Class is in session: Here's what to know heading into Brevard's 2025-2026 school year
Yahoo4 days ago
Editor's Note: This story has been updated to correct the attribution on the quotes from the school district.
It's a story that unfolds year after year, ever the same and yet, somehow, always completely different.
The brand-new kindergartner, proud of that Superman backpack that's almost as big as they are.
The nervous former middle-schooler, who's stepping up to the big league of high school.
The newly minted senior, who's simultaneously worried about leaving friends behind and excited to get started on life beyond high school.
And of course, there's the family behind those faces — parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles — all with their own stories of first days, last years and the schooling, inside and outside the classroom, that falls between.
For Brevard Public Schools, the 2024-2025 school year was one of dramatic highs and lows — from being named an A district for the second consecutive year to the international attention garnered when a teacher's contract was not renewed over calling a student by their chosen name related to gender identity without parental permission. Controversy over banned books continued, while Gov. Ron DeSantis named Brevard a Purple Star district for its support of military families.
But in the end, when that annual 'first day' story unfolds, there's always that new first-grader who's excited to be reading on their own. A senior who's narrowing down their list of dream universities and safety schools. A sports team hoping to repeat a state championship. Moms and dads both filled with worry and excitement about their children's futures.
For the 2025-2026 school year, that story opens on Aug. 11, with more than 74,300 students heading back to class.
"This year, families will see enhanced support for students, additional resources for teachers, and continued training and collaboration opportunities for administrators," said school board member John Thomas.
As summer comes to a close, students are both looking forward to returning to class and dreading the end of their break.
Sisters Allison and Samantha Kervin are both heading back to high school, with Allison attending Melbourne High and Samantha off to her junior year at West Shore Jr./Sr. High.
"This summer, I started volunteering at Teen Court and I've learned a lot about the judicial process," Samantha said, adding that she's looking forward to applying what she learned at school. "I'm excited to join the Spech and Debate Club and Mock Trial Club."
As for Allison, a sophomore, she's feeling discomfort heading into the new year with a new policy on cell phones and other electronics set to receive a vote the day after school starts.
"I am nervous about no cell phones," she said. "I listen to music to drown out the noise during lunch, and I won't have that anymore."
From the updated cell phone policy to new programs around the county, here's a look at what families can expect this year at Brevard Public Schools.
Policy changes: No doctor's notes needed, put away cell phones
Two big policy updates families should be ready for as the school year kicks off are the attendance policy and the wireless communication device policy.
Under the new attendance policy, families can submit a written note to excuse up to 10 absences without a doctor's note, though medical documentation will be required if a student misses five or more consecutive days of class. The documentation must be submitted within two days following the student's return to school.
"BPS recognizes that parents are best equipped to manage their child's routine illnesses and personal matters — we trust families to make those decisions," Brevard Public Schools Superintendent Mark Rendell said in a response to FLORIDA TODAY questions.
As for the wireless communications device policy, it will receive a vote on Aug. 12. If passed, students in all grades must keep their wireless communication devices -- from cell phones to Apple watches -- turned off and out of sight during the school day, including at lunch and in the halls. Because of House Bill 1105, signed in the spring by Gov. Ron DeSantis, elementary and middle schools around the state have a similar rule. Brevard expanded the language to include all grades.
"The goal is to remove distractions and help students focus on learning and face-to-face communication with their peers," Rendell said.
Disabled students with accommodation plans that require the use of cell phones or other wireless communication devices will be allowed to keep them on, according to the updated policy.
New programs aim to teach skills in engineering and technology
There are numerous changes coming around the district, from a multi-year STEM and Career and Technical Education (CTE) track for upper elementary schoolers through high school, to a district-wide attendance initiative, to new construction at multiple schools in the Palm Bay area and the conversion of Sunrise Elementary School in Palm Bay to a K-8 school.
Three new Career and Technical education programs are launching this year: Advanced Aerospace at Merritt Island High School, Electrical Engineering at Heritage High School and Diesel Technology at Eau Gallie High School.
"These programs aren't just about career readiness — they're about giving students more options, more confidence, and a stronger connection to what's possible after graduation," Rendell said.
Thomas also hopes to continue to expand learning opportunities for elementary-aged students.
"With the continued leadership of the Superintendent and the support of our School Board, I am hopeful that we can launch a comprehensive STEM/STE initiative in partnership with the Astronaut Memorial Foundation ... the Center for Space Science, the Space Coast EDC, and other key stakeholders," he said. "This initiative will establish a clear and coherent career pathway from 4th grade through high school, aligned with the demands of space-age and aerospace industries."
