Students out of schools: About 45,000 Florida students are missing school because of Hurricane Michael. Schools in five counties — Bay, Calhoun, Gadsden, Jackson and Liberty — remain closed until further notice. Four other districts have announced reopening plans. Holmes County teachers and staff return to work today, with students[Read More…]
Tag: Bobby James
Florida schools roundup: ESSA plan approved, medical marijuana and more
ESSA plan approved: Florida’s plan to comply with the federal Every Student Succeeds Act finally has won the approval of the U.S. Education Department. The state submitted five revisions of the accountability plan, including one this week, before Education Secretary Betsy DeVos gave her approval in a letter to Florida Education Commissioner[Read More…]
Florida schools roundup: Scott rebuffed, Amendment 8 to top court and more
Redirection of funds rejected: Incoming legislative leaders reject Gov. Rick Scott’s call to allow school districts to use $58 million in unspent funds for school security. Scott proposed uncommitted money from the armed guardian fund be divided up among the state’s districts to hire more officers or use on other[Read More…]
Florida schools roundup: School property taxes, immigration and more
Education budget: In his budget proposal, Gov. Rick Scott wants local school boards to keep property taxes at their current levels so rising property values can produce extra funds for school districts. Florida Education Secretary Pam Stewart concurs, saying it’s the only way districts can get the extra funds they need.[Read More…]
Florida schools roundup: H.B. 7069 lawsuit, amendments, safety and more
H.B. 7069 suit filed: The lawsuit challenging the constitutionality of the new state education law, H.B. 7069, has been filed in a Leon County circuit court. Thirteen school districts are suing over the law, which requires districts to share local property tax money with charter schools but limits the authority[Read More…]
Florida schools roundup: District emergency, court hearing, Zika and more
Financial emergency: The Jefferson County School District is in a financial emergency, the Florida Department of Education declares. The state requires districts to have a 3 percent reserve fund, and the district’s is now under 2 percent. The state has asked for and received two financial improvement plans, but Education Commissioner Pam[Read More…]