Broward Schools & Property Tax Edition: Capitol to Courthouse Headliners–March 25

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Voters to decide record tax cut

If the tax swap plan approved Monday by the Florida Taxation and Budget Reform Commission is placed on the November ballot and ratified by at least 60 percent of voters, it would mark the third major property tax cut since 2007:

Tax swap draws critics, but Crist favors idea

The loudest opponents of the property-tax swap going before voters in November are lobbyists for major corporations and future legislative leaders who would be stuck with the plan’s heavy lifting: $9.6 billion in sales tax increases, budget cuts and other revenue hikes.

Tax cap amendment plan seen as a caution light

A proposal to cap state and local taxes, fees and other revenue is more of a caution light than a stop sign, its sponsor says.

Sales tax exemptions under microscope

When it comes to eliminating unnecessary sales tax exemptions – which is among the proposals the Florida Legislature will likely consider to offset proposed property tax cuts – exemption critics often talk about ostrich feed.

COMMENTARY: Maligned tax proposal rising from the ashes

The mere mention of a services tax must trigger old nightmares for Bob Martinez.

OPINION: Education gets short end again

ISSUE: Plan would replace education funding with sales tax hike.

With economy slowing, legislators grim about cutting Florida’s budget

Cuts might include education, health aid, conservation

Florida legislators return to work this week, their budget-cutting knives sharpened, poised to pare up to $3 billion in state spending.

Senate leader: Cuts to Florida education will not be universal

Lawmakers will target specific education programs rather than making an across-the-board cut in next year’s budget, Sen. Stephen Wise, chairman of the Senate pre-k through 12 appropriations committee, said Thursday.

OP-ED: Some suggestions for saving school district money

School Superintendent James Browder detailed the grave financial condition facing our district, a condition which threatens the caliber of education we provide our children.

Florida ranks last in pay for state employees

Workers unlikely to get raise for 2nd year in row

Eight years ago Kelvin Haywood needed surgery for a dislocated spine after he was choked unconscious by an inmate at the state hospital where he works.

Broward leads resistance to FCAT

It started out a decade ago as a simple test, but the FCAT has become a high-stakes trial that determines a school’s reputation — and a frenzied academic culture has evolved to handle it.

Expert: Top pay, cars reasonable for Dade school officials

Having already cut nearly $100 million from the Miami-Dade School District’s current year budget — and facing an estimated $200 million in additional cuts next year — Superintendent Rudy Crew recently declared that ”everything is on the table” when it comes to closing the budget gap.

Manatee schools must cut $21M

Anticipating a tight budget next school year, Manatee County School District officials are looking to shave about $21 million off their operating budget, Superintendent Roger Dearing said Thursday.

Brevard School Board must cut $3.6M from budget – this month

With the school year two-thirds over and most of the money spent, the Brevard County School Board faces the daunting task of cutting another $3.6 million from its budget this month.

Brevard budget woes may force layoffs

Before tackling cuts to next year’s budget, Brevard County commissioners must balance a projected $4.2 million shortfall in this year’s spending plan.

EDITORIAL: Administrative restructuring good school reform in Indian River County

La Cava’s new administrative chart sets stage for improvement, and even saves some money

After half a year on the job, Harry La Cava is making his presence felt at the Indian River County School District.

Orange, Seminole school districts plan for deep cuts

With state revenues continuing to drop, two of Central Florida’s school districts said Friday that they are planning massive spending cuts next fall to cover the lost dollars.

Palm Beach County: School District to extend hiring freeze, cut budgets

The Palm Beach County School District will suspend travel, extend a hiring freeze and reduce some budgets by 10 percent to cut spending.

Lee schools gets $8 million out of frozen fund

The Lee County School District got $8 million out a frozen state investment fund recently but still has about $31 million there, said Greta Campbell, the district’s financial accounting department director.

Florida High seeks crossing guard, but who will pay?

The buzzing cars and building congestion on Shumard Oaks Boulevard during pick-up and drop-off times makes parents at Florida High nervous.

NAACP, ACLU oppose state Sen. Gary Siplin’s droopy-drawers bill

The Florida NAACP and allied organizations on Friday came out against Orlando Sen. Gary Siplin’s bill to ban schoolkids from wearing their pants too low, saying it could lead to more legal trouble for black male students.

Demand for teachers in Florida drops

The demand for teachers in Florida is on a decline.

Mexican consul general donates 300 books to St. Lucie schools

Students, parents and public officials Monday packed a school district meeting room to witness the kickoff of an education partnership with the government of Mexico.

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