Turnaround plans: Fourteen Florida districts submitted plans to the State Board of Education to improve 47 schools. Plans from three districts - Alachua, Bay and Jefferson - were deferred for a month until they can be revised, while the others are approved. Politico Florida. Bay News 9. Plans to improve five struggling Pinellas County schools are approved. Campbell Park, Fairmount Park, Melrose and High Point elementary schools and Azalea Middle School are getting higher performing teachers and new principals with greater authority to remove teachers. Gradebook. After some initial skepticism, the board approved the Manatee County School District's turnaround plans for Harllee Middle School and Rogers Garden Elementary School. The board was concerned about support for Rogers students, since many of them are moving to different schools because of rezoning. Bradenton Herald. Also approved by the board are turnaround plans for a Pasco County school and six Hillsborough schools. Gradebook.

Teacher shortage: With two weeks to go before classes start in Orange County schools, the district is still looking for about 300 teachers to fill openings. District officials blame retirements and student growth, and the Department of Education says the shortage is being felt around the state. WFTV.

Sales tax hike: The Palm Beach County School District plans to build four new schools, rebuild seven others and remodel many more with the $1.3 billion it would receive over 10 years if voters approve an increase of a penny on the county's sales tax. Many schools over 10 years old would get new roofs, air conditioners and technology, and many will also get new fencing, furniture, bleachers and safety upgrades. If the measure isn't passed, "our entire plan unravels," says Chief Operating Officer Mike Burke. Sun-Sentinel. The district's proposal is, so far, contained on a few pages of a document with little detail. By contrast, the county commission issued a 30-page breakdown of every project it proposed with its share of the money four months ago, with details and justification for each. Palm Beach Post.

Contract agreement: The Volusia County School District and its teachers union reach agreement on a contract after two years of squabbling. The two-year deal for teachers, clerical workers, paraprofessionals and secretaries includes raises, bonuses, and less of an increase in health-care costs for employees than the district originally proposed. The union will drop the unfair labor charges it filed against the district. Daytona Beach News-Journal. (more…)

Testing troubles: Bandwidth has been expanded, security upgraded and testing software improved. But, experts warn, there's no way to guarantee trouble-free computerized testing when the Florida Standards Assessments writing tests begin Feb. 29. Tampa Bay Times. Tampa Tribune.

Testing dispute: State business leaders are avoiding direct criticism of Gov. Rick Scott over the state Department of Education's decision not to raise the passing scores for the Florida Standards Assessments. But they're continuing to push for higher standards. Politico Florida.

School grades: About 5 percent of the state's schools received a different final grade than they did when simulated grades were released in December. Politico Florida. Sixty-six South Florida schools received F grades, a record high. Broward County had 29, Miami-Dade 20 and Palm Beach 17. Sun-Sentinel.

District police force: The Orange County School District is budgeting $1.5 million to start its own police force. The mission is to enhance security through measures such as campus checks and weapons screenings, and to work with local law officers already patrolling the schools. Orlando Sentinel.

School uniforms: The debate over school uniforms is a topic of conversation in Escambia County. Earlier this month, dozens of girls at Washington High School were ordered to change clothes after coming to school in leggings that didn't meet the dress code. Pensacola News Journal.

Charter schools: Somerset Academy's plans for three charter schools can move ahead after the state Board of Education overturns decisions by two school districts denying the applications. Somerset can start a middle school in St. Lucie County and an elementary and middle school in Indian River County. The districts can appeal the decision. TCPalm. A proposed charter school in Collier County is delaying its opening until August 2017. Collier Charter Academy officials have squabbled with residents over its proposed location in Golden Gate Estates. Naples Daily News. (more…)