New study finds 10% increase in Florida higher ed enrollment could mean billions in gains
Just a nominal increase in the number of postsecondary education students in Florida could increase the state’s economic gains by billions of dollars, according to a new study. The “Florida’s Future Billions” report conducted by Helios Education Foundation, which supports higher education for low-income or underrepresented communities, conducted the study. The analysis found that just a 10% increase in students for Florida’s postsecondary education system would account for a $8.38 billion increase in economic output for the state. [Source: Florida Politics]
Florida teacher unions claim win against law limiting their role
After Florida lawmakers changed the rules for public employee union certification, teachers worried they might lose their representation in collective bargaining and, along with that, their contract terms and protections. United Teachers of Dade was the first to face a major challenge to its role. Backed by anti-union national organizations, an alternative group aimed to upend UTD in a vote of eligible members. This week, United Teachers of Dade claimed an overwhelming victory. More from WPLG and the Tampa Bay Times.
Early voting on school issues begins across Florida
Several education-related matters appear on the ballot, including one statewide initiative. The Republican-dominated state Legislature is asking voters to consider a return to partisan school board elections, reversing a 1998 constitutional amendment. Voters also will decide a spate of sales and property tax referendums aimed at boosting districts’ revenue beyond the amount provided in the state budget. [Source: Tampa Bay Times]
Department of Education granting local school districts with workforce funding
Multiple Florida school districts will be receiving substantial grants to train the future workforce for high-demand jobs. Recipients can use the money to create or expand workforce development programs, giving students hands-on experience in aerospace, biomedical science, digital video tech, and aviation. More from My Panhandle and Central Florida Public Media.
Florida school board members don’t have to testify in book ban lawsuit
A federal judge has shielded Escambia County School Board members from having to testify in a legal battle about the removal of children’s books from school libraries. United States Magistrate Judge Zachary C. Bolitho on Friday issued a 15-page order agreeing with the school board that members do not have to give depositions because of what is known as “legislative privilege.” More from Flagler Live and the Tampa Bay Times.
ALSO AROUND FLORIDA:
› Publication ranks Florida Poly first in nation for career outcomes among public schools
Florida Polytechnic University in Lakeland ranks eighth in the nation for top career outcomes for its graduates in WalletHub’s newly released 2025 Best Universities Ranking. Among public institutions, Florida Poly ranked No.1 in the country, the school said in a news release.
› University of Miami invests in neuroscience, aging
The University of Miami has pledged to invest more than $30 million to bolster basic science research targeting neuroscience and aging. Over the next five years, the investment will create a program in computational biology within the Leonard M. Miller School of Medicine and build collaborations across multiple university departments and institutes.
› How Jacksonville University is helping this student launch her music career
Barbara Kovalevich always knew she wanted to create music. Originally from Belarus, she was accepted to different schools in Florida, but Jacksonville University’s music technology major is what really caught her eye — along with the school's recording studio.
› Orange County schools hope for another yes vote on half-cent sales tax
The Orange County School Board’s half-cent sales tax is up for a 10-year renewal this fall, an effort to continue a program that has renovated 136 old schools and built 65 new ones since it began more than 20 years ago. First approved in 2002, the half-cent sales tax brings in about $350 million per year that the school district uses to replace aging roofs and air conditioning units, update technology and security, rebuild old campuses and construct new schools in fast-growing areas such as Apopka, Horizon West and Lake Nona.