Broward Schools & Property Tax Edition: Capitol to Courthouse Headliners–February 24
Feb 25, 2009
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Using billions of dollars in federal-stimulus money to plug holes, Gov. Charlie Crist released a $66.5 billion budget proposal Friday that would increase funding for public schools.
Fla. Budget Likely to See More Spending Cuts
After cutting $7 billion in spending during the past two years, Florida lawmakers are likely to do more slashing to balance another tight budget, but they’re also looking at two previously taboo revenue-raising options: tax increases and gambling.
Lawmakers: Finding money for education No. 1 priority
Anticipated funding keeps changing, which complicates the issue.
Nearly 100 people packed a room at The Shultz Center for Teaching and Leadership to hear state lawmakers and educators say they still don’t know the true impact of the state’s financial crisis on education, or how they’re going to get out of it.
At least two bills in the Legislature look to dig schools out of funding crisis
Angst over the education funding crisis in Florida is reaching fever pitch, but there is a barely-perceptible silver lining, said Robert Weissert.
Spend stimulus now, regret it later, Gov. Charlie Crist is warned
Gov. Charlie Crist is eagerly accepting federal stimulus money, but other state officials fear the cure is worse than the ailment.
School lunch equipment. Solar energy rebates. New radios for prison guards.
These programs are among the dozens that Gov. Charlie Crist wants to fund with up to $7.9 billion in federal stimulus money over the next two budget years.
Florida congressmen seek waiver to use stimulus money in schools
The Treasure Coast’s congressmen, including two who voted against the $787 billion economic stimulus bill, have joined a group of Florida House members in seeking a waiver so the money can be used in the Sunshine State’s schools.
EDITORIAL: Don’t shortchange Florida public schools when administering stimulus package
Stimulus package comes with a catch that could penalize this state’s schools
So much for fiscal responsibility.
Broward schools’ cutback possibilities are plentiful
School district officials will start sifting through a long list of possible cuts as they prepare for an even leaner budget for next year.
Fewer sports games in middle school.
‘Bleeding’ schools: Red attire symbolizes budget cuts
The “Wear Red Day” was one of several themed events this week that will culminate with a statewide “Make Our Schools A Priority!” rally Saturday in Orlando.
Some schools unscrew light bulbs, bar coffeepots to save money
Chop, chop, chop. Since October 2007, the state has cut $1.4 billion of core funding from public schools.
Some districts have closed schools. Many have frozen teacher pay. One has unscrewed the light bulbs from its vending machines. But with revenues continuing to fall, the worst may be yet to come.
How to revive Florida’s economy
Florida is at an economic crossroads.
New Property-Tax Cuts: Reinvent Local Government
For city and county governments, the script for the upcoming legislative session will have an all too familiar ring to it.
EDITORIAL: Sales Tax Exemptions–Apply Tax Evenly in Florida
If ever there was a time in Tallahassee when ideas should trump ideology, now is that time.
Professor William L. Bainbridge: Collecting big pay is Florida school boards’ idea of altruism?
As Florida school districts face the most pressing financial crisis in modern history, an opportunity has once again surfaced that would help level the playing field of school governance with the other 49 states.
Angry parents crowd Brevard education meeting
It was always going to be a tough audience.
As Brevard County’s legislative delegation took their seats Monday before an overflow crowd at the King Center — a crowd that officials estimated totaled 10,000 inside and out — a chant rose from the room: “Save our schools.”
Hernando School Board says cuts in teacher pay, principal hours are bad ideas
Teacher pay cuts and reductions in principal hours are to be avoided in this budget-slashing year, the Hernando County School Board decided Monday.
$37 million in school budget cuts could be Pasco’s best-case scenario
Pasco County schools’ worst-case budget scenario of a week ago has become its best looking scenario this week as Florida’s economic outlook continues to darken.
Officials May Ease Rule on Class Size
With economy sagging, lawmakers to consider resolution to back off from 2002 amendment.
Like many parents, Jeannette George values the small class sizes at her son’s elementary school.
Is 4-day week in schools’ future?
Kids in Florida public schools could be going to classes four days a week instead of five next fall if the Legislature lets financially strapped school districts adopt the cost-saving measure.
Virtual schools become an option for students
Starting this summer, all Florida school districts will be required by law to set up virtual schools for kindergartners through eighth-graders.
Pasco girl Jessica Howard, 7, pushes petition to change online education law
Jessica Howard, 7, has received support for her petition to overturn a law that requires a year of public school before being able to take virtual classes.
Universities and Prepaid College program reach agreement to insure solvency
An uncertain future for Florida higher education costs has pushed a landmark agreement between the state’s universities and the popular Prepaid College program that both sides hope will keep them fiscally afloat.
Scripps grand opening in Jupiter ushers in ‘bioscience century’
Why here? Why now? Why is Scripps Florida important?
From the Florida Office of Economic and Demographic Research
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