Retention stay remains: The judge who ruled the state has to give third-graders options to advance to fourth grade without state test scores is refusing to vacate the stay on the verdict during the appeal. Judge Karen Gievers, who ruled against the retention policies of the state and six districts, says there is little chance of "irreparable harm" if the stay is not granted and the appeals process is allowed to continue. Gradebook.

District criticized: The Florida auditor general is criticizing the Leon County School District for its lax enrollment and transportation record-keeping, and for placing teachers into classrooms without the proper certification. These are the most critical of the 71 findings by the auditor. Because the district overcounted its enrollment by 46 students, it will have to repay the state $185,506. Tallahassee Democrat. Meanwhile, a federal investigation into the district's construction spending is ongoing, according to the Florida auditor general. The investigation began in late 2013 or early 2014. Tallahassee Democrat.

School spending: The Orange County and Seminole County school boards approve their budgets. Orange's is slightly more than $2 billion, and includes raises of about 3 percent for all employees. Seminole's budget is $562 million. Orlando Sentinel. Here's a breakdown of some of the ways the Lee County School District plans to spend its $1.4 billion budget. Fort Myers News-Press. The Collier County School Board approves a $976.5 million budget that includes pay raises for all teachers. Naples Daily News. The Volusia County School Board approves an $852 million budget, a hike of $70 million over last year. Daytona Beach News-Journal. (more…)