Wharton grad: Superintendent Maryellen Elia defends principal who cut short a graduation speech by salutatorian Harold Shaw. Tampa Bay Times.

Special needs: Rodgers Middle School, where a student with Down syndrome drowned last year, no longer will have full-time exceptional student education classes. Tampa Bay Times.

Budget fixes: New Polk County schools Superintendent Kathryn LeRoy looks at ways to reduce $12.7 million shortfall. One way: eliminating a $2.5 million summer reading remediation program. The Ledger.

Funding: Columnist John Romano takes issue with Gov. Scott bragging about Florida, criticizing the state's level of student funding and practice of steering money to for-profit education companies, among other issues. Tampa Bay Times.

Turnaround plans: When the state education board meets next week, it will review turnaround plans for 58 schools. Gradebook.

School grades: John Padget, the new vice chairman of the state education board, says Florida schools should have prepared for the tougher standards tied to school grades. Gradebook.

Sleeping in: Some Broward County schools will start later in the coming school year and the district works to streamline bus routes and cut transportation costs. Sun Sentinel.

Wi-Fi: The Boynton Beach Community Redevelopment Agency will talk about providing the families of Galaxy Elementary students who qualify for free lunch with home Wi-Fi. Sun Sentinel.

Testing: Pasco school leaders take a look at latest testing scores for instruction ideas. Tampa Bay Times.

Tax hike: Seminole County School Board approves a property-tax increase to pay for building repairs and program improvements. Orlando Sentinel.

Lt. Gov.: Orange County schools Superintendent Barbara Jenkins is the leading candidate for Florida's next lieutenant governor. Orlando Sentinel.

Principal shuffle: Broward County school district's plan to shuffle low-performing principals has angered parents and teachers. Miami Herald. (more…)