Plan questioned: Leaders in St. Petersburg's black community expressed skepticism that the plan to overhaul five high-poverty elementary schools will work, and are upset that the plan was developed without their input. Members of the Concerned Organization for Quality Education for Black Students say they've heard promises from school officials before, but little has changed. The plan calls for hiring a minority achievement officer, creating special centers for students suspended out of school, and establishing a "transformation zone" with intense support for Pinellas' failing elementary schools. The proposal also would pay teachers in those schools up to $25,000 more a year, create a longer school day and allow more control at the school level over the curriculum and schedule. Tampa Bay Times.

Construction rules: The massive education bill passed by the Legislature contains potential relief on construction costs for school districts. School facilities now must be built using a more stringent set of standards called the State Requirements for Educational Facilities (SREF). House bill 7029 would loosen four specific SREF rules, as long as districts get public support, show the cost savings and ensure student safety. Politico Florida.

Promise Zone: The Escambia County School District is partnering with other community organizations to seek a Promise Zone designation from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development for a Pensacola neighborhood. Sixty-four urban areas have applied for the designation, but only five will be chosen. Promise Zone receives priority access to federal investments on initiatives on poverty, education, crime and health-care. Pensacola News Journal. Rick's Blog.

School changes: The Duval County School Board approves new academic programs at four schools. Andrew Jackson High and R.L. Brown Elementary will become magnet schools. John Love Elementary will become a preschool to second-grade school, and Longbranch Elementary will be for grades 3-5. The board also voted to suspend or fire two teachers, two teacher's aides and a security guard. Florida Times-Union.

Cost of security: Miami-Dade school officials want to add 7,000 school security cameras to the 12,000 they already have. The cost would be $10 million spread over five years. Miami Herald. (more…)