Funds May Be Released Soon, But Questions Remain

The U.S. Department of Education has indicated that most of the $396 million in withheld Florida education funds will be released this week, with all disbursements expected by the end of the week.

While this is a promising development, we have informed our legal team that the lawsuit will continue until the funds are fully received and we can review any conditions attached.

The U.S. Department of Education has suggested the case may now be moot, but our attorneys have responded that the harm remains until school districts have the funds in hand. They’ve also requested confirmation that the next round of funding, due October 1, will be released on time. No response yet.

Florida PTA will continue to keep you informed as this situation evolves.

If you missed any of our emails or official statements on the matter, click the links below:

Statement 1

Statement 2

Leadership Spotlight!

A lot happens behind the scenes to keep FLPTA moving forward, and Katie Burris is a true superstar. Get to know Katie in our new Leadership Spotlight!

What inspires you to be part of PTA?

Like so many others, I became involved in PTA to support my own children in the classroom. I grew to understand that PTA can offer support to so many in the larger school community through resources and programs. Advocacy is a natural step as I became interested and invested in outcomes, and PTA offers a framework from which to speak and share important points with others. Other PTA leaders supported me in leadership roles, and I am committed to continuing to offer PTA leaders the tools they need to be successful in their efforts. 

How long have you been involved in PTA work?

After several military moves across the country, I became more involved in PTA/PTSA when we moved to Florida in 2004. 

What’s something you enjoy doing in your free time?

I enjoy reading, my current selection "Lula Dean's Library of Banned Books", and trying to keep up with some of the latest podcasts. I have grown to appreciate the necessity of working out... We have more time to travel, wine tasting in Oregon with our daughter, and I love a good road trip. 

What’s your favorite TV show right now?

I enjoy documentaries, but mix in my favorite stand-up. I am also currently watching "The Bear".

Any advice for PTA leaders as we start the new school year?

Make PTA available and inviting at every opportunity so you are able to share information about all that PTA membership offers and supports. Listen more, and understand how members are able to participate. Establish respectful communication with school leaders, and receive respect in return. Appreciate your impact, you will often feel like you wanted to do more. Have fun!

Closing Remarks

I am proud to be a part of the Florida PTA Leadership Convention for the 2024 - 2026 term with an awesome supportive committee, Florida PTA Board, and State Office staff! It does take a year to plan and organize! This annual event brings together statewide leaders with different strengths and interests, and it offers so much to PTA leaders and members across all areas of focus, lots of those tools for PTA leaders to be successful. I encourage interested members to become involved in a committee. See you next summer at the Leadership Convention 2026! 

Back-to-School Sales Tax Holiday Runs August 1–31

Florida’s Back-to-School Sales Tax Holiday is happening all month long, from August 1 through August 31. This is a great opportunity for families to save on school essentials ahead of the new year.

Tax-free items include:

• School supplies ($50 or less): notebooks, pens, binders, and more
• Clothing and footwear ($100 or less): backpacks, shoes, uniforms
• Learning aids ($30 or less): puzzles, flashcards, educational books
• Personal computers and accessories ($1,500 or less): laptops, printers, headphones

Florida PTA encourages families to take advantage of this month-long tax holiday to help prepare every child for a successful school year.

Florida PTA continues to be a force in Tallahassee advocating for all children. To remain up to date join our facebook page: Florida PTA Advocacy Group [answer the security questions!]. We also encourage you to join voter voice as we will reach out to you when your voice needs to be HEARD! Click here to join: https://www.floridapta.org/voter-voice-legislative/

More than 150 new Florida laws went into effect July 1st.

Click here to review this document.

Missing and Endangered Summer 2025 Newsletter

Florida PTA has a long relationship with the Florida Department of Law Enforcement's Missing Endangered Persons Information Clearinghouse Advisory Board. Our own VP of Leadership, Karen Mazzola, currently serves as the Chair.

The Missing & Endangered Summer 2025 Newsletter has been released! In this issue, learn about ways to prevent drowning in children with autism spectrum disorder, types of K9s used in missing persons cases, and new training opportunities for first responders. This issue also features a special spotlight on one of the MEPIC Advisory Board's longtime members and advocates for child safety and abduction prevention.

Click here to read more

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