The big news: Gov. Ron DeSantis wants Florida to get out in front of artificial intelligence as much as possible, regardless of any federal executive order saying states can’t do so.
“Clearly we have the right to do this,” DeSantis said Monday during a roundtable discussion at Florida Atlantic University. (See the video here.)
And the need, he contended, noting how letting social media infiltrate society unchecked led to many undesired consequences such as bullying. AI has potential, he argued, but also carries many risks.
Lawmakers spent much of the past week discussing the role of AI in several aspects of life, including education. House committee leaders suggested that legislation could be coming on the heels of the conversations, in which they asked educators how they use AI and what type of direction would help them.
The governor, who has called for a state AI “bill of rights,” said he believes the government needs to establish parameters to ensure that the technology has its proper place as a tool.
“We are not going to turn over the reins to things we cannot control,” he said.
Placing controls and guidelines over children’s use of AI is a critical piece of the puzzle, he suggested: “Providing structure is a way to enhance parents’ rights.” Read more from the Sun-Sentinel, Politico Florida.
Accreditation: Jacksonville University overcame financial troubles to maintain its accreditation, the Florida Times-Union reports.
Campus closures: Jacksonville City Council members are raising concerns about school district plans to shutter several under-capacity schools, WJXT reports. • Orange County parents are asking questions of their district’s proposal to close seven schools, Spectrum 13 reports.
Charter schools: Miami Dade College is set to begin authorizing new charter schools in Miami-Dade County, WLRN reports. Some critics argue the law allowing charter operators to bypass the local school district is unconstitutional.
Schools of Hope: Families for Strong Public Schools raised a new set of concerns regarding Florida’s laws and rules allowing Schools of Hope charter schools to occupy unused space in district schools essentially free of charge. In addition to granting those charters space, group leaders said during a Monday news conference, the law also gives them student data. • They pointed to a line in the State Board of Education rule stating, “A Hope Operator shall have access to the student information system in the school district in which a School of Hope is located.” • “Parents have no way of opting out of it,” said Gianny Hunt, a Hillsborough County parent activist. “This is definitely not school choice.” • The advocacy group is calling for repeal of the law, which it refers to as Schools of Nope. Stay tuned.
Security: Gov. Ron DeSantis has proposed putting another $64 million into school hardening as part of his annual budget recommendations, Florida Politics reports. • A bill filed in the state Senate would allow some employees, faculty members and students to openly carry weapons on college campuses, WCTV reports. • Some key lawmakers want to expand the state’s school guardian program from K-12 schools into colleges and universities, USA Today Florida Network reports. • Two Florida State University students have started a petition seeking to install internal locks on all campus doors, the Floridian reports.
Staffing: An Alachua County school board member is challenging the superintendent’s appointment of the district budget director to become chief financial officer, MainStreet Daily news reports.
Teacher pay: A Democratic state lawmaker has proposed legislation to boost Florida’s base teacher salary to $65,000 a year, The Capitolist reports.
Don’t miss a story. Here’s a link to yesterday’s roundup.
Before you go … Everyone is talking about the tragic killing of director Rob Reiner. What’s your favorite of his movies?
Jeffrey S. Solochek is a reporter covering education as a member of the Tampa Bay Times Education Hub. You can contribute to the hub through our journalism fund by clicking here.