

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STATE NEWS

Byron Donalds makes history in Florida victory

Republican Byron Donalds defeated Democrat David Jolly in Florida’s closely contested gubernatorial election, becoming the state’s first Black governor. Backed by President Donald Trump and substantial campaign funding, Donalds secured victory despite growing Republican dissatisfaction with Trump over gas prices and the Iran war. The 48-year-old former finance professional and congressman emphasized inflation, housing affordability and insurance costs while pledging to continue outgoing Governor Ron DeSantis’ conservative policies. Jolly, a former Republican congressman who became a Democrat, campaigned under the slogan “believe in better,” criticizing Donalds’ financial ties to the AI data center industry. Donalds responded to industry concerns by introducing legislation requiring data centers to generate their own power and water.

Florida voters back school funding taxes

Florida voters approved school property-tax measures across several major districts, providing continued funding for educator salaries, arts and athletics programs, and campus safety. More than 40% of the state’s public school districts placed tax proposals on ballots amid financial pressures from declining enrollment, falling birthrates and expanding school voucher programs. Duval County’s 1-millage tax renewal secured 76% support, significantly exceeding its 53% approval in 2022. Broward and Polk counties each recorded 67% support, while Miami-Dade also approved its measure. Duval County Superintendent Christopher Bernier expressed gratitude for the community’s commitment, stating: “Our community believes in and supports Team Duval.” The results underscore the importance of local property-tax revenue in maintaining educational services and preventing operational cuts as districts face shrinking student populations and associated reductions in funding.

Pia Dandiya makes history in Florida

Pia Dandiya, a former teacher and high school principal, has made history by winning the election for the U.S. House of Representatives in Florida's 22nd Congressional District, defeating Republican Casey Askar. This newly drawn district, which has not yet had a representative, includes diverse communities such as Weston and Coral Springs. Dandiya, who was born and raised in Palm Beach County to Indian parents, becomes the first South Asian to represent Florida in Congress. During her victory speech, she emphasized her commitment to the future of Florida's children, stating: “I want to fight for a future that is worthy of you, where you can go to school and learn and feel safe.” Dandiya also has experience in the tech industry, having worked at Apple.

Ingoglia secures full Florida CFO term

Republican Blaise Ingoglia narrowly defeated Democrat Annette Taddeo by approximately two percentage points to win a full term as Florida’s chief financial officer. Initially appointed by Gov. Ron DeSantis in 2025 following Jimmy Patronis’ departure for Congress, Ingoglia previously served as a state legislator and Republican Party of Florida chairman. The CFO oversees state finances, insurance regulation and fire safety enforcement while participating in major executive decisions through Florida’s Cabinet. Ingoglia has prioritized identifying what he considers excessive local government spending and advocating property-tax reductions. His campaign also highlights enforcement actions against insurers, criminal arrests and the return of $847m in unclaimed funds to residents. His election provides voter approval for his continued oversight of Florida’s financial administration and fiscal policies.

NATIONAL NEWS

Google faces backlash over policy linking student search access to AI adoption

Google has announced plans to disable artificial intelligence (AI) tools by default for K-12 students in early 2027, but also stated that schools prohibiting AI entirely will also lose access to Google Search. The policy gives school administrators greater control over AI adoption while raising concerns about the company's influence over classroom technology. Schools permitting AI will be offered two search options: conventional Google Search with AI-generated overviews and chat features, or Gemini's Guided Learning tool, designed to provide step-by-step educational support. The changes follow growing opposition from parents and educators over academic cheating, misinformation, and the potential effects of AI on students' critical thinking. Former Federal Trade Commission Chair Lina Khan criticized Google for leveraging its search dominance to pressure schools into adopting AI, while officials in New York City and Los Angeles have called for greater flexibility. Google maintains that its revised approach will support learning while addressing concerns about unrestricted AI use.

DISTRICTS

Miami-Dade teachers celebrate tax renewal

Miami-Dade teachers will continue receiving a crucial salary supplement after voters overwhelmingly approved the renewal of a dedicated property tax. The measure, which garnered over 80% approval, maintains a $1 tax for every $1,000 of taxable property value, generating more than $500m for Miami-Dade Public Schools. This funding is vital for boosting teacher salaries and ensuring school security. The tax has been renewed every four years since 2018, addressing the challenges posed by sluggish state funding for public schools. Florida teachers are among the lowest paid in the nation, making this tax renewal essential for retaining educators.

