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\u2019t do so.<\/p>\n
\u201cClearly we have the right to do this,\u201d DeSantis said Monday during a roundtable discussion at Florida Atlantic University. (See the video here<\/a>.)<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n The governor, who has called for a state AI \u201cbill of rights,\u201d said he believes the government needs to establish parameters to ensure that the technology has its proper place as a tool.<\/p>\n \u201cWe are not going to turn over the reins to things we cannot control,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n Placing controls and guidelines over children\u2019s use of AI is a critical piece of the puzzle, he suggested: \u201cProviding structure is a way to enhance parents\u2019 rights.\u201d Read more from the Sun-Sentinel<\/a>, Politico Florida<\/a>.<\/p>\n Accreditation: Jacksonville University overcame financial troubles to maintain its accreditation<\/a>, the Florida Times-Union reports.<\/p>\n Campus closures: Jacksonville City Council members are raising concerns about school district plans to shutter several under-capacity schools<\/a>, WJXT reports. \u2022 Orange County parents are asking questions of their district\u2019s proposal to close seven schools<\/a>, Spectrum 13 reports.<\/p>\n Charter schools: Miami Dade College is set to begin authorizing new charter schools<\/a> in Miami-Dade County, WLRN reports. Some critics argue the law allowing charter operators to bypass the local school district is unconstitutional.<\/p>\n Schools of Hope: Families for Strong Public Schools raised a new set of concerns regarding Florida\u2019s 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. \u2022 They pointed to a line in the State Board of Education rule<\/a> stating, \u201cA Hope Operator shall have access to the student information system in the school district in which a School of Hope is located.\u201d \u2022 \u201cParents have no way of opting out of it,\u201d said Gianny Hunt, a Hillsborough County parent activist. \u201cThis is definitely not school choice.\u201d \u2022 The advocacy group is calling for repeal of the law, which it refers to as Schools of Nope<\/a>. Stay tuned.<\/p>\n Security: Gov. Ron DeSantis has proposed putting another $64 million into school hardening<\/a> as part of his annual budget recommendations, Florida Politics reports. \u2022 A bill filed in the state Senate would allow some employees, faculty members and students to openly carry weapons<\/a> on college campuses, WCTV reports. \u2022 Some key lawmakers want to expand the state\u2019s school guardian program<\/a> from K-12 schools into colleges and universities, USA Today Florida Network reports. \u2022 Two Florida State University students have started a petition seeking to install internal locks<\/a> on all campus doors, the Floridian reports.<\/p>\n Staffing: An Alachua County school board member is challenging the superintendent\u2019s appointment<\/a> of the district budget director to become chief financial officer, MainStreet Daily news reports.<\/p>\n Teacher pay: A Democratic state lawmaker has proposed legislation to boost Florida\u2019s base teacher salary to $65,000 a year<\/a>, The Capitolist reports.<\/p>\n Don\u2019t miss a story. Here\u2019s a link to yesterday\u2019s roundup<\/a>.<\/p>\n Before you go … Everyone is talking about the tragic killing of director Rob Reiner. What\u2019s your favorite of his movies?<\/p>\n