Around the state: A school bus crash occurred in Lee, drivers in Miami are frustrated about a school bus camera program and concerns mount after a measles outbreak. Here are details about those stories and other developments from the state’s districts, private schools, and colleges and universities:
Measles outbreak: Students at Miami Palmetto Senior High say they are reducing social interactions due to concerns about a confirmed case of measles. On Tuesday, officials confirmed that the infected person is a student at the Pinecrest campus, and according to data, they are between the ages of 15 and 19. “Well, a lot of people are close together and we’re all right here, so it can spread really quickly,” said student Andrew Azaret. The news comes amid reports of measles outbreaks in at least nine other states. An email from the school’s principal says that the Florida Department of Health will be hosting a free MMR immunization drive at the school’s campus during the week of March 10. WPLG. CBS Miami. ABC Action News. WFLA. WINK.
Immigration enforcement: Sixty-two groups are seeking clarity on immigration enforcement at schools after President Trump’s executive order in January that reversed a policy directing immigration agents to avoid locations like schools. The Florida Policy Institute says the groups have signed a letter being sent to the Florida Department of Education requesting guidance. BayNews 9. WEAR.
In the Legislature: In his annual address to the Florida Legislature, Gov. Ron DeSantis touted Florida as a U.S. leader in areas that included education. WLRN. Politifact.
Miami-Dade: Drivers in Miami are frustrated by a school bus camera program because drivers were being issued bogus tickets that many were unable to challenge. The contract with BusPatrol was signed in a hasty manner by the school district without a bidding process. The contract, which generates revenue for the school district, was signed only 12 days after the board asked staff to do a “feasibility study” on the program. The program is a partnership between the school district, BusPatrol and the Miami-Dade Sheriff’s office. Jose Bueno, the chief of staff for Miami-Dade County Public Schools, said “This is costing taxpayers zero dollars for the school system, it is costing individuals breaking the law money, and at the end of the day it is saving lives.” Miami Herald.
Hillsborough: The Silent Book Club at Plant High meets in an attempt to allow students to seek a quiet connection. Tampa Bay Times.
Orange: During a lunch and learn at the Orange County Classroom Teachers Association Hall in Orlando, dozens of advocates and teachers decried cuts to public education. “The proposed education cuts are not just numbers. They are a direct attack on our children, especially those in low-income, rural and minority communities and we won’t stand for that,” said Maria Revelles, co-director of Mesa Boricua, an advocacy group for the Latin community. WUSF.
Lee: About two dozen elementary school students were aboard a school bus when it collided with a vehicle, sending one person to the hospital. According to a statement from the school district, “Preliminary information indicates the driver of the pickup truck was at fault.” Ft. Myers News-Press. WBBH. Fox 4.
Teacher morale: A teacher morale index is helping gauge how educators feel about their profession, including those in Florida. Education Week.
School pairings: The student assignment method, known as pairing, can foster racial and socioeconomic integration, new research suggests. The 74th.
Opinions on schools: American student achievement is in a steep decline, recent national and international assessments demonstrate. Results from the 2024 National Assessment of Educational Progress showed that only a third of students are reading at grade level. Lawmakers need to take action to improve student outcomes. Robin Berkley, The 74th.
