School rebuilding proposed: Hillsborough County school officials say they want to rebuild the historic Lee Elementary School in Tampa, which was severely damaged by a fire in September 2017. If the school board approves the plan, contractors will preserve the brick exterior but redesign the interior to conform to modern standards. As long as the district rebuilds, insurance will cover the full cost for construction. If it doesn't rebuild, the district would receive just 10 percent of the insurance to cover classroom materials and equipment. Tampa Bay Times.
Sports officiating classes: Two Collier County high schools now offer sports officiating classes in an effort to ease a shortage of officials for school sporting events. Students at Palmetto Ridge and Golden Gate high schools will be trained in the sport or two of their choice, and will be offered tests to become certified as officials. “This class provides our students another opportunity to get a certification, and potentially a career in officiating," says Superintendent Kamela Patton. "Partnering with our local officials association, the Great Naples Officials Association, and the Florida High School Athletic Association fulfills a community need while producing our own qualified officials to help boost our school athletics programs.” Naples Daily News.
Legal challenges: Legal challenges to seven of the 13 proposed constitutional amendments are expected to be settled this week. Two amendments, 6 and 8, have already been ordered off the ballot by judges for being misleading, and five others are pending. Amendment 8 bunches three education issues into a single yes or no vote: term limits for school board members, mandatory civics education in schools and the creation of an entity other than local school boards that can approve charter and public schools. The Florida Division of Elections says all issues must be finalized soon because it has to finish printing the ballots by Sept. 22 in order to get them to overseas voters. The election is Nov. 6. Watchdog.org. The state files its brief to the Florida Supreme Court in its appeal of of a judge's removal of Amendment 8, contending the amendment "fully and accurately advises the electorate" about its purpose. The League of Women Voters has until Wednesday to respond. Oral arguments will be heard Sept. 5. Gradebook. Florida Phoenix. News Service of Florida.
School security: Security was tightened at Jacksonville Raines and Lee high schools Monday in response to Friday's shootings at the football game between the schools. One man was killed and two others were wounded in what police are calling a gang incident. Counselors were also brought in to talk with students needing support. Later in the day, Duval County Superintendent Diana Greene announced that earlier kickoff times and different game days will begin immediately for high school football games while school officials work on a permanent plan to address violence at after-school events. Florida Times-Union. WJXT. A school guardian at Kinnan Elementary School in Manatee County is temporarily reassigned while the district investigates his Facebook postings sharing conspiracy theories and his membership in an organization that some call an antigovernment extremist group. Bradenton Herald. The Port Orange City Council postpones a vote on helping the Volusia County School District pay for school guardians after three members say they have a conflict of interest. Port Orange Observer. (more…)
