Tax credit scholarships. The program is expanding, and more organizations are signing up to offer scholarships. Tampa Tribune. A Gainesville Sun guest column pans “privatization.” A Washington Post blogger pans the Florida Legislature. The program helps Jewish families afford private schools. Chabad.org. The program is administered by non-profit organizations like Step Up For Students, which co-hosts this blog.
Legislative session. Sen. John Legg recaps the session for the Pasco County School Board, including a push to encourage a new collegiate high school in the district. Gradebook. The debate in Florida this year was about how to manage a panoply of parental choice options that has matured. RedefinED.
Budgets. School-related property taxes would increase under the budget that passed the Legislature. Tampa Tribune. The Palm Beach Post calls the education budget “a source of shame” in an editorial.
Merit pay. A federal judge upholds SB 736 in its last remaining constitutional challenge, but also says the evaluation system is unfair without tests in every grade and subject. Orlando Sentinel. Associated Press.
Charter schools. A Sarasota Military Academy teacher accused of shoving a student can resign rather than being fired. Sarasota Herald-Tribune.
Facilities. Broward schools seek an $800 million bond referendum. Sun-Sentinel. Miami Herald.
Turnarounds. The Pinellas school district intervenes at nine schools. Tampa Bay Times.
Closures. The Hernando County school board decides to keep an elementary school open. Tampa Bay Times.
Administration. A handful of Pinellas elementary school principals are changing schools. Tampa Tribune. Parents petition the school board over an administrator’s decision to discipline a popular athlete. Florida Times-Union.
Reading instruction. Zephyrhills athletes mentor younger students. Tampa Bay Times.
Transportation. The saga of Hillsborough’s bus system continues. Tampa Bay Times.
Volunteers. A 79-year-old school volunteer is honored. Tampa Tribune.
