Broward Schools & Property Tax Edition: Capitol to Courthouse Headliners–Aug. 24

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Lawmakers desert property tax amendment

Top senator says the ‘super exemption’ does not do enough to fix tax problems

A plan for one of the biggest overhauls of the property tax system in Florida history is faltering even before it reaches voters.

 

Tax relief could end up costing homeowners

As homeowners open their annual tax notices, elected property appraisers in Central Florida are hoping to lure them to their jazzed-up Internet sites to learn more about proposed “super exemption” rules that could affect how much they pay to support local government.

 

“Super exemptions” could cost local budgets millions

Appraisers figure the impact of “super homestead.”

Want a bigger tax break? Get ready for some sacrifices, local leaders say.  Governments across the Tampa Bay region are bracing for deep repercussions if voters sign off on the super homestead exemption, the second part of the state’s plan to curtail property tax revenue.

 

Hebrew charter school halts language classes over concerns

A charter school has been ordered to temporarily suspend Hebrew classes while officials try to determine whether teachers are advocating the Jewish faith.

 

Reforms necessary to reduce corruption

The year 2007 may well be the year the average citizen has had enough of government inadequacy. The U.S. Congress hit an all time low of a 14 percent favorability rating. The president is now at 33 percent and considers that an improvement. Four commissioners have been indicted in Palm Beach County.

 

Board leans toward slow transition

A gradual move to neighborhood schools would cut into savings.

LARGO — The Pinellas School Board tentatively decided Thursday that the transition to a system of neighborhood schools should occur gradually and without the mass uprooting of children the district once contemplated.

 

Charter schools’ operator sues district

The nonprofit company that runs Osprey and Sawgrass charter schools filed a lawsuit against Brevard Public Schools in an attempt to delay next week’s expected school board decision to close the troubled charters.

 

Florida’s School Grading System Needs A Turn Under The Spotlight

Testing is essential to evaluating both students and schools. School accountability is impossible without it.

 

School district amends health benefits

For the last two years, Palm Beach County School District employees who wanted health insurance for their domestic partners had to pay twice as much as a traditional couple, but under a new agreement the district will equalize the costs beginning in January.

 

Move may violate state law

School Board member Jennifer Faliero moves from her district after divorce.

TAMPA – Although elected to represent east Hillsborough on the School Board, Jennifer Faliero has moved out of that community and is living in a condominium on Davis Islands.

 

Change could ease Tri-Rail delays

POMPANO BEACH — An agreement has been reached allowing the regional authority that operates Tri-Rail to realize its long-sought goal of being in charge of train dispatching and track maintenance, but without a serious infusion of cash it may not happen.

 

Gov. Charlie Crist likely will seek Legislature’s approval of slots deal with Seminoles

Seminole pact first must meet U.S. deadline

Gov. Charlie Crist said Thursday he likely will seek the Legislature’s approval of the agreement he is negotiating with the Seminole Tribe of Florida over what forms of gambling it can have at its seven casinos.