Florida schools roundup: Promotions, protests, prayers, pay and more

florida-roundup-logoFew promotions: Almost two months ago, a circuit judge ruled that the state wrongly retained third-graders who opted out of the Florida Standards Assessments testing. Today, just two of the 14 students named in that lawsuit have been promoted to fourth grade. Broward County twins were promoted earlier this month. But a Seminole County student is still in third grade, and the rest are in private schools or are being homeschooled. The ruling is being appealed by the state and several of the districts. Orlando Sentinel.

Education protest: A small group of people protest what they call the unequal distribution of funds in the Miami-Dade School District. The group, ICARE, accuses the district of not properly funding inner-city schools and their programs. The protest was held outside a hotel where Superintendent Alberto Carvalho was attending a national conference on urban education. Miami Herald.

Dress code warning: A call on Facebook to protest the Pasco County School District’s dress code leads to a warning for a Ridgewood High School senior. Hunter Banaciski says he was told by school officials that his protest could incite a riot, which might result in his suspension or even his arrest. Banaciski says the protest, which simply calls for students to wear clothing that doesn’t conform to the school dress code, will go on. Tampa Bay Times.

Prayer lawsuit: The Florida High School Athletic Association is asking a federal judge to dismiss a lawsuit filed by a Tampa Christian school that alleges the organization violated its football players’ religious freedom. Last December, the FHSAA denied a request from Cambridge Christian School to use a loudspeaker to broadcast a prayer before its state championship game against University Christian School of Jacksonville. In its filing, the FHSAA argued that the schools and players were free to pray – just not over the loudspeaker. News Service of Florida.

Contract agreement: Unions representing Pinellas County teachers and support employees ratify their contracts with the school district. Teachers will get an average 3.85 percent pay raise and guarantees for annual contract renewals if they are rated as highly effective or effective. Gradebook.

Union convention: The state’s largest teachers union, the Florida Education Association, gathers at its annual convention in Orlando to promote its favored candidates and defend its fight against the state’s tax credit scholarship and teacher bonuses programs. Politico Florida.

Transfer ban challenged: The Pasco County teachers union files a grievance against a district ban on teachers transferring schools midway through the year. The ban was put in place in August by Superintendent Kurt Browning. Gradebook.

Sales tax renewal: The Santa Rosa County School Board wants to ask voters in March to renew a half-cent sales tax that expires Dec. 31, 2018. The request goes to county commissioners for approval. The tax generates about $7 million a year for the school district. Pensacola News Journal.

Rezoning plans approved: A rezoning committee made up of Pasco County school officials and parents approves a plan that would ease overcrowding at Wiregrass Ranch High and John Long Middle schools. The proposal would mean more students than expected at a high school that opens next fall. The school board is expected to make a final decision in February. Gradebook.

Lawsuit settled: The Clay County School Board approves a payment of $50,000 to settle a federal lawsuit alleging an autistic student was physically and emotionally abused by a teacher at Fleming Island Elementary School during the 2011-12 school year. Florida Times-Union.

Turnaround meeting: About 100 parents and students meet with Crystal Lake Middle School Principal Ronda Cotter to discuss efforts to turn around the school’s grade from the state. Crystal Lake received an F in 2014-2015 and a D last year. Cotter says improvements have the school sitting just 2 points from being a C school. Lakeland Ledger.

No makeup days: Polk County students will not have to make up the two days of school they lost earlier this month when Hurricane Matthew moved up the east coast of Florida. News 13.

What travel ban? The financial crisis in the Hillsborough County School District has led to cuts in busing, deferred maintenance, a hiring freeze of teachers and a travel ban for all employees. But that ban does not extend to the school board, and board member Susan Valdes’ travels have drawn criticism. Between July 2012 and April, Valdes spent $44,637 on about 40 school-related trips, and she says she has no plans to cut back. WFTS.

Districts rated: Two FSU lab schools are rated first and second among Florida school districts, according to an online website that uses federal and state data to compile its rankings. Okaloosa County is rated 7th, Santa Rosa 9th and Walton 15th. Northwest Florida Daily News.

Pledge problem: A Liberty Middle School teacher recently scolded a 12-year-old boy, then told him to leave the classroom because he didn’t stand for the Pledge of Allegiance. The teacher was wrong, Hillsborough County school officials say. WFLA.

Teacher arrested: A Zephyrhills High School language arts teacher is arrested and accused of domestic battery against her mother. Deputies say Natalie Nicole Probst, 36, grabbed her mother by the arm and pushed her, leaving her bruised. School officials say Probst will not face discipline from the district. Tampa Bay Times.

Drivers, attendant fired: Two Palm Beach County school bus drivers and an attendant are fired for inappropriate behavior. One bus driver closed the door on the arm of a student, then fought with him. Another threatened a student with a belt, and the attendant struck a driver while the bus was moving after an argument about the air-conditioning. Sun-Sentinel.

School bus crash: A motorcyclist is killed Thursday when a school bus hit him while it was making a turn. Two children were on the bus at the time. Ocala police are investigating. Ocala Star Banner.

Student enrichment: The Astronaut High School homecoming parade resumes Nov. 2 after a 34-year absence. Florida Today. About 5,000 Lee County elementary students send their drawings to the tax collector’s office as part of the state’s second annual Kids Tag Art program. Winning artwork will be displayed on Lee County license plates. Fort Myers News-Press. Fort Walton Beach High School senior Daniel Orcutt is one of two Florida students chosen as a Wendy’s Heisman winner. Northwest Florida Daily News.


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BY NextSteps staff