Bright Futures: The number of Florida students claiming Bright Futures scholarships continues to decline, according to the Department of Education. The total number of Bright Futures scholarships is expected to decline 20 percent this year, to 102,000 compared with 128,545 in the 2014-2015 school year. At its peak, about 179,000 students had the scholarships. But there are some projections, now being reviewed by the Legislature’s Office of Economic and Demographic Research, that suggest the number may be improving. Incoming Senate President Joe Negron, R-Palm Coast, hopes to restore the scholarships to cover full tuition and fees. Florida Politics.
Retention fight: The Opt Out Florida Network is raising money through gofundme.com to support a lawsuit that would challenge Florida's retention of third-graders who don't pass a state reading test. The group has raised about $2,500 of the $17,000 it estimates it will need. Gradebook.
Funding problems: School superintendents in Escambia and Okaloosa counties warn that future school budgets are going to be squeezed drastically, and both are starting the search for cutbacks. Florida spends about $7,100 per student, 42nd among the states and well below the national average of almost $9,800. WUWF.
School tax rate: The Miami-Dade County School Board is considering setting a lower tax rate. For many homeowners, the decline would probably offset the forecast increase in property values. First the first time since the real estate crash, the school budget is likely to exceed $5 billion. Miami Herald. (more…)
Education lawsuit: The groups suing the state over the quality of public education are asking an appeals court to send the case directly to the Florida Supreme Court for an immediate review. Citizens for Strong Schools claims the lengthy appeals process is harming students. The state, and groups that support the state's position, say there's no reason to subvert the normal appeals process. The suit was dismissed in May by a circuit court judge. Politico Florida.
Gifted plan stalls: A plan to add gifted programs at eight Duval County middle schools meets with skepticism by the school board. Superintendent Nikolai Vitti says the programs are needed to curtail dwindling enrollment. School board members question why there's a lack of programs for inner-city schools. Florida Times-Union.
Charter school searched: The FBI searches the Okaloosa Academy Charter School, and seizes several boxes of materials. An FBI spokeswoman declined to comment, citing the ongoing investigation. The Fort Walton Beach school, which serves at-risk students in grades 4-12, is run by the Rader Group of Miramar Beach. Its representatives also declined comment. Northwest Florida Daily News.
Cops in schools: Leon County School Superintendent Jackie Pons tells the school board he wants to hire police officers for almost every county school. He says the escalating violence in the country prompted his recommendation. There are deputies assigned to all middle, high and certain alternative schools, but many elementary schools share deputies. Hiring an additional eight officers would cost the district at least $350,000 each year. In other action, the school board approved the merger of Woodville middle and elementary into a single K-8 Woodville School. Tallahassee Democrat. (more…)
