Removing Runcie: The president of the NAACP Florida State Conference and member of the national NAACP board of directors, Adora Obi Nweze, is warning Gov. Ron DeSantis that trying to remove Broward Superintendent Robert Runcie from office would be “an extreme overreach, highly political and racist.” DeSantis has mused about removing Runcie, though he conceded last week that he doesn't think he has the authority to do so and instead might target school board members. Sun Sentinel.
Closed meetings: Tensions erupt at a Broward County School Board meeting between members over the actions of Superintendent Robert Runcie. Lori Alhadeff, whose daughter Alyssa died in the shootings at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School, wants meetings between parents and Runcie to be open to the public. School officials say the meetings are closed so parents can speak freely. The Sun Sentinel is suing, saying the meetings are a violation of the state's open meetings law. Meanwhile, an audio recording of Monday's meeting has been obtained. Sun Sentinel. WSVN. (more…)
Missing fuel: More than $500,000 worth of gas and diesel fuel is unaccounted for, taken from Palm Beach County School District gas pumps between 2013 and 2016 at times when the district is closed, an audit disclosed this week. The district's inspector general said lax controls allow employees to share gas cards, and there are no cameras at the pumps. Sun-Sentinel.
Superintendent evaluations: Broward County School Board members give Superintendent Robert Runcie the most critical evaluation in his five-year tenure. Three of the nine members give Runcie a "needs improvement" grade, and two others scored him below average in several areas. They cited problems with school morale, lagging construction projects and the police department budget. Runcie graded himself "highly effective," as did two board members. Sun-Sentinel. The Lake County School District has had a tough year, with dropping grades, graduation rates and a controversy over teacher evaluations. But Superintendent Susan Moxley still receives a favorable evaluation. Daily Commercial.
Aid paperwork: College-bound high school students now have extra time to fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The form will be made available Saturday, three months early. Orlando Sentinel. Miami Herald. (more…)
