Broward Schools & Property Tax Edition: Capitol to Courthouse Headliners–June 12

 

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Quiet OK for dramatic trims to state budget

With a light veto touch and a closed door, Gov. Charlie Crist signed a $66 billion state budget Wednesday with a nearly 10 percent cut in spending that will affect schools, hospitals and all parts of state government.

Crist OKs Millions For County Projects

Gov. Charlie Crist’s 2007-08 fiscal year budget was lean, and that foreshadowed tough financial times for local governments that depend on state money.

EDITORIAL: A $110 million plea to Crist

Sure, the Florida Legislature whittled state spending by 7 percent, but amid the approved $66 billion were $110 million in budget turkeys.

Crist signs bill reducing teacher bonuses

Bonus pay for teachers who obtain national board certification would be reduced by a provision in a budget-related bill Gov. Charlie Crist reluctantly signed into law Tuesday.

Palm Beach County administrators propose 8.3 percent tax increase

For the first time in more than a decade, administrators proposed Wednesday to raise the countywide tax rate by 8.3 percent, an increase that would wipe away part of the expected savings from this year’s property tax cuts.

Budget proposal slashes services

The mosquitoes might be a little nastier in your neighborhood next year, and the bathrooms might not be as clean at your favorite park, under a budget proposal that Palm Beach County administrators released Wednesday.

Prices of school meals in Broward may increase

Broward school breakfast and lunch prices may rise 10 and 15 cents, respectively, if School Board members approve the increase at a 10:15 a.m. meeting Tuesday at the K.C. Wright Administration Building, 600 SE Third Ave., Fort Lauderdale.

Budget cuts leave few summer options for poor kids

Life has recently brought a gamut of emotions, tears and smiles to Claudia Chacn, a 42-year-old grandmother in Miami Lakes.

Dade school district, colleges clash over shared channels

A battle is under way between the Miami-Dade School Board, Miami Dade College and Barry University over four television channels worth at least $30 million — and perhaps more than twice that.

Budget has less education cash

Lee school district considers 60 cuts in teachers, support staff

When Gov. Charlie Crist signed the 2008-09 state budget Wednesday, part of that included a leaner education spending plan.

Pinellas School Board cuts $28-million more from budget

The Pinellas School Board put an end to weeks of grim discussions Tuesday, voting unanimously on a plan to cut $28.1-million from its 2008-09 budget.

Volusia schools facing more budget woes

A day after the Volusia County School District let go of more than 200 teachers, union leaders and School Board members traded accusations, and the superintendent delivered more bad news.

Insurance pain for school staff

Manatee County School district employees are already braced for a pay cut. Now they are likely to be asked to pay higher insurance premiums.

FCAT reading, math scores rise for all but 5th-graders in Broward

Each grade level in Broward County — and the state — saw their reading and math FCAT scores rise Tuesday. Except fifth-graders. They stumbled.

Crist yet to see school grading bill

Summer vacation is a week old but Gov. Charlie Crist still has some schoolwork to finish.

By Wednesday afternoon, Crist’s staff said he had not yet received the bill that could change the way Florida’s high schools are graded. Once the bill makes its way to his desk from the Legislature, Crist will have 15 days to sign or veto the bill.

Experts: Accountability Spurs Improved Scores

School report cards and the stigma surrounding low letter grades have helped FCAT scores improve in Polk County and the state, national experts say.

Private program backed by tax dollars helps underachievers onto the right track

It was a cameo fit for a movie star.

On June 4, police escort in tow, a white stretch limo made its way to a cheering crowd huddled around a rolled out red carpet.

Klein Amendment Supports Healthy Kids, Green Schools

Few things are as important as the health of our children. Last week, the House of Representatives passed legislation, the 21st Century Green High-Performing Public School Facilities Act, (H.R. 3021) which modernizes public school facilities, reduces their carbon footprints, cuts their operational expenses and improves the health and safety of students and teachers.

Candidates Are at Odds Over K-12

But McCain and Obama Both Back NCLB Goals

The presumed November matchup produced by the long presidential-primary season that ended last week offers contrasting approaches to K-12 policy, along with some common ground on the basics of the No Child Left Behind Act.

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