Legislation. The Florida House’s big education bill keeps getting bigger. It now includes the Hope Scholarship proposal and a provision that could cause headaches for teachers unions. Gradebook. Capitol insiders say state Sen. Bill Montford, D-Tallahassee and a key figure on education issues, may leave his post to run for Tallahassee mayor. But Montford himself isn’t talking, yet, and the timeline is unclear. Tallahassee Democrat.
Follow-up on shuttered private school. State officials discovered compliance issues at Arlington Country Day School, a Jacksonville private school that suddenly closed, during a school visit last fall. Less than two weeks ago, they had revoked its eligibility for school choice scholarships. Florida Times-Union.
Capital funding. The House and Senate’s differing approaches to charter school capital funding will be key issues to watch as the two chambers advance their spending plans this week. redefinED.
Lawsuit paused. The “adequacy” lawsuit challenging vast swaths of Florida’s public education system is on hold while the Legislature is in session. Gradebook.
First-grade cop. A seven-year-old’s arrest for hitting his teacher after a scolding triggers outrage from his mother. Miami Herald.
No-show. The Seminole school district reaches out to a school board member who hasn’t attended a meeting in months. Orlando Sentinel.
Low-ball. Hillsborough school officials say it will cost millions to rebuild a school ravaged by a September fire, but their insurance company made an offer that was lower than they expected. Gradebook.
Boundaries. Open enrollment and other changes help the Pasco school district limit the effect of a court ruling blocking its rezoning plan. Gradebook.
Tough job. Long hours, low pay and rising costs of living drive teachers from the profession. WFTV.
Now hiring. The Marion County School Board plans to add dozens of new positions next year. Ocala Star-Banner.
Administrator arrested. An assistant superintendent is the highest-ranking district official arrested to date in a widening investigation stemming from unreported child abuse incidents in Okaloosa County schools. Northwest Florida Daily News.
STEM. Students at a Leon County charter school take part in math and science competitions. WFSU.
Employee conduct. Snapchat posts reveal what may be an improper relationship between a student and a school employee. Sarasota Herald-Tribune.
Flu shots. Alachua school officials prepare another round. Gainesville Sun.
Student enrichment. Clever accounting could allow Lake County schools to free up money for art, music and PE in its elementary schools. Daily Commercial. Florida School for the Deaf and Blind students build a gazebo. St. Augustine Record. The Bay County school district hopes to team up with Panama City to offer more recreational opportunities. Panama City News Herald.
