Testing exemption request: Broward County School Superintendent Robert Runcie is asking Gov. Rick Scott to grant an exemption from state testing to all Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School students. "Taking these tests during this time of mourning and recovery is not reasonable, nor is adding the burden of taking these tests — in addition to future course work — appropriate," wrote Runcie. Scott has said he doesn't have the authority to grant such an exemption; that it would have to come from the Legislature. But the next legislative session doesn't start until March 2019, when the next round of testing will be beginning. The education bill Scott signed this year exempted Stoneman Douglas students, including graduating seniors, from taking standardized tests this spring. Miami Herald.

Testing changes opposed: The Duval County School Board approves a resolution urging the Florida Board of Education to hold off approving the state's plan that would allow students to take alternative tests to the algebra I and 10th grade language arts exams required for graduation. Duval board members say eliminating the Postsecondary Education Readiness Test as an option will cost students and schools money to take the approved alternatives, the SAT or ACT, and will create different standards for graduation and state college academic placement. Gradebook.

School security: Clay County School Board members approve a school security plan that retains school resource officers in every high school, places deputies in every middle school and hires safety "assistants" to be stationed in every elementary school. The cost will be about $1.2 million. WJXT. The Putnam County School Board rejects a task force's recommendation to arm school employees as part of the state's guardian program. Superintendent Rick Surrency warns the board that pursuing other options could cuts in teaching positions and other jobs. WJXT. Largo city leaders say they won't contribute to paying for putting officers in Pinellas County schools. WFTS. A debate about paying for school security springs up in Marion County. School officials say charter schools get their own funding under the state's Safe Schools program and are responsible for making sure they have armed guards. Law enforcement officials think the district is responsible for covering all schools. Ocala Star-Banner. An associate superintendent for the Orange County School District and a mother of five talk about practical ideas for keeping students and teachers safe for the 3 to 7 minutes it takes for officers to arrive in an emergency. Orlando Sentinel. The push to arm teachers in schools around the United States is stalling out. Washington Post. (more…)