Florida Senate Bill 0178 (2026), commonly referred to as the “Teddy Bridgewater Act,” authorizes high school athletic coaches to provide limited financial or material assistance to student-athletes for essential needs such as meals, transportation, and recovery-related services. While the legislation is rooted in student support, its success will depend largely on how effectively school districts […]
State’s first District to launch the Compliance Continuum and a consolidated policy-to-practice technology ecosystem “By connecting policy, procedures, and daily practice into one unified system, we’re strengthening accountability, transparency, and trust across our schools and our community.” — Michael Swindle, Superintendent of Hendry County Schools Hendry County Schools is launching a new approach to school […]
What school districts must do to move from reactive updates to proactive compliance readiness Compliance today is less about having a policy on file and more about having a structured, repeatable policy management process. Districts must show how policies are translated into daily practice.” — Dr. John Thomsen, Neola Director of Policy & Engagement As […]
Ask any classroom teacher in the state of Michigan what is one of the biggest challenges they face in providing instruction and, inevitably, they will say “cell phones” or personal communication devices (PCD). And it’s not just Michigan. According to a Pew Research Center survey, one-third of public K-12 teachers say students being distracted by […]
There are many responsibilities that Superintendents have. They range from the budget to facilities to transportation and so on. However, none of these responsibilities rise to the level of importance as safety. Last year, there were 336 school shooting incidents resulting in 276 instances where someone was wounded or killed. Sadly, this is the second […]
By Dr. John Thomsen, Neola Director of Engagement and Policy “With complex regulations constantly evolving, how can public boards stay ahead of the game? And how can they be efficient and effective in their efforts?” Public-sector boards are facing an increasingly complex regulatory environment — and preparing for 2026 will require clarity, proactive planning, and […]
As the 2026 legislative session approaches, Florida lawmakers have introduced a sweeping slate of proposals aimed at significantly reducing or restructuring property taxes – changes that could reshape how local services are funded. What are the proposed changes? The core of the reform is a set of proposed House Joint Resolutions that must be passed […]
Neola is proud to collaborate with our national education law partner, Husch Blackwell, at the Education Law Association (ELA) Annual Conference in Kansas City, MO. Together, our teams are leading multiple sessions focused on the most timely and complex legal and policy issues impacting schools today. The Education Law Association is dedicated to fostering thoughtful […]
The presence of cell phones in K-12 schools has long been a topic of public and academic debate. Supporters of restrictions contend that limiting access during school hours reduces distractions, increases engagement, and fosters better social interaction, while critics warn of unintended consequences such as more disciplinary actions and reduced emergency communication options. Over the […]
Neola is proud to announce a new partnership with the Michigan Leadership Institute (MLI), designed to strengthen support for Michigan’s school leaders through policy-focused collaboration, professional learning, and leadership development. This partnership brings together two organizations deeply committed to advancing student-centered leadership and effective governance in Michigan’s public schools. Neola provides schools with current, compliant, […]