Broward Schools & Property Tax Edition: Capitol to Courthouse Headliners–July 28
Jul 28, 2010
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Florida Among 19 National Finalists in ‘Race to the Top’ Federal Education Reform Competition
Florida Governor Charlie Crist announced today, July 27, 2010, that Florida has been selected as one of the 19 finalists in Phase 2 of “Race to the Top,” a national grant challenge to improve schools as part of the federal stimulus program.
School burden is shifting in state
Cut in education funding by Legislature hits local taxpayers, schools say
The Florida Legislature took credit this year for not raising taxes during a tough economic time.
Blog: Final phase of class-size amendment too costly, Florida Tax Watch contends
Just days after the Florida Education Association moved to toss Amendment 8 off the November ballot, Florida Tax Watch has issued a “research report” contending that failure to pass the so-called “right sizing” amendment to the state’s 2002 class-size amendment carries too great a cost.
McCollum touts property tax freeze for local governments
Like most municipalities in Florida, Tampa has cut its budget for four years in a row because of state-mandated property tax reforms and declining housing values.
Column: Miami-Dade’s rollback rate plan would hit elderly hard
To save money on her electric bill, Mariela Breto disconnects the lamps, the water heater and the microwave when not using them, closes the curtains during the day and sets the air conditioning at 80 degrees.
Pembroke Pines loses charter school suit
The Broward School Board is not obligated to provide the city’s charter schools with funding for capital projects, a Broward Circuit Court judge has ruled.
Parkland to maintain property tax rate, raise fees
The property tax rate is staying the same but some fees will go up, and the city will take $608,788 from its reserve fund to balance a $20.6 million budget.
Three want to take over the District 2 Broward School Board seat
An ethics reformer, a community activist and an educator are vying for the Broward School Board seat made vacant when Beverly Gallagher was removed from office to face federal corruption charges.
In west Broward, four vie for School Board District 6 seat
Three challengers seek to unseat one-term incumbent Phyllis Hope
With three opponents vying for her seat, incumbent Phyllis Hope is aware her re-election to the Broward School Board on Aug. 24 is not a sure thing.
No furloughs for Pinellas school employees; teachers to get $250 in training money
For nearly three months, furloughs looked possible. For three weeks, they looked inevitable.
Critical needs tax approved by Manatee school board
Homeowners could see a tax increase on their bill this fall – but by less than a buck a month.
Hernando commissioners leave millage rate intact
County commissioners decided to forego any tax increase and left the current general fund millage rate of 5.4394 intact for the next fiscal year.
Okaloosa School Board defends half-cent tax proposal
The Okaloosa County School Board was quick to refute a Tea Party member’s challenge to the district’s proposed half-cent sales tax.
Clay School Board tentatively sets 2010-11 budget, tax rate
The Clay County School Board today tentatively approved a proposed property tax rate for 2010-11 that is about 1.7 percent higher than the 2009-10 rate.
Pasco commissioners consider 23-cent hike in property tax rate
Pasco commissioners on Tuesday set a preliminary tax rate of $6.59 per $1,000 of assessed value, a 23-cent jump from the current year’s rate.
Orange County Wants Tax Hike On Ballot
Orange County school leaders said they want taxpayers to bill themselves to help pay for schools. Tuesday night, they’ll meet to decide if they’ll put a tax hike on this year’s ballot
Public weighs in on Leon County school budget
The first public hearing on Leon County Schools proposed 2010/2011 budget will be at tonight’s school board meeting at 6 p.m. at the Aquilina Howell Center.
Hillsborough schools weigh leaner health plan and budget
Hillsborough County teachers and staffers will get their first glimpse today of a more frugal health care plan, part of the district’s effort to close a shortfall of more than $41 million in next year’s budget.
Florida is embarking on a new phase in a long series of education changes designed to improve student achievement and ultimately to enhance economic growth in the state.
The New York Times: Cities View Homesteads as a Source of Income
Give away land to make money? It hardly sounds like a prudent scheme. But in a bit of déjà vu, that is exactly what this small Nebraska city aims to do.
News Release: Fitch Rates Florida’s $113MM Lottery Revs ‘A+’; Outlook Stable
Fitch Ratings assigns an ‘A+’ rating to the following State of Florida State Board of Education lottery revenue bonds.
More Floridians seeking help for gambling
With more and more opportunities to wager their money – from the Florida Lottery to slot machines to Internet cafes – Floridians are looking for help with gambling problems in record numbers.
Two vie for Broward School Board District 1 seat
The priority list for the two candidates running for Broward School Board District 1 mirror each other: budget reform, improved accountability and ensuring students have employable skills after graduation.
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