Brevard Public Schools to Cut 7% of Staff Ahead of 2026-27 School Year

Falling enrollment leads to district's decision to shutter Cape Canaveral school and reduce positions across departments.

Jan. 29, 2026 at 2:07pm

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FLORIDA TODAY reporters covered a range of stories this week, including proposed budget cuts for Brevard Public Schools due to declining enrollment, preparations for the upcoming Artemis II lunar mission, and community opposition to plans for a Liquefied Natural Gas terminal at the Canaveral Port Authority.

Why it matters

The proposed staff cuts at Brevard Public Schools reflect the broader challenges facing school districts across the country dealing with falling enrollment, which can strain budgets and force difficult decisions. Meanwhile, the Artemis II mission and the LNG terminal project highlight the dynamic mix of space exploration, environmental concerns, and economic development unfolding on Florida's Space Coast.

The details

Brevard Public Schools warned they will cut 7% of staff positions in each department ahead of the 2026-27 school year, following the decision to shutter a Cape Canaveral school due to falling enrollment. Separately, Space Force Col. Brian Chatman is anticipating that SpaceX's Starship rocket will launch from Florida before the end of 2026, in what he calls "the year of the giants" for space. NASA is also preparing for the Artemis II lunar mission, taking time to remember lessons learned from past space tragedies like Apollo 1 and Challenger. Additionally, a group of Merritt Islanders opposed plans by the Canaveral Port Authority to sell or lease port land for a Liquefied Natural Gas terminal, and a community meeting on the project is scheduled for February 18.

  • The Brevard Public Schools staff cuts are planned for the 2026-27 school year.
  • The Canaveral Port Authority community meeting on the LNG terminal project is scheduled for February 18, 2026.

The players

Brevard Public Schools

The public school district serving Brevard County, Florida, which is facing budget challenges due to declining enrollment.

Brian Chatman

A Space Force colonel who commands Space Launch Delta 45 and is anticipating the launch of SpaceX's Starship rocket from Florida in 2026.

NASA

The U.S. space agency that is preparing for the upcoming Artemis II lunar mission and reflecting on lessons learned from past space tragedies.

Canaveral Port Authority

The organization that oversees the Canaveral Port in Florida and is facing community opposition to its plans for a Liquefied Natural Gas terminal.

Merritt Islanders

A group of residents from Merritt Island, Florida, who are opposed to the Canaveral Port Authority's plans for a Liquefied Natural Gas terminal.

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What they’re saying

“The year of the giants" — that's what Space Force Col. Brian Chatman, who commands Space Launch Delta 45, is calling 2026, anticipating that SpaceX's giant Starship rocket will launch from Florida before the end of the year.”

— Brian Chatman, Space Force Colonel

“Brrr' has three 'r's,”

— Britt Kennerly, Editor

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.