Financial problems: Heavy debt and growing infrastructure problems are putting the Hillsborough County School District in an increasingly dire financial situation. Deferred maintenance issues alone could cost the district $800 million, and up to 80 schools have air-conditioning problems. Meanwhile, payment on debt totals $65 million a year, and the district's reserves have dropped by more than $200 million in four years. Tampa Bay Times. WTSP. Hillsborough schools will phase out some courtesy busing to save money. More than 12,400 students now can ride a bus even if they live within 2 miles of their school. District officials will study routes and make recommendations on ending some for middle school and high school students in the 2017-2018 school year. Routes for elementary students will be tightened the following year. Tampa Bay Times.

Achievement gap: The Pinellas County School District announces its strategy for closing the achievement gap between white and minority students on state assessment tests over the next 10 years, and how it will communicate its progress with the community. The plan includes aggressive goals, monitoring, extended learning and greater family and community engagement. Gradebook.

Prayer lawsuit: Cambridge Christian School files a federal lawsuit against the Florida High School Athletic Association, alleging that the organization violated its football players' religious freedom. The FHSAA denied a request from the school to use a loudspeaker to broadcast a prayer before the state championship game Dec. 4 in Orlando. Tampa Bay Times. News Service of Florida. WFLA.

Principal-sharing: Ten Orange County schools are sharing five "master principals" this year. District officials say the move will help develop assistant principals and create a pipeline of future principals. Principals who take on two schools receive an extra $30,000, but the district is expected to save about $280,000. Orlando Sentinel. (more…)