Anthem warning: The principal of Lely High School in Naples is threatening to eject students at all school-sponsored sporting events if they don't stand for the national anthem. In a video announcement last week, Ryan Nemeth said: "You will stand, and you will stay quiet. If you don't, you are going to be sent home, and you're not going to have a refund of your ticket price." Thursday, Collier County school officials said Nemeth's remarks were taken out of a context, and that he regrets what he said. WBBH. WINK. Naples Daily News. In Orange County, school officials say students need a parent's permission to kneel during the anthem. WDBO.

Director retiring: A day after a state audit is critical of the Leon County School District construction projects, the chief of construction announces he is retiring. Jim Connell's last day is Sept. 30. Tallahassee Democrat.

School spending: The Duval County School Board delays a vote on the budget until Monday. Discrepancies on salaries and the revenue to cover them cause the postponement. Florida Times-Union.

Makeup days: Pinellas County students won't have to make up the days lost to Hurricane Hermine. District officials have decided there's enough time built into the schedule for schools to absorb the loss of two days. Gradebook. (more…)

Retention stay remains: The judge who ruled the state has to give third-graders options to advance to fourth grade without state test scores is refusing to vacate the stay on the verdict during the appeal. Judge Karen Gievers, who ruled against the retention policies of the state and six districts, says there is little chance of "irreparable harm" if the stay is not granted and the appeals process is allowed to continue. Gradebook.

District criticized: The Florida auditor general is criticizing the Leon County School District for its lax enrollment and transportation record-keeping, and for placing teachers into classrooms without the proper certification. These are the most critical of the 71 findings by the auditor. Because the district overcounted its enrollment by 46 students, it will have to repay the state $185,506. Tallahassee Democrat. Meanwhile, a federal investigation into the district's construction spending is ongoing, according to the Florida auditor general. The investigation began in late 2013 or early 2014. Tallahassee Democrat.

School spending: The Orange County and Seminole County school boards approve their budgets. Orange's is slightly more than $2 billion, and includes raises of about 3 percent for all employees. Seminole's budget is $562 million. Orlando Sentinel. Here's a breakdown of some of the ways the Lee County School District plans to spend its $1.4 billion budget. Fort Myers News-Press. The Collier County School Board approves a $976.5 million budget that includes pay raises for all teachers. Naples Daily News. The Volusia County School Board approves an $852 million budget, a hike of $70 million over last year. Daytona Beach News-Journal. (more…)

Miramar High scandal: A 3,000-page report concludes that officials at Miramar High School allowed students to cheat, made questionable grade changes and showed favoritism to football players in 2014. Former principal Brian Faso and current assistant principal Cornelia Hoff deny any wrongdoing and say they will fight any disciplinary action. The football coach at the time, Matt Strout, was fired when the allegations surfaced two years ago. Sun-Sentinel.

Teacher evaluations: Florida officials said a new teacher evaluation system started in 2011 would be a "game-changer." Five years later, little has changed. Before the new rules were set, 99 percent of Florida's teachers were rated satisfactory. Under the new rules, 98 percentage of teachers are rated effective or better. Orlando Sentinel.

'High' high school: The Orange County School District is considering building a six-story high school in the southwest part of the county to meet the demand of growing school enrollment. One problem: The land the district is looking at is just 50 acres, which doesn't meet the county ordinance requirements of 65 acres for high schools in unincorporated areas. The school wouldn't open for at least six years. Orlando Sentinel.

After the storm: Schools in Leon and Wakulla counties will reopen Wednesday. Both counties are still trying to restore power and clean up schools after Hurricane Hermine hit the area late last week. Tallahassee Democrat. WFSU. Jefferson County schools also reopen Wednesday. WTXL. The Manatee County School District may consider using the first days of Thanksgiving week to make up two days lost to the storm last week. Bradenton Herald. (more…)