Matthew's impact: As Hurricane Matthew works its way up Florida's east coast, many of the state's school districts remain closed today. Orlando Sentinel. Tampa Bay Times. WUSF. WFLA. WTSP. Fort Myers News-Press. Naples Daily News. Bradenton Herald. Sarasota Herald-Tribune. Ocala Star Banner. Daytona Beach News-Journal. Daily Commercial. WCTV.
Charter schools: Just a week after the U.S. Department of Education announces it will make $245 million available for the expansion of charter schools, an audit raises concerns about ties between some charter school boards and management companies that run their schools. Charter groups acknowledge some of the problems, but point out that some charter organizations show strong outcomes for low-income students. U.S. News & World Report.
Consequences of a tweet: A St. Petersburg high school senior who sent a "joke" tweet now wishes he hadn't. Luke Boswell inserted a clown photo into a tweet to his friends Monday. It was quickly passed around Northeast High School, spooking students and drawing attention from the police. Boswell was suspended for a day and lost his spot on the homecoming court. "If I could take this back, I would in a heartbeat," Boswell says. Tampa Bay Times.
Prepaid enrollment: The Florida Prepaid College Board approves college savings plan prices for the 2016-2017 open enrollment period, which runs from Oct. 15 through Feb. 28, 2017. Florida Prepaid College Board. (more…)
Florida Prepaid: The Florida Prepaid College Board removes the minimum contribution level for a Florida 529 Savings Plan. Starting in May, a 529 account can be opened at any amount, and with no application fees. Gradebook.
Spending cuts: The Hillsborough County School District is limiting all discretionary spending in the central administration office and requiring schools to get waivers from area superintendents to make purchases. The freeze is prompted by higher than expected enrollment and school starting earlier next year. The district will also soon begin negotiations with its unions. Tampa Bay Times. The St. Johns County School Board discusses the challenges with state funding for the fast-growing district. St. Augustine Record.
More testing: The Duval County School Board is considering adding more testing for high school and middle school students. The district wants to include the ACT and PSAT national exams to give students more opportunities for scholarships. The district would pay for the tests. Florida Times-Union.
Payment errors: Teachers tee off at Manatee County School District officials and their union at a meeting to discuss how 174 teachers were mistakenly overpaid. A district error led to experienced teachers new to the district making more money than teachers already working in the district with the same type of degrees and experience. Those 174 teachers' pay will be adjusted accordingly, and for some it will mean a pay cut of almost $3,000. "On so many levels, I'm trying not to feel betrayed," said Deb Peterson, a teacher at Tara Elementary. "That's enough for me to consider looking to find another place to work." Bradenton Herald.
Girls football: Girls who participate in the Jupiter High School Powder Puff tackle football game reject the school district's suggestion to instead play flag football or kickball, and say they will look for an alternate site. The district prohibited the game, citing concerns about injuries. Palm Beach Post. (more…)
