Around the state: Lawmakers are pursuing legislation that some say could boost book removals in Florida again, Black history was taught under a tree at Florida International University, population growth in St. John’s county has officials discussing how to handle an increase of students in classrooms and a school in Brevard may be consolidated. Here are details about those stories and other developments from the state’s districts, private schools, and colleges and universities:
Brevard: Rumors about McNair Magnet Middle School closing began sprouting last week on social media, but it wasn’t until Friday that Brevard Public Schools Superintendent Mark Rendell confirmed that the school may be consolidated with John F. Kennedy Middle School. A consulting company will present their findings to the board during a work session today. Florida Today.
St. Johns: This county in Northeast Florida is one of the fastest growing counties in the state, with the population expected to double by 2050. That means more students in classrooms. WUSF.
Disability advocate concerns: Representatives of several disability advocacy groups have expressed concern about lack of clarity about proposed changes within the realm of special education services and the impact of sweeping shifts at the U.S. Department of Education. Florida Phoenix.
Cybersecurity threats: Schools stand to lose cybersecurity support from the federal government, leading some to wonder if that could lead to more cyberattacks against schools. Education Week.
Book bans: A Florida law that prompted public schools to remove thousands of books from their shelves could get even more restrictive soon as lawmakers move to close a “loophole” they say still allows some volumes to remain on campuses. The state already has more removals in public school libraries than any other state, according to recent reports. The new measure would prevent public school officials from considering a book’s “potential literary, artistic, political, or scientific value” when it’s challenged for being “harmful to minors.” Rep. Doug Bankson of Apopka, the bill’s sponsor, said “The desire is to protect our children.”Orlando Sentinel. WUSF.
Colleges and universities: Leaders at colleges and universities are under pressure to comply with federal executive orders and policy changes or risk losing federal funding. WLRN. The state may enforce a law eliminating general education courses that teach “identity politics” at Florida’s institutions of higher education pending resolution of a lawsuit filed by professors, a federal judge ruled. Florida Politics. A Black History Learning Tree on Florida International University’s campus aims to help teach free history classes. “There’s a lot that I didn’t learn from school that I’m excited to learn outside of school in this space,” said FIU student Abigail Costello. Tampa Bay Times. Carl Kuttler, St. Petersburg College’s third and longest-serving president, died last week, according to family and colleagues. Tampa Bay Times.
Opinions on schools: The accomplishments of the University of West Florida graduates over the past almost 60 years are a solid affirmation that it has been on the right path and does not need ideological changes on the Board of Trustees. Donald H. Partington, Pensacola News Journal. The foundation of a child’s future success begins long before they enter a traditional classroom. High-quality preschool programs are one of the most effective investments we can make in our children, our workforce and our economy. This legislative session, our state representatives have an opportunity to further enhance our state’s commitment to this high yield investment by funding preschool for a full day. ELC of Sarasota County Childcare Business Task Force, Sarasota-Herald Tribune. This could be American AI’s competitive wakeup call, illustrating that the U.S. needs to dramatically strengthen and expand its approach to AI education. But in this new Space Race, America doesn’t have years to catch up. AI advancements are happening at the fastest pace of any innovation in modern history. Loni Mahanta, the 74th.
