Education bill: The Florida Senate passes a sweeping education bill (HB 7029) that would, among other things, allow any student to choose any school that has a vacancy, allow athletes who transfer to play immediately and adds some charter school accountability. It now goes back to the House for approval of the more than a dozen significant policy changes added by the Senate. Orlando Sentinel. Miami Herald. Politico Florida. News Service of Florida. Sunshine State News. WFSU. House Speaker Steve Crisafulli, R-Merritt Island, says the House is open to agreeing on a compromise on HB 7029. Politico Florida.

Teacher bonuses: The Florida Education Association is urging Gov. Rick Scott to veto the teacher bonuses program. Joanne McCall, president of the teachers union, says the bill had not been "thoroughly vetted" in the Senate, so its $49 million should stricken from the budget. The teachers union has opposed the program, arguing that it discriminates against older teachers and those who are minorities. Orlando Sentinel. Miami Herald. Education Week. Four challenges to the teacher bonuses program have been filed by the Sarasota teachers union, which says the way the bonuses are awarded is unfair. In one case, a teacher was awarded an $8,200 bonus. The three other cases are pending. Saintpetersblog.com.

Revenue availability: The Legislature passes a bill that will give school districts quicker access to their tax revenue and the ability to better budget. Many school officials have complained for years that delays in tax collections have shortchanged public schools. Miami Herald.

Superintendent evaluation: The Broward County School Board evaluates Superintendent Robert Runcie, but this time with no ratings. Board members noted Runcie is providing leadership, has improved district communication and graduation rates, and is well-respected by his peers. Areas for improvement: having staff be more responsive to board requests and delays in filling open positions. Sun-Sentinel. (more…)