The Latest Breaking News from Andrew Spar

The Rise of Florida's 'Microschools'

Florida will pay $8,000 to cover tuition for any child who opts out of public school. The program is transforming k-12 education—and creating budget problems.

Reason · Aug 17

Florida ranks last in teacher pay across U.S.; DeSantis administration calls report 'bogus'

The state's Department of Education claims the report does not consider "cost of living and state income tax"

Latin Times · May 6, 2024

DeSantis leads Republican states’ attacks against public sector unions

From Florida to Alaska, workers are facing legal efforts to weaken their power by targeting union certification and dues

The Guardian - US · Nov 10, 2023

Gov. DeSantis proposes $115 billion budget plan, which would offer $1.5 billion in tax breaks

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Gov. Ron DeSantis unveiled a nearly $115 billion budget recommendation Wednesday that includes $1.5 billion in tax relief on everything from baby diapers to gas stoves, while keeping nearly $16 billion in reserves.

Orlando Sentinel · Feb 1, 2023

DeSantis’s get-parents-fired-up strategy holds clues to a 2024 run

To win reelection, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis harnessed the power of one of the most coveted groups of voters anywhere — motivated parents. The strategy could build a key pillar of support if, as widely expected, he runs for president in 2024.

Tribune News Service · Jan 19, 2023

The culture wars are pushing some teachers to leave the classroom

Teachers and administrators, already facing long hours and low pay, now find themselves under pressure from politicians, parents and even their own school districts.

WEKU · Nov 13, 2022

‘It’s had a chilling effect’: Florida teachers anxious about ‘don’t say gay’ bill

Lack of guidance by state’s education department and possible implications has teachers worried as school year begins

The Guardian - US · Aug 31, 2022

Hernandez-Mats rises from middle school teacher to candidate for lieutenant governor

HIALEAH, Fla. — Standing in front of the crowd in the dimly lit Hialeah Middle Community School library, Charlie Crist, the Democratic nominee for governor, enthusiastically announced his running mate.

Miami Herald · Aug 27, 2022

"Social emotional learning": The new CRT

Right-wing culture warriors' new obsession: Widespread "life skills" approach is actually sinister "Trojan horse"

Salon · Apr 22, 2022

Teachers get caught in the middle of Florida’s culture war bills

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Two major pieces of legislation pushed by Gov. Ron DeSantis and approved by the Florida Legislature have put public school teachers in the crosshairs of the Republican-waged culture wars and created confusion over just what they can teach in class, critics say.

Orlando Sentinel · Mar 19, 2022