Providing kids with experience through CTE courses will help prepare them for life after school, he said.
"Whether a student dreams of engineering the next rocket or mastering the skilled trades that help build it, we're giving them real-world exposure and opportunity," Thomas said. "We're not just preparing kids for tests, we're preparing them for careers. This is how we build clear, meaningful pathways to the high-paying, high-demand jobs of tomorrow."
How many new teachers have been hired — and how many positions remain open?
About 97% of instructional roles were filled three weeks from the start of the school year, and the district was on track to reach 99% by the first day of school, Rendell said. All bus driver positions were filled, with additional drivers in place, he said.
It's a busy and exciting time for teachers as they prep for the first day.
"As always, teachers are excited about a new school year," said Anthony Colucci, president of BFT. "They're looking forward to meeting their students and beginning a year's long journey together."
He added that while teachers are heading into the new year with enthusiasm, they're also concerned as they navigate contract negotiations with the district and school board. The process has involved the board rejecting numerous proposals, he said, adding that some of the main concerns for teachers include healthcare costs, compensation for teachers with advanced degrees, compensation for special education teachers who take on extra workload, a lack of flex time for religious holidays, a lack of comp time for evening events and the elimination of leave after dismissal when a hurricane warning is in effect.
"(Teachers are) disappointed that the school board is seeking to strip many of their contractual protections while denying their requests to improve their working conditions," Colucci said. "Unfortunately, in addition to preparing their classrooms, they're preparing to advocate for their needs."
Brevard Public Schools did not respond to a request for comment.
School board goals: Keep 'A' rating, honor veterans, improve literacy
Brevard Public Schools was graded as an "A" district for the second consecutive year in a row in July. It's a ranking the district wants to continue to hold, with School Board Chair Gene Trent encouraging the community to do their best this year.
"My challenge to you ... is to make Brevard 'A' again for 2025-2026," he told the board, donning a red "Make BPS 'A' Again" cap near the end of the July 29 school board meeting. "This goes out to the teachers, the administrators and the parents this last year in Brevard to help, what? Make our district an A again. Let's do it again for the third year in a row."
Thomas said he's excited to help work toward another "A" grade.
"Our district's 'A' status didn't happen by accident, it was earned through commitment and vision of the entire BPS team," he said in an email to FLORIDA TODAY. "We're giving students meaning, whether through learning to read confidently or gaining hands-on skills for tomorrow's jobs."
And that's not the only goal board members have in mind. Board member Katye Campbell said she's excited to work with county commissioners and explore options for how schools can participate in the Honors Flights program at Melbourne Orlando International Airport.
"We are a Purple Star district, and I think it would be great to see our students writing notes of thanks or maybe even performing for the veterans that are honored on those flights as part of how we honor the men and women who serve in the military and their families," she said.
Thomas hopes to continue to strengthen literacy in elementary schools, something the district is already working on with their Mighty Moves initiative, a program based on the science of reading that launched for students in grades K-3 last years.
'Strengthening literacy in our elementary schools is non‑negotiable," Thomas said. "Reading is the gateway to all learning, and this year we're doubling down with proven teaching techniques, interventions and coaching."
What did kids do over the summer — and when will they be out of classrooms again?
Over the summer, BPS offered numerous educator-led programs for rising first through 12th grade students. The camps, held at various schools around the county, ran throughout June and were free to students. They explored a variety of topics like art, dance, drama, sports, science and more.
The district also offered before- and after-school summer camps for rising first through seventh graders from early June through the end of July. These camps had themes like art, wellness, STEM, music, nature and more.
And other organizations pitched in to help kids learn. At Health First, more than 20 rising high schoolers got a behind-the-scenes look at the medical field and connected with healthcare professionals during a five-day summer camp in partnership with BPS during the week of July 25.
The teens took part in hands-on simulations with healthcare equipment and technology, Q&A panels with healthcare professionals, community health initiatives and more.
As the school year kicks off and the summer break comes to a close, kids can look forward to getting out of class again in less than a month. They'll have Sept. 1 off for Labor Day, as well as Oct. 13 as a student holiday and Nov. 11 for Veterans Day. Thanksgiving break will take place from Nov. 24 through Nov. 28, and winter break will kick off Dec. 22 and run through Jan. 2.
Finch Walker is the education reporter at FLORIDA TODAY. Contact Walker at fwalker@floridatoday.com. X: @_finchwalker. Instagram: @finchwalker_.
