Around the state: The Scripps National Spelling Bee wraps tonight, Florida Virtual Full Time Public Schools held an in-person graduation ceremony, the Leon county school district may take legal action against a charter school and summer food programs are available for students. Here are details about those stories and other developments from the state’s districts, private schools, and colleges and universities:
Broward: A Bolles High student created a nonprofit to help pay for fees related to sports for kids in foster care. The organization helps provide everything from registration fees to transportation. “It’s sad thinking that not everyone’s as fortunate as me,” said Jai Patel. “I’ve had so much given to me in my life, and I feel like it’s my duty, and I was put here to help people.” News4Jax.
Lee: An emergency meeting was held to talk about the future of Fort Myers Beach Elementary School. The school was forced to close twice due to destruction from Hurricane Ian and Milton. The special town council meeting ended with parents, residents and the council agreeing that they want the beach school to reopen as soon as possible. The Lee County School District is expected to vote on whether to repair or rebuild the school at a June 3 meeting. WINK.
Brevard: Graduates of Eau Gallie High closed out graduation season in Brevard on May 27. Florida Today.
Leon: Superintendent Rocky Hanna told school board members at the May 27 board meeting that the district could soon take legal action against Renaissance charter to reclaim furniture and equipment that was purchased with tax dollars. The school announced its closure in March after its governing board landed a deal to lease the property to Tallahassee Preparatory Academy, a new local private school. Renaissance owns the building, but Leon county taxpayers have paid for it since 2012. Tallahassee Democrat.
Virtual high school graduation: Florida Virtual Full Time Public Schools, the state’s only fully virtual public school district, hosted an in-person graduation ceremony that honored graduates from across the state. The event highlighted the achievements of students who chose a nontraditional learning path through school choice and excelled. “Our students have successfully achieved their academic goals, while also pursuing their passions and interests due to the flexibility of the online learning environment. As they embark on their next journey, whether it’s college, military school, trade school, or entering the workforce, I extend my heartfelt wishes for their continued success and fulfillment,” said Louis J. Algaze, president and CEO. FLVS.
National spelling bee: Florida students are among the 243 competing in this year’s Scripps National Spelling Bee. “I’ve been studying the roots, like breaking down the etymology, and I’ve also been pushing myself on some words that I have trouble with, and a little bit of language patterns,” said Moksh Maru of Sanford. Floridians have received the title of champion for the past two years, with Bruhat Soma in 2024 and Dev Shah in 2023. The finals take place on Thursday. Five competitors from Florida remain in the bee. The champion takes home the Scripps Cup and more than $52,000 in cash prizes. Meanwhile, dozens of past Scripps champions gathered together to honor the competition’s 100th year. BayNews9. ABC Action News. Tampa Bay Times.
Summer food programs: Many districts are offering summer lunch programs to ensure students have meals to eat when they are not in class. Spectrum News. LKLD Now.
Legislative update: A bill that increases early detection opportunities and educational interventions for children with autism and their families was signed into law this week by Gov. Ron DeSantis. The bill directs the Florida Department of Health to provide Florida families with early intervention therapies and services through the Early Steps program until the child is 4. That program provides intervention services to eligible toddlers and infants. Under current law, children age out of the program when they turn 3 years old. Bill sponsor Sen. Gayle Harrell in a prepared statement called the new law a “game changer.” Florida Phoenix.
Opinions on schools: The Roosevelt Elementary School District in South Phoenix has experienced enrollment loss for decades, and the school board of the district has announced plans to close five schools. Matthew Ladner, NextSteps. We have experienced a massive loss of academic freedom and, as a result, academics. Adam Tritt, Florida Today.
