Vouchers are growing in Florida. How will the state pay for them?
Florida’s private schools have seen a boom in students paying with state-funded vouchers in the two years since lawmakers lifted income eligibility requirements for the school choice initiative. Some schools increased their tuition to take advantage. And the program shows no signs of abating. What does that mean to the bottom line for Florida taxpayers? [Source: Tampa Bay Times]
The truth behind teacher pay in Florida
Governor Ron DeSantis announced record increases in teacher pay. The governor has called Florida’s education system the best in the nation. Yet, a common refrain from people inside education circles, is that our teachers are some of the lowest paid in America. So which is it? [Source: WPEC]
Opinion: Key to Florida’s workforce lies in the state colleges
The Florida College System is not just valuable to students, it also benefits the state economy. Our institutions have a 90% job placement rate within one year of graduation, and 95% of FCS students stay and work in Florida after graduating. We don’t call ourselves Florida’s workforce engine for nothing − the facts speak for themselves. The quality programs at FCS institutions are training the next generations of workers, bringing valuable skills to their communities. [Source: Fort Myeres News-Press]
Most Florida students’ reading and math skills are still below grade level
In nearly every state, students are struggling to recover their math and reading skills back to pre-pandemic levels. Florida students, especially, remain behind. In terms of recovery between 2019 and 2024, the state ranked 36th in math and 45th in reading, according to a report called the Education Recovery Scorecard. It is important to note that while Florida’s fourth-graders are doing worse than previous years, their scores in both math and reading are still higher than the national average. [Source: WUSF]
Florida schools seek hurricane relief as lawmakers prepare budgets
Hurricane season ended months ago. Florida school districts are now getting a look at how much the influx of storms cost them. As they assess the unanticipated expenses, some officials have found they spent millions they won’t recoup for years. Some of the money might never return to their coffers. With budgets already tight, many are looking to state lawmakers for relief. [Source: Tampa Bay Times]
ALSO AROUND FLORIDA:
› USF President Rhea Law announces plans to step down after national search to select a successor
University of South Florida President Rhea Law today announced her plans to step down after a national search is conducted and a successor is selected. Law has served as president since August 2021, initially on an interim basis before being named to the role permanently in March 2022.
› $7M grant addressing teacher shortage in North Florida defunded midway through program
A $7 million U.S. Department of Education grant designed to help address the teacher shortage in the area through a program at the University of North Florida was just defunded. That grant was intended to help address several issues, including the teacher shortages in North Florida, specifically in Clay County District Schools.
› Meet three of Central Florida’s Teachers of the Year
Two special education teachers and a ninth-grade math teacher — all Central Florida educators recognized for their innovative teaching methods, success with students and collaboration with colleagues — have won top teacher honors from their school districts this year. The district winners from Central Florida and across the state will compete for Florida teacher-of-the-year honors this summer.
› UCF cracks down on resale of football season tickets on secondary market
UCF athletics is trying to crack down on some season ticket holders who are selling their football tickets on the secondary market. The department sent emails on Monday notifying some account holders that their seats would not be eligible for relocation for the 2025 season. The news was met with mixed reactions from fans.
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