Public-school choice. A plan to create public-school choice throughout Duval County divides the school board, the Florida Times-Union reports. Some board members warn of "unintended consequences." WJXT. More from First Coast News and WJCT.

Tax credit scholarships. The St. Augustine Record editorial board comes out against legislation that would expand the program.

School choice. A Sun-Sentinel op-ed tees off on the a range of choice options, arguing they run counter to the state constitutional provision requiring a "uniform" education system,.while a separate guest column argues choice programs open opportunities to minority students, and opposition is being fueled by unions.

Magnet schools. A student in the jazz band at an Osceola County arts magnet program advanced to a national competition. Orlando Sentinel.

Common Core. Gov. Rick Scott stands by the standards as opponents see a lack of action in the Legislature. Miami Herald. 

Textbooks. Bill to put adoption decisions totally in district hands appears to be getting support in both chambers of the Legislature. Gradebook. Palm Beach County officials oppose it. Extra Credit.

Funding. The state's revenue picture got even better this week, and the Florida House wants to increase spending on public schools. Tampa Bay Times. Florida Current.

School boards. The Hernando school board approves a re-organization plan. Tampa Bay Times.

Teacher pay. A mediator's decision could pave the way for raises in Orange County. Orlando Sentinel.

Poverty. Blessings in a Backpack helps fight hunger among students in Seminole County. Sentinel.

The outcry over a half-million-dollar payout to the principal of a failing Florida charter school has spawned a proposed legislative remedy.

Saunders

Florida Rep. Joe Saunders, D-Orlando, filed a bill this week that prevents compensation to charter school employees after the school shuts down. House Bill 373 is in direct response to the $519,000 payout an Orlando charter school principal received after her failing school closed in June.

NorthStar High School Principal Kelly Young’s final contract also entitled her to about $304,000 in salary and bonuses, netting her $824,000 in her last year, reported the Orlando Sentinel. In addition, an audit found the school paid Young’s husband $460,000 over five years for management services. The payouts shocked district and charter school officials, and prompted lawmakers, including Sen. David Simmons, R-Altamonte Springs, to call for more oversight of charter school spending.

Charter schools are public schools that receive state money, but operate independently of school districts. Charters have their own school boards to help manage finances and develop curriculum.

Saunders’ bill specifically states that charter school employees, service providers or vendors are not entitled to compensation after the school closes. It also calls for limiting an employee contract to the terms of the charter school contract, voiding the remainder of a contract after the school closes.

Simmons said late Tuesday he supports the bill's intent, but hopes to file a similar one this session that includes broader language. "I want to make sure that there is the assurance that this doesn't happen again,'' he said. "But at the same time, I don't want a knee-jerk reaction that hurts the choice and charter school movement.'' (more…)