School budgeting: The Duval County School Board approves a 1.695 billion budget, a decrease of about 2 percent - $40 million - from last year. Even with rising property values, homeowners will pay less in taxes for schools than they did last year. Florida Times-Union. The Brevard County School Board approves a tentative budget of $905 million. It calls for a slightly lower tax millage rate, but increasing property values will more than offset that decline. Florida Today.

Recess returns: Pinellas County elementary schools will have regular recess again this fall, though the amounts and schedules will vary from school to school. The requirement is for 20 minutes of recess for all grades, at least on days that don't have the 50 minutes of required physical education class. Tampa Bay Times.

School phone fine: The FCC says it will fine AT&T Inc. $106,425 for overcharging the Orange and Dixie school districts for phone services. The company should have billed the districts through the agency’s E-Rate program, which provides affordable phone and Internet access to schools and libraries, according to the FCC. AT&T says it will fight the charges. Morning Consult. Gainesville Sun.

Policy opposed: Polk County School Board member Tim Harris opposes changes to the district's anti-harassment because he thinks they will allow students to use whatever bathroom they want. Earlier this year he posted this message on Facebook: "My child's safety in a public restroom is more important than a man who wants to dress up as a woman." Lakeland Ledger. (more…)