Broward Schools & Property Tax Edition: Capitol to Courthouse Headliners–December 4
Dec 4, 2008
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Ruling returns to school districts the power to charter new schools
People who want to open a charter school can no longer maneuver around school districts considered unfriendly to the competition for approval to open.
Property-tax collections climb as home prices fall
Property taxes are rising across the USA despite the steepest drop in home values since the Great Depression.
Strapped GOP Governors Face Tough Call on Taxes
Widening state budget deficits are causing big headaches for the governors who met with President-elect Barack Obama this week, especially those Republicans who hope to emerge as the new leaders of their party.
As steep budget cuts take a toll on Florida school districts, the cost of a quality education is getting harder to afford.
Schools slash spending, but more is on way
“Rainy-day” funds are not enough to cover all when “it’s flooding.”
Northeast Florida school district budgets for general operating costs for this and the past four school years. Actual revenues may have changed by the end of each year. Also included are the number of full-time teaching positions approved and the student for each year.
EDITORIAL: Are Florida legislators serious about turkeys, or are they just crying wolf?
New leaders in the Florida Legislature need to make history, not just repeat it
Eating turkey on Thanksgiving Day is an American tradition.
Across Florida over the past year, painful cuts in government services have become increasingly common. Some disabled adults have lost access to transportation. Foster kids wait longer for adoption services. Fewer troopers patrol the highways. Music and art instruction have been axed in some public schools. University presidents complain of a “brain drain” of many talented professors.
Slow down $1.34 billion sugar deal, critics urge as clock ticks toward deadline
Gov. Charlie Crist’s blockbuster plan to repair the Everglades by buying U.S. Sugar Corp.’s farmlands for $1.34 billion ran into a litany of sharp questions and criticism today – threatening to send all parties back to the negotiating table.
Hillsborough Seeks Changes To State Mandate Laws
With little likelihood of getting state money next year for local projects, Hillsborough County commissioners instead asked legislators Tuesday to end state mandates that tie local governments’ hands.
Orange could close up to 8 elementary schools
Orange County’s public-school system is talking about closing as many as eight small elementary campuses next year to cope with the budget crisis brought on by the recession.
Pinellas district may shuffle students to save on busing
Tens of thousands of Pinellas children would be forced to change schools next year under a School Board plan that aims to cut millions of dollars in busing costs.
Pinellas’ school plans spark outcry
The cafeteria lady at Rio Vista Elementary calls Carrie Mixon personally when the lunch account for her son Mathew is running low.
Teacher’s union goes after more compensation, despite no raises
Leon County teachers were denied a raise for this school year, but the teacher’s union isn’t giving up.
Members of the union had a meeting Wednesday afternoon with school-district officials in hopes of getting an adjustment in the current salary schedule, despite the dire financial situation.
Report: Florida fails on cost of college
Despite the lowest tuition in the nation, Florida gets a failing grade for college affordability on a national report card out today.
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