Cutting exercise: Members of the Florida House PreK-12 Appropriations Subcommittee meet to brainstorm about what they might cut out of the education budget if state revenue falls as projected. Many agreed on killing a $14 million incentive plan for student uniforms. Other potential cuts included district-level administrative funds, money to reduce class sizes, public broadcasting support and even less testing. House Republicans say they will not support any increase in tax revenues. Gradebook.

Charter schools: The executive director of Jacksonville's KIPP charter school says he'd like to see more of the schools in Florida, but the state's method of funding for charter facilities is a powerful deterrent. Florida's public schools receive about $1,500 per student for facilities, while charter schools get about $300. That director, Tom Majdanics, said the money KIPP Jacksonville receives from the state “barely covers the interest on our loans” for capital expenses. redefinED. Sen. Aaron Bean, R-Fernandina Beach, files a bill that would allow academically high-performing charter school organizations to apply to the state for a "high impact" status designation. The charter schools getting the designation would qualify immediately for state facilities funds, avoid the 5 percent management fee charters usually pay school districts, receive federal funding directly and get preference for federal charter school grants. redefinED.

Employee honored: Darreyl Williams, an exceptional student education program assistant at Lakeville Elementary in Apopka, is named the Orange County School District's support employee of the year. Orlando Sentinel. (more…)