Broward Schools & Property Tax Edition: Capitol to Courthouse Headliners–April 29

 

 

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Crist unsure if he’ll veto Florida budget bill

A top House Democrat predicted Gov. Charlie Crist will veto the annual budget bill, but the governor said today that he’s undecided.

• Tens of millions for ‘turkeys’ in state budget
• Budget includes $21.2 million for libraries, thanks to ‘Library Guy’
• Editorial:  Florida’s most irresponsible budget ever

 

Hundreds protest Broward school budget cuts

As Broward schools wrestle with a $130 million budget gap, hundreds of teachers, parents and students rallied Wednesday afternoon in Plantation to try to save programs and jobs.

 

New gambling law is a big deal for Florida

Bigger giveaways. More blackjack. Poker like it has never been played here before. Maybe even a new hotel or two.

 

Red light cameras win legislative approval, with road rage, texting still in the mix

Florida intersections could soon see a new proliferation of red light cameras if Gov. Charlie Crist signs a traffic safety bill approved by the Senate Tuesday.

 

Sales tax holiday approved by Florida Senate

Senators voted 37-1 on Thursday to revive the highly popular back-to-school sales tax holiday.

 

State Board of Education:  For the Race to the Top, Florida has winning plan

As a consequence of our policies and principles over the past 12 years, Florida’s progress in public education is an example for the nation and the world.

• Panel Will Try Again For Federal ‘Race to The Top’ Education Grant
• Blog:  Race to the Top and some agreements to breach the divide

 

Ethics complaints filed against sponsors of Senate Bill 6

A vocal opponent of the recently vetoed bill that would have abolished teacher tenure and implemented a merit-pay plan for public schools has filed ethics complaints against major House and Senate sponsors of the measure.

 

Broward schools to cut 66 administrative jobs

About 66 Broward school administration positions, including curriculum specialists, a gang prevention coordinator, director of facilities support services and assistant chief building official, will be eliminated July 1, Superintendent James Notter told the School Board Tuesday.

 

Palm Beach County school district facing possible $83 million shortfall

Officials discuss budget, stop short of calling for layoffs or pay cuts for 2010-11

Palm Beach County school officials on Wednesday said it’s still uncertain whether employee layoffs, pay cuts or furloughs would be ordered to cope with a possible $83 million budget shortfall.

 

For Marion County school budget, a mixed picture

State funding is up, but class-size law means 200 more teachers are needed.

The Marion County School District’s budget will still fall at least $12 million short in 2010-11, even though the new state budget will give districts about $1 more per child.

 

Consultant: Hike Impact Fees for Polk Schools

The recommended school impact fee is $9,456 for a single-family home.

School impact fees could more than double under a recommendation presented Wednesday by consultant Randy Young during a joint meeting of the Polk County Commission and the Polk County School Board.

 

Retroactive Raises for Polk Teachers Will Take Effect

Raises for Polk County teachers kick in at the end of this week but paraprofessionals and clerical staff must wait a month to see a bump in their paychecks.

 

Blog:  Orange County’s teachers get step raise (finally)

OCPS teachers will be getting step raises for the 2009-10 school year. The raises are typically automatic for another year’s service, but Orange’ teachers have not had one since the 2008 school year largely due to budget constraints in the district.

 

Blog:  Seminole will look into lower pay for DROP rehires

Superintendent Bill Vogel defends rehiring of retired school district administrators as part of his master plan for Seminole County schools. Administrators who have completed the state’s Deferred Retirement Option Program are valuable assets to the district, he says.

 

Health insurance going up for Seminole schools

The cost of medical insurance coverage for Seminole school employees is set to rise by 13% for next school year, and district officials say they have no choice but to pay it.

 

Hillsborough schools excel in major review

A 40-member review team recommends that every public school in Hillsborough County receive national accreditation as excellent.

 

Column:  Lesson in school leadership from New Jersey

Lake County is not the only school district in America facing budget cuts. And it’s probably not the only one considering raises for administrators whose salaries far outrank the size of the district and its students’ academic performance.

 

Florida House limits restraints on disabled kids

Teachers and other school personnel would be prohibited from using mechanical or manual restraints on disabled students that restrict their breathing under a bill that has cleared the Florida House.

 

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