Parent trigger. Supporters of parent trigger, including Patricia Levesque, executive director of the Foundation for Excellence in Education, hold a press conference in an attempt to debunk myths. Sunshine State News, The Buzz, Gradebook, StateImpact Florida, Pensacola News Journal, Sarasota Herald Tribune.
Charter schools. Lawmakers appear lukewarm to Gov. Rick Scott’s call to let charter schools expand at will, reports the Palm Beach Post. Pinellas school board members oppose the parent trigger bill and legislation that could turn unused district buildings over to charters, reports the Tampa Tribune. Parents at a middle magnet in Lake Wales worry their kids might not be able to attend the city’s charter high school, reports the Winter Haven News Chief.
School closings. The Brevard school board should accept help from the Canaveral Port Authority to rescue three schools slated for closing, writes Florida Today’s Matt Reed. Pasco Superintendent Kurt Browning backs off plans to shutter an aging school in the wake of opposition, but the building has serious problems, reports Gradebook.
School security. A consultant recommends armed officers at every Hillsborough elementary school. Tampa Bay Times. More from the Tampa Tribune. The Sarasota County sheriff tells district officials he’s going to remove deputies from Sarasota city schools, reports the Sarasota Herald Tribune.
School spending. New Manatee Superintendent Rick Mills is proposing to eliminate 188 positions. Bradenton Herald.
Common Core. School board members from more than a dozen Central Florida districts will converge on Ocala next week to learn more about their role in implementing Common Core. Ocala Star Banner.
Bullying. Students at a Deland middle school are part of a new safety patrol against bullying. Daytona Beach News Journal.
