The big story: Mandatory later start times for Florida’s middle and high schools are no more.
Gov. Ron DeSantis on Wednesday quietly signed into law a measure reversing a 2023 statute that gave school districts three years to shift their schedules so middle schools begin classes no earlier than 8 a.m., and high schools no earlier than 8:30 a.m.
It’s a big win for the several county systems whose officials argued that the initiative, while well intended, proved a logistical struggle to implement. Concerns arose from small rural and large urban districts alike, and several school boards made this issue one of their top legislative priorities as the deadline approached.
To comply with the law, districts now will have the option of submitting a detailed report to the state explaining why they cannot make the start times work. SB 296 passed both chambers unanimously.
DeSantis also signed a variety of other school-related bills into law Wednesday. They include:
• The state’s seventh school security update since the 2018 Parkland school shooting massacre (SB 1470),
• Revisions to rules for homeschool students to participate in public school sports (SB 248),
• Stricter rules for schools to inform families of teacher arrests (SB 1374),
• An expanded definition for hazardous walking conditions to school (HB 85),
• New certification requirements for school social workers (HB 809), and
• Updated school grading rules for dropout retrieval programs (SB 1402).
Still no word on education funding for the coming year, though. As DeSantis said during an afternoon press conference, “Maybe even one day the Legislature will produce a budget. We’ll see. Hope springs eternal.”
Hot topics
College leadership: The president of Polk State College has come under fire over the school’s enrollment and retention data. Similar concerns led to the resignation of Pasco-Hernando State College’s president.
Fees: The Sarasota County school board increased fees families will pay for before- and after-school child care programs, the North Port Sun reports.
Free meals: The Duval County school district is ending universal free lunches at 37 of its schools, WJXT reports.
Immigration enforcement: Despite student objections, Santa Fe College trustees signed an agreement allowing campus police to enforce federal immigration actions, the Independent Florida Alligator reports.
Planning: Florida school district leaders say it’s tough to plan for next year while lawmakers have yet to craft a budget, Central Florida Public Media reports.
School choice: Gov. Ron DeSantis said no one has done more for school choice in Florida than he has, adding that he considers public education a key component of choice, Florida Politics reports.
Superintendents: The Escambia County school board withdrew a proposal to give superintendent Keith Leonard a 19% raise, the Pensacola News-Journal reports.
Teacher unions: Leon County teachers overwhelmingly approved renewing the Leon Classroom Teachers Association as their collective bargaining agent, the Tallahassee Democrat reports. Such votes have become necessary because of new legislative requirements.
University presidents: Former Lt. Gov. Jeanette Nuñez is making a pitch to be the permanent president of Florida International University, the Miami Herald reports. Nuñez, the only finalist, faces a skeptical campus community.
From the police blotter … Gainesville police are investigating a shooting related to a local high school after-prom party, WCJB reports. • A Leon County high school student was arrested on allegations of battery against a school staff member, WCTV reports.
Don’t miss a story. Here’s a link to yesterday’s roundup.
Before you go … Can you get enough sax?