Teacher of the year: Jessica Solano, a third grade math teacher at Lakeland’s Highlands Grove Elementary School in Polk County for eight years, is named Florida's teacher of the year. Solano, 29, wins $20,000 and a free trip for four to New York City for Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. She also will serve as the Christa McAuliffe Ambassador for Education, traveling around the state for the next year to talk about education. The other finalists were: Amy Miller, a math teacher and and science coach at Kissimmee Elementary School in Orange County; Precious T. Symonette, a creative writing teacher at Miami Norland Senior High; Laurie Zentz, the band director at Switzerland Point Middle School in St. Johns County; and Donald Blake, a technical education specialist at Marchman Technical College in Pasco County. Each receives $15,000. Lakeland Ledger. Tampa Bay Times. Orlando Sentinel.

School infrastructure: Florida's schools were given a D grade for infrastructure in an inspection by the American Society of Civil Engineers. Eleven categories were judged. Bridges (B), airports (B-) and ports (B-) earned the highest grades, while schools, stormwater and coastal areas each were given a D. Overall, the state grade was a C. Tallahassee Democrat.

School choice: The standoff between the Florida NAACP and a group of black pastors over school choice draws the attention of Radio One, the largest African American-owned broadcasting company in the United States. NewsOne.

School voting age: Longtime Florida children's advocate Jack Levine is pushing for a constitutional amendment to lower the voting age for superintendent and school board races from 18 to 16. Politico Florida. (more…)

New helmet technology: The Flagler County School District is purchasing new helmet-based impact technology that monitors hits to the heads of high school football players. It's the first district in Florida to buy the Riddell InSite Impact Response System, which electronically alerts coaches and athletic trainers on the sidelines when a player takes a significant hit. Sensors are placed in the front, both sides, top and back of the helmet. Daytona Beach News-Journal.

Top teacher finalists: Amy Miller, a math and science coach at Kissimmee Elementary School, is one of five finalists for Florida Teacher of the Year. The winner will be announced in July. Orlando Sentinel. Jessica Solano, a third grade math teacher at Lakeland’s Highlands Grove Elementary School, is also named a finalist for the award. Lakeland Ledger.

Magnets for failing schools: Magnet programs would be placed at six failing Pinellas County elementary schools if the school board approves a proposal by the group trying to turn around the schools. Some black community leaders say the programs could boost the schools' grades from the state but may not help the neighborhood children who need it the most. Tampa Bay Times.

Sales tax hike: The Palm Beach County School Board is threatening to pull out of an agreement with the County Commission to ask voters for a 1-cent sales tax hike. Members are angry that the commission cut funding for cultural projects. School board members say if the differences can't be resolved, they may ask voters for a half-cent sales tax strictly for schools. Palm Beach Post. Sun-Sentinel.

Discipline changes: A new code of discipline starts this summer in the Lee County School District. Restorative justice tries to show students the impact of their misbehavior and offers them ways to right their wrongs through apologies, mediation and community service instead of suspensions and arrests. Fort Myers News-Press. (more…)