This article originally appeared on Florida Today: Here's what to know before Brevard's 2025-2026 school year kicks off
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It's a story that unfolds year after year, ever the same and yet, somehow, always completely different.
The brand-new kindergartner, proud of that Superman backpack that's almost as big as they are.
The nervous former middle-schooler, who's stepping up to the big league of high school.
The newly minted senior, who's simultaneously worried about leaving friends behind and excited to get started on life beyond high school.
And of course, there's the family behind those faces — parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles — all with their own stories of first days, last years and the schooling, inside and outside the classroom, that falls between.
For Brevard Public Schools, the 2024-2025 school year was one of dramatic highs and lows — from being named an A district for the second consecutive year to the international attention garnered when a teacher's contract was not renewed over calling a student by their chosen name related to gender identity without parental permission. Controversy over banned books continued, while Gov. Ron DeSantis named Brevard a Purple Star district for its support of military families.
But in the end, when that annual 'first day' story unfolds, there's always that new first-grader who's excited to be reading on their own. A senior who's narrowing down their list of dream universities and safety schools. A sports team hoping to repeat a state championship. Moms and dads both filled with worry and excitement about their children's futures.
For the 2025-2026 school year, that story opens on Aug. 11, with more than 74,300 students heading back to class.
"This year, families will see enhanced support for students, additional resources for teachers, and continued training and collaboration opportunities for administrators," said school board member John Thomas.
As summer comes to a close, students are both looking forward to returning to class and dreading the end of their break.
Sisters Allison and Samantha Kervin are both heading back to high school, with Allison attending Melbourne High and Samantha off to her junior year at West Shore Jr./Sr. High.
"This summer, I started volunteering at Teen Court and I've learned a lot about the judicial process," Samantha said, adding that she's looking forward to applying what she learned at school. "I'm excited to join the Spech and Debate Club and Mock Trial Club."
As for Allison, a sophomore, she's feeling discomfort heading into the new year with a new policy on cell phones and other electronics set to receive a vote the day after school starts.
"I am nervous about no cell phones," she said. "I listen to music to drown out the noise during lunch, and I won't have that anymore."
From the updated cell phone policy to new programs around the county, here's a look at what families can expect this year at Brevard Public Schools.
Policy changes: No doctor's notes needed, put away cell phones
Two big policy updates families should be ready for as the school year kicks off are the attendance policy and the wireless communication device policy.
Under the new attendance policy, families can submit a written note to excuse up to 10 absences without a doctor's note, though medical documentation will be required if a student misses five or more consecutive days of class. The documentation must be submitted within two days following the student's return to school.
"BPS recognizes that parents are best equipped to manage their child's routine illnesses and personal matters — we trust families to make those decisions," Brevard Public Schools Superintendent Mark Rendell said in a response to FLORIDA TODAY questions.
As for the wireless communications device policy, it will receive a vote on Aug. 12. If passed, students in all grades must keep their wireless communication devices -- from cell phones to Apple watches -- turned off and out of sight during the school day, including at lunch and in the halls. Because of House Bill 1105, signed in the spring by Gov. Ron DeSantis, elementary and middle schools around the state have a similar rule. Brevard expanded the language to include all grades.
"The goal is to remove distractions and help students focus on learning and face-to-face communication with their peers," Rendell said.
Disabled students with accommodation plans that require the use of cell phones or other wireless communication devices will be allowed to keep them on, according to the updated policy.
New programs aim to teach skills in engineering and technology
There are numerous changes coming around the district, from a multi-year STEM and Career and Technical Education (CTE) track for upper elementary schoolers through high school, to a district-wide attendance initiative, to new construction at multiple schools in the Palm Bay area and the conversion of Sunrise Elementary School in Palm Bay to a K-8 school.
Three new Career and Technical education programs are launching this year: Advanced Aerospace at Merritt Island High School, Electrical Engineering at Heritage High School and Diesel Technology at Eau Gallie High School.
"These programs aren't just about career readiness — they're about giving students more options, more confidence, and a stronger connection to what's possible after graduation," Rendell said.
Thomas also hopes to continue to expand learning opportunities for elementary-aged students.
"With the continued leadership of the Superintendent and the support of our School Board, I am hopeful that we can launch a comprehensive STEM/STE initiative in partnership with the Astronaut Memorial Foundation ... the Center for Space Science, the Space Coast EDC, and other key stakeholders," he said. "This initiative will establish a clear and coherent career pathway from 4th grade through high school, aligned with the demands of space-age and aerospace industries."
