Broward Schools & Property Tax Edition: Capitol to Courthouse Headliners–May 6
May 6, 2010
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Editorial: Schools funding doesn’t add up
Legislature’s budget assumptions hurt public schools
The Legislature wrapped up its 60-day session pretending that all is well with public-schools funding. It’s not.
Editorial: Florida budget on the brink
Legislature’s failure to act leaves Florida poised for fiscal disaster
The Florida Legislature, which just finished its annual session, passed a $70.4 billion budget, but has little to brag about.
Meek calls for Crist to veto budget
Democratic U.S. Senate candidate Kendrick Meek released the following statement regarding the budget proposal passed by the Florida legislature last Friday, calling on Governor Crist to veto the proposal:
Study gives Florida “F” for pre-K funding, standards
Preschool-age children nationwide are feeling the impact of the recession as states cut back on early education programs, according to an annual survey of state-funded preschool programs.
Facing budget shortfall, Broward School Board seeks tax hike, benefit cuts
After six hours of debate, the Broward School Board agreed Wednesday to seek a property tax increase, eliminate some employee benefits and further reduce administrative costs as part of its plan to plug a $130 million budget hole.
Crist and Seminoles celebrate as he symbolically signs gambling pact
If the Seminole Tribe of Florida included millions of members, as opposed to its actual 3,200 or so members, Gov. Charlie Crist might well be a shoo-in for U.S. Senate.
Cities, counties, state poised to tap red-light-camera cash
Millions of dollars already have been made by red-light cameras, and even more money appears to be on the way for governments and private companies that operate the systems at intersections throughout Florida.
- Editorial: One certainty in red-light law: More revenues
- Fort Lauderdale puts temporary halt on red-light cameras
- Davie may join red-light camera trend
- Letter: Red-light cameras will lead to higher insurance rates
Lawmaker urges Crist to help state workers
A House member whose district includes thousands of state employees urged Gov. Charlie Crist on Wednesday to veto “de facto pay cuts” in the state budget.
Blog: Will teachers’ union abandon Kendrick Meek for Charlie?
The Florida Education Association – the state teachers’ union – is running an ad for Charlie Crist. It doesn’t mention the Senate race, but it’s obvious this is political payback for Charlie vetoing a merit pay bill.
Florida sends schools revised education grant plan
State education officials have released a new federal “Race to the Top” grant application with changes designed to win more support from teachers unions.
- Teachers’ union signs on to Race to the Top
- Harvard study gives Race to Top winners bad grades on academic standards
- Blog: Gov. Crist praises new Race to the Top paperwork
- Blog: Race to the Top, more on “stakeholder support” for round 2
- Blog: Race to the Top: Osceola on board, local union officials still have lots of questions
Cato Institute: Florida’s Unheralded School Revolution
Two weeks ago Florida Gov. Charlie Crist vetoed a bill that would have ended teacher tenure and established merit pay. His action was widely criticized and effectively ended his primary race for the U.S. Senate as a Republican.
Class-size amendment might squeeze choice plans
Voters will decide in November whether to pass an amendment loosening new class-size restrictions in public schools.
- School choice programs fill up; thousands on wait lists
- Sarasota and Manatee schools must hire amid cuts
Palm Beach County to examine year-round schools
Parents could get option to apply for a program in 2011 to prevent learning loss over summer months
It could be the end of the long summer vacation for some Palm Beach County students. Officials say it may be time to try a year-round schedule for one elementary school next year.
Broward schools consider 4-day weeks, charging for magnet busing
Staggering under a $130 million budget deficit, the Broward School Board on Thursday began debating such proposals as school closings, shifting to a four-day week, suspending all travel for employees and charging magnet and Nova students who live outside boundaries for bus services.
Blog: Tax hike on the table for Pasco School Board
The Pasco County school district faces a budget shortfall of about $30 million. A local property tax increase of .25 mills, authorized by the Florida Legislature, could generate close to $6 million toward that gap.
Charlotte to rebuild schools with fed funds
School officials will begin construction on two of the district’s oldest buildings this summer, using $60 million in borrowed federal stimulus funds to jumpstart the often-delayed projects.
Duval School officers: Price tag too high
Sixty local police officers have priced themselves out of assignments with the Duval County school district.
Editorial: Pasco School Board should loosen stance on raising property tax
A Pasco School Board majority, confronting up to $30 million worth of budget cuts, is looking to make matters worse by paying little heed to all available options.
School layoffs likely in Pasco
The Pasco County School District, facing a budget shortfall of at least $28.4 million for 2010-11, will need to lay off employees to balance its budget, district officials said Tuesday.
Blog: Cuts in Volusia may mean ill students take classes on computers
In Volusia County, teachers visit the homes of kids with prolonged illnesses or discipline problems to give them their lessons. Sometimes, teachers give lessons over the phone so students don’t fall behind in their classes.
UF survey: Florida’s real estate has bottomed out
Florida real estate has hit bottom and is in the process of stabilizing, according to results of a quarterly survey by the University of Florida.
Feds make it easier to buy Florida condos
Moves by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac to ease lending restrictions in the Sunshine State are giving those who want to own and occupy condos an opportunity to buy tens of thousands of units previously off-limits to nearly everyone except cash-rich investors.
Group sues Florida schools over limits on prayer
A conservative group is suing a Panhandle school district over its limits on prayer.
Education reform guru coming to Lynn University
Diane Ravitch, a national expert on public education reform, is scheduled to make an appearance in Palm Beach County next week.
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