Broward Schools & Property Tax Edition: Capitol to Courthouse Headliners–July 23
Jul 23, 2009
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Many Florida school boards raising property taxes
Many Florida school board members are griping because state lawmakers left it up to them to pass property tax increases instead of making that decision in Tallahassee.
School Board approves stripped-down capital budget
Blueprint given initial approval would trim more than $2 billion from construction in Broward
Facing a budget crunch and predictions of more than 34,000 empty classroom seats in just a few years, Broward School Board members gave initial approval Wednesday to a stripped-down version of its capital budget.
- Broward schools construction budget cut sharply
- Broward schools chief Jim Notter trims his own benefits
Broward School board votes to shut West Park charter school
The pleas of a community did not persuade the Broward School Board to save a struggling West Park charter school, and the board revoked its charter on Tuesday.
Palm Beach school district, teachers discuss possible new pay structure
Proposal comes as sides negotiate over salaries for 2009-2010
Negotiators for the Palm Beach County School District and teachers union today agreed to hash out a new pay structure that could end the traditional salary scale for teachers.
Palm Beach school district finds money to build new school in the Glades
A new elementary school could open as soon as the fall of 2011, Palm Beach County school district officials said Wednesday.
Facing huge budget gap, Miami poised to set possible tax rate
Facing tough decisions in a tougher budget year, Miami commissioners meet Thursday to set a ”maximum” property tax rate.
Money pouring in to finance redistricting reform
Money is pouring into an effort to address one of the thorniest issues in modern politics: how to curb politicians’ power to gerrymander their own political districts.
Detert, Bill Gates talk education
State Sen. Nancy Detert, R-Sarasota, was among a group of legislators Tuesday discussing education reform with the billionaire founder of Microsoft Corp., Bill Gates.
Broward school district officials report Miriam Oliphant was entitled to top pay
But one School Board member says explanations don’t satisfy her
Broward school district officials, asked to investigate how former elections supervisor Miriam Oliphant vaulted to the top of the pay scale in 16 months as a guidance counselor, reported Wednesday she was entitled to the extra money.
Miami-Dade school for sick kids to stay open
A Miami-Dade County school for children with severe medical problems no longer faces the threat of a shutdown, state education leaders said Wednesday.
Stimulus could pump $31.5M into Manatee schools
The economic stimulus plan will provide at least $31.5 million for Manatee public schools over the next two years.
School bonuses raise anger of Putnam residents
Superintendent defends action, pays for some out of his pocket
Bonuses and promotions given to some employees in the Putnam County Public Schools system – at a time when some teachers have lost their jobs and the School Board is considering a property tax hike – are angering some people in this rural community.
Martin County School Board lowers contract limits
A day after the Martin County School Board approved a rule lowering the dollar amount school officials can write contracts for without prior board approval, a special board meeting is already needed.
Collier teachers, school district closer to a deal in contract negotiations
They can see the light at the end of the tunnel, but the Collier County School District and its teachers still have to overcome one big stumbling block in contract negotiations.
Report: Florida among states with high-school dropout ‘crisis’
Florida is one of 17 states that account for 70 percent of the nation’s dropouts, and one of just five where the dropout “crisis” is pervasive and statewide, according to a report released Wednesday.
- To view a copy of the report, click here.
It’s going to take strong cooperation between lawmakers, the board and the new chief to shield the quality of education in Space Coast schools from more losses during the recession.
Schools warned about FCAT writing
Fast as wildfire. A kaleidoscope of colors. As nervous as a marshmallow in a bonfire. The Florida Department of Education says all these phrases are the work of so-called “Stepford Writers” on the state’s standardized writing test.
Some of the states that have raided their 911 call center funds
A wireless tax introduced in 2005 expired last year, leaving a surplus of $20 million. The money was supposed to go back to cellular subscribers, with each person getting $5. Instead, it will be given to local governments to offset state aid cuts, as Wisconsin deals with a $6.6 billion budget shortfall.
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