Polk County votes on school tax

Polk County residents are awaiting the results of a referendum titled “Millage for School Safety, Teachers, and Career Education,” which closed voting at 7 p.m last night. The proposal aims to establish a dedicated property tax to enhance funding for Polk County Public Schools, primarily to increase teacher and staff salaries. The tax would add one mill to property tax rates, costing homeowners approximately $259.42 annually based on an average assessed home value of $284,000.

Santa Rosa County schools secure funding boost

Santa Rosa County District Schools will benefit from a renewed half-cent sales tax, approved by voters with a 73% majority. This tax, effective from January 1, 2029, to December 31, 2038, is projected to generate approximately $160m for capital projects. The funds will support new school constructions, repairs, and technology upgrades, with significant past investments including $42m for the new Soundside High School. The 2026-27 capital outlay budget anticipates $17.3m from this tax for various improvement projects across the district.

Pasco County voters back teacher pay boost

Pasco County voters have approved the renewal of a local-option property tax that will increase teacher and staff salaries by approximately 12%. This decision comes as the school board prepares for a reorganization, welcoming two new members: attorney Kimberly Coward for District 1 and private school administrator Matt Geiger for District 3. Jeffrey S. Solochek, an education reporter, highlighted the significance of this tax renewal, stating, "Voters first approved the tax in 2022." The renewed funding aims to bolster employee salaries and enhance educational quality in the district.

GOVERNANCE

Cervera makes history in Broward

Adam Cervera has made history as the first appointee of Gov. Ron DeSantis to win an election on the Broward School Board, defeating longtime educator Roberto Fernandez III for the District 6 seat. Cervera, a 43-year-old lawyer, garnered bipartisan support, including an endorsement from the Broward Teachers Union, despite objections regarding his ties to DeSantis. Union President Anna Fusco actively supported Cervera, who is registered as a Republican, while Fernandez is a Democrat. Cervera's victory marks a significant moment in the DeSantis era, as he is the first appointee to win, following two previous losses by DeSantis appointees in 2024. The District 6 race was one of five School Board seats contested this year, with new and returning candidates set to be sworn in on Nov. 17.

Peña triumphs in school board race

Susanne Peña, a former Orange County Public Schools teacher, secured the District 3 seat on the Orange County School Board by winning approximately 58% of the vote against Diana Moore, who faced controversy during her tenure as head of the local teachers union. Peña's victory comes as she replaces Alicia Farrant, who is leaving the board. Moore's candidacy was marred by a history of complaints regarding her behavior, with her principal describing her as “combative and aggressive.” Despite this, Moore claimed the complaints were retaliatory. Peña, endorsed by current board members and local Democrats, joins a board grappling with financial challenges, including declining enrollment and budget cuts. The district has lost about 12,000 students in the past two years, leading to job cuts and school closures.

Cothiere's surprising win shakes Miami-Dade

First-time candidate Linda Cothiere secured a seat on the Miami-Dade School Board, defeating former Miami Gardens City Council Member Katrina Wilson by over three percentage points, with 38,070 votes to Wilson's 35,671. Cothiere, a Haitian-American educator, will represent the predominantly Black North Dade District 1 for the next four years.

Curtis Campogni unseats Dawn Peters

In a closely contested election, Curtis Campogni has defeated incumbent Dawn Peters for the Pinellas County School Board District 3 seat, leading by just 424 votes. If confirmed, his victory signals a shift in leadership as the district grapples with declining enrollment and potential school consolidations. Peters, who emphasized her record of academic improvements, including an “A” rating from the Florida Department of Education, defended the necessity of consolidations to optimize resources. Campogni, however, advocates for a more independent approach, questioning the administration's decisions and calling for scrutiny over school closures.

Hernando County School Board shake-up

Kara Champion won the District 5 seat on the Hernando County School Board, defeating incumbent Susan Duval with 54% of the vote. This nonpartisan race was the most competitive in Hernando this cycle, leading to a runoff after both candidates tied in August. Champion, a Republican and daughter of County Commissioner Steve Champion, campaigned on a pro-school choice platform and criticized the current administration's handling of educational funding. Duval, a registered Democrat, expressed concerns about the state's funding shift impacting public education. Champion significantly outspent Duval, raising $48,000 compared to Duval's $15,500. Champion will officially take her seat on November 17.

