Retention lawsuit: Education Commissioner Pam Stewart is asking a federal judge to take over the lawsuit filed against the Department of Education’s policies on retention of third-graders who do poorly on the Florida Standards Assessments reading test or opt out of it. The state made the request after the state judge presiding in the case said it troubled her that children were being held back after opting out. U.S. District Judge Mark Walker is holding an emergency hearing today on the request. Associated Press. News Service of Florida. Politico Florida. Opting out of state testing is gaining popularity, but St. Johns County school officials say it’s not an option for their students. Those who choose not to take the tests must have a good cause exemption or take an approved assessment alternative. St. Augustine Record.
Zika uniforms: Zika virus “uniforms” are being handed out to students who attend any of the six schools in or just outside the affected area of Miami. The free uniforms consist of two long-sleeved white shirts and two pairs of khaki pants. The Florida Department of Health is also handing out insect repellent and tips on preventing mosquito bites. Miami Herald.
Contract agreement: The Lake County School Board and the teachers union reach a tentative agreement on a one-year contract. Teachers will receive raises of $1,500 to $2,000, and starting pay will be pushed to $40,000 a year. Daily Commercial.
Turnaround schools: Polk County school officials outline their plan to parents to turn around five struggling middle schools, but say they need help to succeed. The district’s turnaround plans were rejected by the state in July, and officials are waiting to hear if the amended plans will be approved. Lakeland Ledger. WFTS.
District query: The Florida Department of Education’s Office of the Inspector General is investigating the Clay County School District, school officials say. The investigation was prompted after the allegations that Superintendent Charlie Van Sant Jr. had manipulated student data in order to improve graduation rates. WTLV. Meanwhile, supporters and opponents of Van Sant spoke at Thursday’s school board meeting. WJAX.
Day of dialogue: The Florida Council on the Social Status of Black Men and Boys will hold a “day of dialogue” Sept. 28 in St. Petersburg to emphasize the importance of black fathers in their childrens’ education. Tampa Bay Times.
School enrollment: Enrollment is up in the Santa Rosa County School District by 250 students. Officials believe that number will grow. Pensacola News Journal.
Name change: A majority of Orange County people who responded to a recent survey think the name of Robert E. Lee Middle School in Orange Park should be changed. Almost 1,000 people responded, and about 70 percent were county school parents, students, employees and volunteers. Orlando Sentinel.
Busing issues: Hillsborough County parents receive automated messages from the school district Wednesday about their childrens’ “new” bus routes. Thursday the district sent out a “never mind” call. “It was just a system error,” district spokeswoman Tanya Arja said. “The message went out but it shouldn’t have gone out.” Gradebook. A Lee County bus driver is fired after dropping a kindergartner off at a waffle house on busy U.S. 41 in Fort Myers. WBBH.
School meals: The Miami-Dade County School District rolls out a new lunch menu that includes, among other things, vegetarian sliders, baked chicken wings and a sports energy drink. Miami Herald.
Academy mea culpa: In a letter to Oxbridge Academy parents, founder Bill Koch says the school erred in overspending on some athletics programs and not following the state’s financial aid record-keeping rules, but is correcting the problems. Meanwhile, the woman whose complaints about sexual harassment initiated the internal investigation has been fired. Palm Beach Post.
Principal retires: Brad Marcilliat is retiring as principal at Jay High School to spend more time with his ailing wife. Stephen Knowlton, formerly a Pace High School assistant principal and guidance counselor, replaces Marcilliat. Pensacola News Journal.
School threats: More than 900 Orange County students stayed home Thursday from schools that received threats this week. Law enforcement officials say the threats aren’t credible, and are looking for Jesus Henry Kong, 23, who posted the threats on social media. Orlando Sentinel.
Candidate cited: A candidate for Highlands County school superintendent is cited for driving a school bus for non-school use. William Hutchinson often drives his bus to promote his campaign. State law prohibits people from driving school buses for anything other school-related functions unless the appearance of the vehicle is altered. Highlands Today.
Opinions on schools: Community engagement is the answer to help rescue K-12 education in the Tampa Bay area. Gene Marshall, Tampa Bay Times.
Student enrichment: Students from Imabari, Japan, Lakeland’s sister city, have been at Lawton Chiles Middle Academy since Aug. 10 experiencing American culture and school life. Lakeland Ledger.
