Schools, districts, and education policy in Florida.
A September 2026 memo from Education Commissioner Henry Mack directs all districts to audit collections, remove sexually explicit materials without waiting for complaints, and cross-check other counties' removal lists within 90 days or face state funding penalties.
The district, built for 115,000 students, now serves roughly 70,000. Officials expect $25 million in annual savings from closures and conversions, with no teacher layoffs. A final vote is set for October 13.
The proposed amendment to Rule 6A-1.0957 requires districts to adopt AI governance by January 2027, including parent notification, opt-in, and restrictions on AI for social-emotional purposes.
The Florida Department of Health filed a rule to drop varicella, hepatitis B, Hib, and pneumococcal conjugate vaccines from school requirements while adding moral and ethical beliefs as a basis for exemption. Vaccines mandated by state statute would remain.
State revises K-12 science standards for first time since 2008, with only five climate benchmarks currently. Meanwhile, state pressured textbook publishers to weaken climate coverage.
The State Board of Education passed rules for a statewide 5.0 weighted GPA scale and required core courses for teacher-preparation programs, including civil discourse, taking effect in 2026-27 for students and 2027 for programs.
District moves to hybrid CEP model after rate falls from 64 percent to 45.1 percent, affecting meal prices for students at schools that do not individually qualify.