Broward Schools & Property Tax Edition: Capitol to Courthouse Headliners–October 16
Oct 16, 2008
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Business group pushes for local government spending cap
One of state’s largest business groups opened up a new front in the great Florida tax revolt Tuesday when it launched a petition drive to put a local-government spending cap on the 2010 ballot.
Broward County enrollment keeps dropping as parents seek ‘more for less’
For the fourth straight year, enrollment dropped in Broward County’s public schools, a decline that could result in less money, scuttled construction projects and fewer elective classes.
Crist asks state agencies to cut by 10 percent
As Gov. Charlie Crist begins working on the state’s spending plan, he’s asking agencies to include 10 percent cuts in their budget proposals.
Outlook bleak for Florida budget
Dire economic circumstances call for severe responses, a fact reflected in contingency plans drawn up by state agencies as Gov. Charlie Crist begins his budget-building process.
Florida marina industry asks voters for property tax lifeline
Amendment 6 would return tax bills to pre-housing-bubble levels
South Florida marina owner Ray Graziotto did a double take when he opened his tax bill a few years ago.
Florida planning amendment financial statement filed
State economists have submitted a third statement to the Florida Supreme Court on how much a proposed growth management initiative might cost taxpayers.
Make no mistake. The very fact that proposed state constitutional Amendment 8 is on the Nov. 4 ballot is a scathing indictment of Florida’s political leadership.
EDITORIAL: Constitutional Amendments–Vote ‘Yes’ on 1,3, 4, 6, 8
Until recently, it appeared that Florida voters would have to decide whether to ratify nine proposed amendments – four of them extremely controversial – to the state constitution on the Nov. 4 ballot. But the state Supreme Court removed three of them from the ballot in September because of misleading labeling. The deleted amendments involved state support for private schools, lessening the separation of church and state, and tax sources for the funding of public education.
Governor Crist Announces $1.4 Billion in Accelerated Road Construction
Florida Department of Transportation answers Governor’s Accelerate Florida challenge
Continuing his focus on strengthening Florida’s economy, Governor Charlie Crist and Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) Secretary Stephanie C. Kopelousos today announced the acceleration of more than 179 projects, totaling $1.4 billion in road construction funding. The projects include road resurfacing, lane additions, bridge rehabilitation and safety enhancements to the state’s transportation system. The projects will employ 39,000 people and generate $7.84 billion in economic benefits, a $5.60 return on each state dollar invested.
Enrollment decline could mean trouble for Palm Beach County schools
For the third straight year, enrollment dropped in Palm Beach County’s public schools, a change administrators blame on South Florida’s high cost of living, faltering economy and shaky real estate market.
School enrollment headed downhill
The enrollment decline that began last year for Volusia County public schools is expected to continue for at least another five years, according to a new report released Tuesday.
Broward, Miami-Dade schools awarded Broad scholarship grants
The Broward County School District didn’t walk away with the Broad Prize for Urban Education, but will take home $250,000 in scholarships for graduating seniors.
Broward teachers’ contract talks are stalled
Contract negotiations are at an impasse for Broward teachers because of disagreement over raises for next school year.
After months of negotiations, the Broward Teachers Union officially declared an impasse in its contract negotiations Tuesday night.
Haitian president makes surprise visit to Dade School Board
Haiti’s president made a surprise appearance before the Miami-Dade School Board to thank the district for storm-relief efforts and to appeal for more assistance.
Prval thanked the district for its support of Haiti’s hurricane-relief effort and also made a pitch on behalf of his efforts to rebuild classrooms in the storm-ravaged country, asking Miami-Dade for its surplus portable classrooms. Prval’s unexpected visit brought members of the board and others in the audience to their feet with a standing ovation when he entered the auditorium. His appearance came after a private meeting with Schools Superintendent Alberto Carvalho, who visited the devastated country last month.
Lee County school woes don’t stop raises
Lee County teachers and support staff will receive 3 percent pay raises this year, even as the school district deals with its worst financial crisis ever.
Lake County school district employees working without new contract
It’s two months into the school year and Lake County teachers, bus drivers and other school-district employees still are working without new contracts.
FSU officials contemplate merging colleges, departments to save money
Florida’s sputtering economy may drag on longer than Florida State University officials expected, leading to proposals for further ways to save money.
Opinions vary widely on sex-education review committee
Answering the question about what Volusia public schools should include in their sex-education program isn’t likely to be an easy task for a committee whose members found out Wednesday how widely their views differ on the issue.
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