Charter schools: The Schools of McKeel Academy in Polk County plan to hire the former superintendent as a consultant, despite his history of issues with personnel. The Ledger. Pasco County looks to revamp charter reviews by letting applicants answer district concerns before the school board renders a final decision. Tampa Bay Times. Bonita Springs may be the latest city to consider opening a charter school. Fort Myers News-Press.
Digital learning: A South Florida entrepreneur wants to teach kids computer code to show them the potential available in the digital world. StateImpact Florida.
School choice: A record number of parents sign up for school assignments in Lee County for the first day of the application period. Fort Myers News-Press.
STEM: Hillsborough County’s award-winning Lennard High Robotics Club needs some community support. The Tampa Tribune.
Florida standards: State Education Commissioner Pam Stewart tells the State Board of Education that the proposed tweaks to Common Core will underscore the state’s ability to set learning expectations for students. Tallahassee Democrat. More on the standards and school grades from Education News.
Principals: More than 600 Broward County principals and assistant principals will get a boost in pay this year. Sun Sentinel. A Polk County principal receives harsh criticism from a Lakeland High School student who accuses the principal of being sexist. The Ledger.
Sales tax: Brevard County School Board members review a $6 million list of potential budget cuts that could take place in 2015-16 if a proposed half-cent sales tax fails. Florida Today.
Parents: The Palm Beach County school district rolls out its parent academy to help moms and dads navigate their children’s educational future. Palm Beach Post. Parents of Manatee school children take turns signing a letter to the school administrators voicing their concern over potential teacher shortages. Bradenton Herald.
School calendars: Pinellas County students may have longer grading periods, fewer report cards and a shorter first semester next year if school board members approve the instructional calendar. The Tampa Tribune.
Outsourcing: The Broward County school district approves a controversial construction outsourcing plan to restore credibility to the district and save taxpayers money. Miami Herald.
Lunch: Orange County students get a say in what their schools serve in the cafeteria. Orlando Sentinel.
Name change: When the controversial name of Nathan B. Forrest High changes to Westside High, the old school’s memorabilia will stay. Florida Times-Union. Westside trades in the Rebel mascot to become a Wolverine. Florida Times-Union.
Gardening: These Hernando County elementary students are learning about plants and sprucing up their school. Tampa Bay Times.
