Broward Schools & Property Tax Edition: Capitol to Courthouse Headliners–February 26
Feb 26, 2009
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Own Home? Tax Burden Shifts to You in Crist Plan
A new property-tax plan proposed by Florida Gov. Charlie Crist would shift the tax burden away from first-time buyers and onto the backs of existing-home owners, according to an analysis by Orange County’s property appraiser.
Broward Parents, Students to Rally for Education Money
Days after the Broward School Board considered new ways to tighten the belt on school spending, a group of parents, students and community members will rally Thursday to urge lawmakers to better fund public education.
Despite Stimulus, Schools Face Cuts
Although Florida’s governor eagerly touts the benefits that a stimulus of federal money would have on public education, area school leaders are saying, not so fast.
Tax Hike Not an Option for Florida House Republicans
Fiercely opposed to the idea of raising taxes, Republican leaders in the Florida House urged finding other ways to combat Florida’s $5 billion-plus budget deficit.
House Republicans face a billion-dollar challenge: addressing a severe budget shortfall without raising taxes.
Crist’s Budget: Stimulus Money Should Give Schools $200 More per Student
Thanks to federal stimulus dollars, Palm Beach County schools are looking at an increase in funding next year instead of the dire cuts that were predicted.
Governor Crist Announces Statewide Census Committee
Calls on Floridians to help ensure accurate 2010 Florida Census
As part of his ongoing effort to ensure Florida receives its fair share of federal funding, Governor Charlie Crist today signed Executive Order 09-41, creating the statewide 2010 Sunshine Census Complete Count Committee, and appointed 45 Floridians to serve on the committee.
Politicians Patch Ties with Schools
Officials end standoff, seek harmony on budget ideas
Florida Sen. Mike Haridopolos, saying he was acting on behalf of Brevard County’s entire legislative delegation, called an impromptu meeting with Superintendent Richard DiPatri on Wednesday morning to put an end to the past days’ discord about education funding.
Housing Crunch May Hurt Schoolhouses
The struggling housing market may soon affect the schoolhouse near you.
Pennies for Your Thoughts? How About A Sales Tax to Benefit Education?
The state’s teachers’ union is betting that taxpayers are so tired of budget cuts bleeding education dry that they will agree to a sales tax increase, with the money going to support public education in Florida.
THE NEWS SERVICE OF FLORIDA: Democrat’s Bill Would Earmark Powerball Money for VPK
With Florida joining of the multi-state Powerball game, a Florida House freshman sees a good way to reverse some of the cuts to the state’s Voluntary Pre-kindergarten Program.
Leon County School Board Approves $12M in Cuts
Plan includes closing Belle Vue Middle and Academic Resource Center
In a unanimous vote, the Leon County School Board on Tuesday night approved a plan to close Belle Vue Middle School and the Academic Resource Center, eliminate the seven-period day and implement a 4-percent cut in each elementary and middle school’s budget in an effort to reach $12 million in cuts next year.
Brevard School Board Members Cut Their Salaries
Brevard County School Board members on Tuesday slashed their salaries by $2,383, effective immediately, putting their pay on par with a first-year teacher’s salary.
Ideas Pour Forth to Deal with Pinellas School Budget Crisis
For eight days in February, the ideas streamed in.
The 80-year-old mastermind of the successful Florida Prepaid College Program says he is willing to spend a half-million dollars to fight proposed legislation that would allow universities to increase their own tuition, fearing it will kill the prepaid program by making it too expensive for parents.
Rush to Pump Out Stimulus Cash Highlights Disparities in Funding
Formulas Mean Aid May Not Track With Current Needs
The gusher of new federal education spending in the economic-stimulus bill signed into law last week will be piped to states and school districts with little or no regard for how badly they need the money.
Only 4 Days of School! Broward Considers Shorter School Week; Palm Beach County Nixes Idea
Add four-day school weeks for high school students to the list of options the Broward County School Board is weighing to save money.
Like other big investors, state and municipal pension funds have been taking a bath in the market.
Seminole Schools Face Hundreds of Layoffs
Hundreds of Seminole school-district employees may lose their jobs at the end of the school year in massive layoffs required to keep the system afloat in the deepening financial crisis, district officials said Tuesday.
COLUMN: A Lesson in PR for Schools Debate
So Wednesday, I asked about 25 local public relations professionals for their take on Monday night’s education-funding rally and for any advice to school supporters and politicians on how to do better next time.
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