Special needs. Legislation that will soon be headed to Gov. Rick Scott would give students with certain disabilities new ways to customize their education. Watchdog.org.
Career education. A 20-year-old career academy student overcomes long odds to earn a high school diploma. Northwest Florida Daily News. New diploma options could allow more career-center students to graduate with standard diplomas. Tampa Bay Times.
Budgets. A Palm Beach County advisory panel recommends the school district use operating funds to pay for capital projects. Palm Beach Post. Polk County school officials say pending funding increases may be inadequate to meet their district’s needs. Lakeland Ledger.
Turnarounds. The Tampa Tribune looks at turnaround efforts underway in a handful of struggling Pinellas County schools.
Pay raises. Orange County teachers overwhelmingly approve a new contract with salary increases. Orlando Sentinel.
Superintendents. The Manatee County school board declines to approve a two-year contract extension for its superintendent. Sarasota Herald-Tribune. Bradenton Herald.
Biometrics. A new law could bar the use of hand-scanner systems in school cafeterias. Tampa Bay Times.
Employee conduct. A Madison County teacher faces multiple accusations of sexual abuse. WFSU. The Okaloosa County school board upholds the firing of a teacher accused of slapping a student. Northwest Florida Daily News. A school clerk accused of stalking a principal is set to stand trial. Tampa Bay Times. Tampa Tribune.
Cellphones. The Broward County school district eases its restrictions. Sun-Sentinel.
Yearbooks. There’s an app for that. Fort Myers News-Press.
Uniforms. A North Florida elementary school plans to require them next year. Northwest Florida Daily News.
Retirement. An outgoing teacher reflects on his 41-year career. Citrus County Chronicle.
