Retention appeal: The Florida Department of Education and two schools districts are appealing a judge's ruling last week against the state's policy for retaining third-graders. Leon County Judge Karen Gievers said the state was wrongly holding back third-graders who do poorly on the state Florida Standards Assessments tests or opt out from taking them. She ordered the state and six districts that were sued to allow students to present a portfolio of work to demonstrate their readiness for fourth grade. Orange and Hernando counties joined in the appeal. Orlando Sentinel. Meanwhile, the Hernando County School District promoted three students who were involved in the lawsuit, but did not assign them to their school of choice. Tampa Bay Times.

Superintendent pay: The Lake County School Board is prepared to pay a new superintendent up to 23 percent more than it's paying the retiring one. Current Superintendent Susan Moxley makes $159,000 in base pay, and received $17,000 in bonuses. She is retiring June 30, 2017, and the board is willing to pay her successor a base rate of $195,000, with performance bonuses up to $34,000. Daily Commercial. Orlando Sentinel.

School enrollment: Enrollment jumps to 27,163 in the Alachua County School District, up 3 percent over last year, and some schools are over capacity. Idylwild Elementary, with a capacity of 575 students, now has 800, up from 750 last year. Gainesville Sun. At the 10-day count, the Highlands County School District shows a slight increase in student enrollment over last year. When school opened, enrollment was down 100. Highlands Today.

Parking artists: Seniors at West Orange High School in Winter Garden are permitted to paint their personal parking spots to express their personalities and other favorite things. The designs have to be approved by school officials. Teen Vogue. People. StreetArtNews. (more…)