Broward Schools & Property Tax Edition: Capitol to Courthouse Headliners–August 28
Aug 28, 2008
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Supreme Court moves up amendment hearings
The Florida Supreme Court has moved up hearings on challenges to three proposed state constitutional amendments to meet a Sept. 5 ballot deadline. The justices Wednesday agreed to hear the cases two days before that date, when ballots for the Nov. 4 election will be set. Oral arguments previously were to be held three days after the deadline.
State economist says Florida facing more budget troubles
Think Florida’s budget is bad now? You haven’t seen anything yet.
A top state economist said Wednesday that Gov. Charlie Crist and lawmakers could have to plug a $3.5 billion budget hole next year as Florida’s housing-driven economy continues to sputter.
Fla. facing $3.5 billion budget hole in 2009-10
Lawmakers reacted with calm Wednesday to a new forecast that they could be facing a $3.5 billion budget hole in the 2009-10 fiscal year.
COLUMN: A New Perspective–Readers respond to last weeks tax talk
You sure let me have it on last weeks column. There was quite a discrepancy in taxes, depending on when you purchased your home and where it was located.
COLUMN: Another appraiser we can blame
The voters have spoken, but not many of them.
If ‘voters’ means ‘people registered to vote,’ most stayed home in droves. Or, in the case of people who work long hours, they stayed at work in droves.
Broward County cities trimming budgets: Does anyone notice?
It was a tough decision, one Sunrise officials were reluctant to make. But faced with a $6 million shortfall, the city this fiscal year sliced its popular Sunrise Loves Our Seniors socials.
Broward Superintendent Jim Notter will now serve until 2011
Superintendent Jim Notter will lead the Broward school district until at least 2011, according to an extension approved Wednesday.
Broward School Board incumbents win decisive victories
Big spending helped Broward School Board incumbents Robin Bartleman and Beverly Gallagher win decisive victories, but a southeast Broward seat was too close to call late Tuesday.
In a heated race for a southwest Broward School Board seat Tuesday night, two-term incumbent Beverly Gallagher fended off parent activist and part-time school counselor Henry Rose.
Broward election results by district and race.
Cash had big role in 3 narrow Broward races
Large campaign war chests might have cast the deciding vote in three hotly contested Broward races.
After a night — and day — of counting votes, three fundraising front-runners proved what could be the golden rule of politics: Whoever has the gold, rules.
Miami-Dade School Board shocker may spell end for Rudy Crew
Incumbent School Board Member Evelyn Greer lost her seat to a little-known principal, signaling trouble for embattled Miami-Dade Superintendent Rudy Crew — Greer was one of his staunchest supporters.
In an election night shocker that could spell the end of embattled Superintendent Rudy Crew’s tenure in Miami, incumbent School Board member Evelyn Greer lost her seat to a retired principal whose recent offer to stay on the job for a $1 salary was rebuffed by the district.
Miami-Dade voters want to keep Children’s Trust
Miami-Dade voters chose to renew The Children’s Trust, a taxpayer-funded group that helps pay for hundreds of youth services.
Miami-Dade County taxpayers on Tuesday voted heavily in favor of continuing to pay for a broad spectrum of children’s programs benefiting tens of thousands of kids every year.
Two School Board seats decided; District 5 race heads to runoff
Incumbent Mark Hansen, challenger Frank Barbieri still competing for District 5
The race for Palm Beach County School Board District 5 appears headed for a runoff election on Nov. 4, while contests for two other board seats likely were decided Tuesday.
Broward Smart School charter loses state funding, likely to close
The Broward School Board had backed down from its plans to close a charter school that had three F grades in four years. Now, it will likely be closed after the state said it is withholding its operating money.
Just a month ago, students and staff at a Lauderdale Lakes charter school were celebrating a Broward School Board decision to hold off shutting down the school despite three years of failing Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test grades.
Pay hikes sought for teachers, other staff in Pasco
Negotiators for Pasco’s 4,000 teachers are asking for their step increases, which have been delayed since July, plus a 3 percent raise.
Sarasota teachers spared pink slips
School and union officials found jobs for all of their teachers on Wednesday, ending months of anxiety over whether a tight budget and low enrollment would lead to layoffs.
Tampa school offers single-gender classes
The door that divides the sexes has a sign on it: Girls Rule Boys Drool. It’s on the girls’ side, of course, separating two fourth-grade classes at James Elementary School. On the other side of the door, a class of boys sees things differently. “Girls are always arguing and they don’t forget stuff,” said 9-year-old Jose Muniz. His classmate Rodney Higdon has figured it out. “Girls are always worried about who likes who.”
His Foundation for Florida’s Future released its ‘report card’ Wednesday. It’s based on issues that Bush, a Republican, favors such as expanding school vouchers, which let students attend private schools at public expense.
Ex-Gov. Bush grades Fla. lawmakers in report card
As governor, Jeb Bush graded Florida’s schools and now he’s grading state lawmakers.
Florida below average in SAT scores
Florida’s average SAT score remained below the national average for the 30th consecutive year. Results of the high school class of 2008 SAT tests were released Tuesday, showing no significant gains statewide or nationwide.
Lagging economy could mean more cuts
Classes were larger and more expensive for freshmen who began college life at Florida State University on Monday.
State budget cuts have been a challenge for FSU officials to absorb while still trying to maintain the standard of education the university offers.
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