School bullying: Parents and experts say bullying in schools is a far bigger problem than reported. National figures indicate 1 in 5 students have been bullied during the last school year. In Orange County, the number is 2 in 5, according to the report. But the official Orange County district numbers are 1 in 637. Statewide, the number is 1 in 806. One expert says there's a "disconnect" between the amount of bullying that's happening and the number of incidents reported. Orlando Sentinel.

Union election spending: The Florida Education Association, the state's largest teachers union, has spent about $2.7 million on state legislative races. That's about double the amount spent by those who support tax credit scholarships and voucher plans. FEA president Joanne McCall said: “This is not about Republican versus Democrat. This is about us versus them: public schools versus vouchers [and] for-profit charter schools.” Politico Florida.

Contract negotiations: The Hillsborough County teachers union and the school district reach a tentative agreement on a contract. All teachers would get a $200 cost-of-living payment, and teachers at the top of the pay scale would receive another $200 bonus. About a third of teachers will also get their previously scheduled $4,000 raises. The deal still has to be approved by union members and the school board. Gradebook.

Preschoolers sickened: Twenty-one preschoolers at Ave Marie Friends Preparatory School in Lauderhill are hospitalized with intestinal distress Monday. Food poisoning is suspected. The district is investigating. Sun-Sentinel. Associated Press. (more…)