The big story: Several organizations continue to issue dire warnings about what might be lost if the Trump administration achieves its goal of dismantling the Education Department.
Funding to help underserved communities overcome disparities is a key concern, The Hill reports.
It’s not the only area where concerns are mounting about how the White House’s initiatives might adversely affect the nation’s educational system.
The announcement that the National Institutes of Health will cap funding for medical research has researchers fearful that their work will be decimated, NPR reports. The move could cost institutions billions in funding, Inside Higher Ed reports.
Eight Florida schools would be on the hook for a combined total of more than $150 million. Among the work the NIH supports in the state, a University of West Florida researcher is studying early detection of Alzheimer’s disease, a Florida State University team was awarded $3.4 million to study disparity of care, and a Florida Atlantic University engineer got an $1.8 million award to design statistical methods related to genome decoding.
“While this retrenchment may seem like a good deal for taxpayers, the truth is that without a federal partner to share some of the costs of innovation, ground-breaking research, and life-changing medical advances, these costs will fall directly and indirectly on current students or bring this vital work to a halt,” Kara Freeman, president of National Association of College and University Business Officers, said in a statement.
Hot topics
University presidents: As anticipated, Florida International University trustees named Lt. Gov. Jeanette Nuñez as the school’s interim president at Gov. Ron DeSantis’ request. • Former state House Republican leader Adam Hasner’s interview for Florida Atlantic University president was met with student protests.
Test scores: Lee County superintendent Denise Carlin said she wants to hire more teachers, simplify bus schedules and add more time to the school day as a part of the district’s effort to improve student test scores, WBBH reports.
Teacher pay: Polk County teacher union leaders are asking the school board to consider holding a property tax referendum to support salary increases, the Ledger reports.
Student discipline: Some Marion County parents are questioning the school district’s increase in expulsions and alternate placements, WUFT reports.
Snow days: The Santa Rosa County school district continues to wait for a state response to its request for a waiver for days missed because of a recent freak snow storm, the Pensacola News-Journal reports.
Immigration enforcement: Tensions are high in Miami-Dade County schools after a teacher was said to be deported, even as officials refuted rumors of immigration “raids” at area campuses, the Miami Herald reports. • Sarasota County school board members said schools remain safe for students amid immigration enforcement changes, the Herald-Tribune reports.
General education courses: University of Florida faculty and students seek answers for why the school’s selection of general education courses was slashed from more than 1,200 to fewer than 300, the Independent Florida Alligator reports.
Board politics: Duval County school board members, with a new majority after elections, are reconsidering the organizations they join and the events they travel to, Jacksonville Today reports.
From the court docket … An Orange County judge ruled against a woman who sued for the right to volunteer in the school district after she was turned away when officials learned she modeled for OnlyFans, WKMG reports.
Don’t miss a story. Here’s a link to Friday’s roundup.
Before you go … It still feels so good.