Jefferson ousts Spray

Sharon Jefferson defeated incumbent Cindy Spray in the recent election for the Manatee County School Board, securing approximately 52% of the vote compared to Spray's 48%. Jefferson, a seasoned educator with 27 years of experience and a doctorate in education, is the founder of Recess Education Inc. and Freedom Leadership Academy. She focused her campaign on addressing social and economic factors affecting student achievement, emphasizing the importance of understanding the “why” behind student outcomes. In another election, Camden Bedinghaus won the District 5 seat with around 52% of the vote against Jonathan Mullis.

Hillsborough votes for elected superintendent

Voters in Hillsborough County have decided to transform the superintendent position from appointed to elected, marking a significant shift in the governance of the seventh largest school district in the U.S. With nearly 95% of votes counted, this change will strip the school board of its authority to hire and fire the superintendent.

HEALTH & SAFETY

Brevard schools closed due to flooding

Brevard County is facing a state of emergency due to severe flooding, leading to the closure of schools for a third consecutive day. The Brevard County School District announced that schools will remain closed on Wednesday, November 4, citing several challenges for reopening. “We know how difficult these closures are for families, and we did not make this decision lightly,” the district stated. Key issues include a major water main break affecting nearly 30 schools under a boil water notice, unsafe road conditions impacting bus routes, and flooded school buildings requiring inspections. Additionally, staffing challenges arise as many employees are unable to travel safely to work. The district plans to continue inspections and cleanup efforts, with updates on reopening expected soon.

LEGAL

SCOTUS weighs religious freedom and LGBTQ+ rights in Colorado preschool case

The U.S. Supreme Court has signaled that it may side with Catholic preschools challenging Colorado's universal pre-K program, which requires participating schools to comply with anti-discrimination protections for LGBTQ+ families. The Archdiocese of Denver and two Catholic parishes argue that the policy unfairly excludes religious institutions from public funding because they require enrolled families to support Catholic teachings, including those concerning same-sex relationships. During oral arguments, most conservative justices appeared sympathetic to the schools' religious freedom claims, while liberal justices warned that granting exemptions could undermine civil rights protections and create broader legal uncertainty. Colorado maintains that religious schools are welcome to participate if they accept all eligible children under the same rules as other providers. The case could have significant implications for religious institutions' access to government-funded education programs and the enforcement of anti-discrimination laws. A ruling is expected by June 2027.

HIGHER EDUCATION

Universities integrate AI into campus systems

U.S. universities have increasingly integrated artificial intelligence (AI) tools into existing campus technology systems, prioritizing data security, cost efficiency, and responsible adoption. Case Western Reserve University, the University of Hawaii, and John Carroll University have deployed Google's Gemini through their established Google Workspace environments, providing students, faculty, and staff with institutionally supported alternatives to potentially less secure consumer AI services. Their strategies emphasize leadership engagement, faculty training, clear usage policies, and ongoing technical support. Case Western Reserve has introduced campuswide workshops and advanced licensing options, while the University of Hawaii has developed guidance to help users select approved AI tools. John Carroll has established a steering committee overseeing privacy, ethics, and appropriate academic use. Despite growing interest, an IREX report found that only 34% of higher education institutions have a clear AI strategy aligned with academic and operational priorities, highlighting persistent challenges in governance and implementation.

INTERNATIONAL

South Korea selects 43 regions for education reform initiative

South Korea's Education Ministry has selected 43 regions for a new education reform initiative aimed at improving small schools, reducing educational disparities, and strengthening cooperation between schools, universities, and local industries. The program, launching in January 2027, will provide government funding, administrative support, and regulatory exemptions for up to five years. Of the selected regions, 32 face population decline and will prioritize school consolidation, shared curricula, and community partnerships, while the remaining 11 will focus on educational inequality and regional workforce development. Participating cities and counties can receive up to ₩2bn ($1.5 m) annually, while metropolitan governments may receive up to ₩4bn. Funding will initially cover three years, with a possible two-year extension based on performance. The initiative builds on a 2024 pilot program and forms part of the government's broader strategy to address falling student enrollment, sustain regional education systems, and improve long-term economic opportunities outside major urban centers.
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