Charter schools. The Tampa Bay Times follows up on a simmering dispute between Charter Schools USA and the Hillsborough County school district. More from redefinED. The Palm Beach County School Board chairman comes out against a proposed municipal charter. Palm Beach Post.
Private schools. Title I services for Palm Beach County private schools hit a snag. Palm Beach Post.
Virtual schools. Florida Virtual School’s new rule relaxing must-pass end-of-course exam requirements irks some school district officials in Pasco County, home to one of its largest district-run competitors. Tampa Bay Times.
Teacher quality. The Florida Times-Union takes a deep dive on Duval County’s efforts to lure top-rated teachers and administrators to schools where they are most needed. Perhaps the program will get more districts to take pay incentives seriously for teachers in sought-after math and science fields, Paul Cottle writes at Bridge to Tomorrow.
Tenure. The Panama City News Herald takes a critical look at Florida’s switch to annual contracts for teachers. More here.
Campaigns. A Pinellas school board candidate is behind on her property taxes. Tampa Bay Times. Eight candidates are running for three Orange County school board seats. Orlando Sentinel. The Palm Beach Post makes its school board endorsements. Collier candidates discuss concealed weapons in schools. Naples Daily News. Common Core is an issue in a Sarasota race. Sarasota Herald-Tribune. A teacher is challenging a longtime incumbent in Leon County. Tallahassee Democrat.
Facilities. Palm Beach schools pare back capital funding plans, citing a shortage of funds. Sun-Sentinel. Some Lee board members support public-private partnerships to finance capital projects. Fort Myers News-Press.
Unions. The Palm Beach teachers union plans a third round of balloting for its next president. Palm Beach Post.
Homelessness. A Central Florida teacher wraps up his month of living on the streets. Orlando Sentinel.
At-risk. Hernando schools delay a program from struggling middle school students. Tampa Bay Times.
Sunshine. Pasco schools officials appear to have violated state open meetings laws. Tampa Bay Times.
Back to school. The just-finished sales tax holiday also applied to some big-ticket electronics. Tampa Tribune. Nassau schools open this week. Florida Times-Union. Volunteers help St. Petersburg students get much-needed supplies. Tampa Tribune.
