Will the student loan payment pause be extended? CEOs say it’s likely.

Payments for federally backed student loans have been suspended since the pandemic began in March 2020 — they’re set to resume Sept. 1 unless the Biden administration steps in.

Former ITT Tech students get $3.9B in debt cancellation

Students who used federal loans to attend ITT Technical Institute as far back as 2005 will automatically get that debt canceled after authorities found “widespread and pervasive misrepresentations” at the defunct for-profit college chain.

Manatee schools bring in extra security measures ahead of high school football kickoff

Ahead of the high school football kickoff in Manatee County this Friday, students and spectators will notice some extra security. The changes are happening at all high school sporting events in the county.

Florida law prohibiting gender identity, sexual orientation instruction in grades K-3 confuses some teachers

Some Florida schools have moved library books and debated changing textbooks in response to the Parental Rights in Education law — and some teachers have worried that family pictures on their desks could get them in trouble.

Gov. DeSantis recruiting veterans into Florida classrooms amid teacher shortage across state

Military veterans who qualify to fill in at schools where there is a teacher shortage will receive a five-year temporary teaching certificate and be assigned a mentor teacher for at least two of those years. The initiative is an expansion of the federal "Troops to Teachers" program.

'Please slow down': St. Pete police see increase in school zone speeding violations

School started in Pinellas County this week, which means more traffic. St. Petersburg police are warning drivers that they need to slow down after noticing a high number of citations issued in school zones. 

No more pandemic-era free lunches at most US schools this year

The pandemic-era meals available for free to all public school students — regardless of family income levels — are ending. Here’s what you need to know heading into the school year.

First day of school for Pinellas County's new superintendent of schools

Before the sun was up on the first day of class in Pinellas County, new school superintendent Kevin Hendrick had already arrived to greet bus drivers before they rolled out to pick up students.

First day of school arrives in Hillsborough County as district juggles teacher deficit

Hillsborough County begins the first day of school with a new academy in Apollo Beach to help address overcrowding issues. Meanwhile, across the district, there are still hundreds of open teacher positions.

'Hoax' bomb threat resurfaces online, forces temporary evacuation of Pasco County school

Students at Charles S. Rushe Middle School were allowed back into classrooms around 10 a.m. Wednesday after a “hoax bomb threat” forced a temporary evacuation on the first day of school, Pasco County officials said. 

Temple Terrace Library program helps jump start children's education

Libraries can start a child's love for learning at an early age, and local library's program is helping jump start children's education.

Bay Area districts still face teacher shortage as students head back to classroom

When it comes to teacher staffing in the Bay Area – Pinellas County schools is in the better position – with 113 teacher vacancies to fill. Pasco has 313 teacher vacancies, and as of last week, the Hillsborough school district had 620 vacancies. 

Teachers turn to online fundraising for back to school items paid for out-of-pocket

While teachers across Tampa Bay race to check items off their back to school lists, many of them are struggling more than ever to pay out of pocket and turning to online fundraisers for help.