Broward Schools & Property Tax Edition: Capitol to Courthouse Headliners–July 8
Jul 8, 2008
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History supports tax cut passage
Since 1978, Florida voters have had 13 chances to vote for a cut in property taxes and they’ve approved all 13, ranging from 1992’s historic creation of ‘Save Our Homes’ tax caps to smaller exemptions for seniors and veterans.
Making sense of the amendments
The November general election is still four months away. If most voters are paying attention at all, they are probably watching the presidential campaign between John McCain and Barack Obama.
Voucher Measure Revives ‘65%’ Funding Idea
A national school-funding fad widely derided as a gimmick has been revived to boost passage of a pro-voucher ballot item.
Groups try to get ‘tax swap’ law off ballot
A coalition of business, education and agriculture organizations filed suit Thursday aimed to knock a “tax swap” constitutional amendment off Florida’s November ballot.
Budget cuts become personal for staff laid off by cities in Broward County
Ian Singer’s days as a Tamarac assistant city planner were numbered.
Floridians feel squeeze of state’s $66 billion budget
Florida’s prison system is shedding nearly 400 probation officers, prison teachers and chaplains.
New laws impact everything from traffic fines to education
Court costs and traffic fines are now more expensive. New motorcyclists and young ATV drivers now must take driving or safety courses.
Advisers for Crist, Seminoles discuss court ruling on blackjack
Gov. Charlie Crist’s top advisers met Monday with representatives of the Seminole Tribe to discuss what comes next after the Florida Supreme Court’s decision that Crist had no authority to allow blackjack and table games at tribal casinos.
LETTER TO THE EDITOR:Â Restoration of intangibles tax would be boost to state’s coffers
To me, the solution to Florida’s budget problems seems obvious: Reinstate the intangibles tax. Why Gov. Jeb Bush and the Florida Legislature eliminated it beats me.
EDITORIAL:Â More than one storm is churning out there
Hurricane Bertha doesn’t appear to be headed for Florida but it is the kind of storm we can see coming, and prepare for. The bad economic winds buffeting the state might be harder to duck.
COLUMN:Â Might’ve been a gamble — but it was a plan
Wanna hear an economist stammer? Stick the word ”policy” in the vicinity of ”Florida” and “gambling.”
EDITORIAL:Â FLORIDA BETS ON GAMBLING: Crist must deal or fold
In casinos, the laws of chance always favor the house. In the courts, Gov. Crist found out last week, the laws of Florida also favor the House. And the Senate.
EDITORIAL:Â FLORIDA BETS ON GAMBLING: The Powerball myth
Gov. Crist was trying to fool the people last week when he praised the Florida Lottery’s decision to join the multi-state Powerball drawing.
Broward County: State agency seeking help to watch over charter schools
A new state agency wants help overseeing charter schools, despite the fact that school districts want it to disappear, filing a lawsuit to make the agency go away.
Broward County schools receive more As, fewer Fs
Florida just gave Broward County’s public schools’ their report cards, and school district officials said their hard work really paid off: More As and fewer Fs.
Dade school district gets break on repayment
In the midst of its budget crisis, the Miami-Dade school district received some good news: It won’t have to return $16 million it used from a construction account.
The Miami-Dade school district will not have to return the $16 million of construction-fund dollars it used to pay technology support specialists in the 2006-07 fiscal year, state education officials said.
Dade schools unions intensify battle over raises
A battle between the Miami-Dade teachers union and the school district over raises took a sharp turn when the union declared an impasse.
Two Miami-Dade school labor unions on Monday escalated their fight to stop the district from canceling scheduled pay raises, with one breaking off negotiations and the other preparing a lawsuit.
Principals take closer look to find savings in their schools
The primary objective in Pasco County’s school budget cutting efforts is to hold students and classrooms harmless.
Robles cashes in with cell tower
Robles Elementary has joined a growing list of schools that are turning to cell phone companies for some extra cash. But some neighbors fear the venture could be harmful to children’s health.
For more than a decade, Sue Boyd has stood at the helm of a St. Petersburg elementary school overseeing teachers, monitoring student achievement and managing a modest budget.
Public to be involved in ‘bold’ school idea
The Duval County school district has started forming the public working groups that will recommend how to shape its future.
Since April, the district has held eight meetings throughout the community to raise awareness for the Academic and Community Excellence Plan, which will touch on a plethora of school issues, including redistricting, transportation, construction projects, locations for magnet programs and school consolidations.
Proposed St. Lucie County budget shrinks $48M
A Harley Davidson ad and county budgets might not seem to have much in common, but County Administrator Doug Anderson pulled the two together Monday.
Jeb Bush: Raising bar at all levels
As the state prepares to release its 10th school report card today, the A-to F grades- part of a far-reaching educational package championed by former Gov. Jeb Bush- remaining a lightning rod of debate. Today, in his own words, Bush tells why the school-grading system has benefited all students in Florida while Andy Ford of the state’s largest teachers union laments the system’s failings.
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