Providing kids with experience through CTE courses will help prepare them for life after school, he said.
"Whether a student dreams of engineering the next rocket or mastering the skilled trades that help build it, we're giving them real-world exposure and opportunity," Thomas said. "We're not just preparing kids for tests, we're preparing them for careers. This is how we build clear, meaningful pathways to the high-paying, high-demand jobs of tomorrow."
How many new teachers have been hired — and how many positions remain open?
About 97% of instructional roles were filled three weeks from the start of the school year, and the district was on track to reach 99% by the first day of school, Rendell said. All bus driver positions were filled, with additional drivers in place, he said.
It's a busy and exciting time for teachers as they prep for the first day.
"As always, teachers are excited about a new school year," said Anthony Colucci, president of BFT. "They're looking forward to meeting their students and beginning a year's long journey together."
He added that while teachers are heading into the new year with enthusiasm, they're also concerned as they navigate contract negotiations with the district and school board. The process has involved the board rejecting numerous proposals, he said, adding that some of the main concerns for teachers include healthcare costs, compensation for teachers with advanced degrees, compensation for special education teachers who take on extra workload, a lack of flex time for religious holidays, a lack of comp time for evening events and the elimination of leave after dismissal when a hurricane warning is in effect.
"(Teachers are) disappointed that the school board is seeking to strip many of their contractual protections while denying their requests to improve their working conditions," Colucci said. "Unfortunately, in addition to preparing their classrooms, they're preparing to advocate for their needs."
Brevard Public Schools did not respond to a request for comment.
School board goals: Keep 'A' rating, honor veterans, improve literacy
Brevard Public Schools was graded as an "A" district for the second consecutive year in a row in July. It's a ranking the district wants to continue to hold, with School Board Chair Gene Trent encouraging the community to do their best this year.
"My challenge to you ... is to make Brevard 'A' again for 2025-2026," he told the board, donning a red "Make BPS 'A' Again" cap near the end of the July 29 school board meeting. "This goes out to the teachers, the administrators and the parents this last year in Brevard to help, what? Make our district an A again. Let's do it again for the third year in a row."
Thomas said he's excited to help work toward another "A" grade.
"Our district's 'A' status didn't happen by accident, it was earned through commitment and vision of the entire BPS team," he said in an email to FLORIDA TODAY. "We're giving students meaning, whether through learning to read confidently or gaining hands-on skills for tomorrow's jobs."
And that's not the only goal board members have in mind. Board member Katye Campbell said she's excited to work with county commissioners and explore options for how schools can participate in the Honors Flights program at Melbourne Orlando International Airport.
"We are a Purple Star district, and I think it would be great to see our students writing notes of thanks or maybe even performing for the veterans that are honored on those flights as part of how we honor the men and women who serve in the military and their families," she said.
Thomas hopes to continue to strengthen literacy in elementary schools, something the district is already working on with their Mighty Moves initiative, a program based on the science of reading that launched for students in grades K-3 last years.
'Strengthening literacy in our elementary schools is non‑negotiable," Thomas said. "Reading is the gateway to all learning, and this year we're doubling down with proven teaching techniques, interventions and coaching."
What did kids do over the summer — and when will they be out of classrooms again?
Over the summer, BPS offered numerous educator-led programs for rising first through 12th grade students. The camps, held at various schools around the county, ran throughout June and were free to students. They explored a variety of topics like art, dance, drama, sports, science and more.
The district also offered before- and after-school summer camps for rising first through seventh graders from early June through the end of July. These camps had themes like art, wellness, STEM, music, nature and more.
And other organizations pitched in to help kids learn. At Health First, more than 20 rising high schoolers got a behind-the-scenes look at the medical field and connected with healthcare professionals during a five-day summer camp in partnership with BPS during the week of July 25.
The teens took part in hands-on simulations with healthcare equipment and technology, Q&A panels with healthcare professionals, community health initiatives and more.
As the school year kicks off and the summer break comes to a close, kids can look forward to getting out of class again in less than a month. They'll have Sept. 1 off for Labor Day, as well as Oct. 13 as a student holiday and Nov. 11 for Veterans Day. Thanksgiving break will take place from Nov. 24 through Nov. 28, and winter break will kick off Dec. 22 and run through Jan. 2.
Finch Walker is the education reporter at FLORIDA TODAY. Contact Walker at fwalker@floridatoday.com. X: @_finchwalker. Instagram: @finchwalker_.
This article originally appeared on Florida Today: Here's what to know before Brevard's 2025-2026 school year kicks off
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