Broward Schools & Property Tax Edition: Capitol to Courthouse Headliners–July 30
Jul 30, 2008
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Three Education Revenue Estimating Conferences Held July 25
Meeting materials and reports
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Cut-down Broward schools budget moves ahead
Broward school leaders moved ahead with a budget $300 million smaller than last year’s.
The first draft of a pared-down Broward school district budget that includes the freezing of 200 unfilled staff positions was approved by School Board members with little fanfare Tuesday night.
Broward schools may face millions more in budget cuts
The Broward County School Board gave initial approval Tuesday to a $5.05 billion budget for the upcoming school year, but focused much of its discussion on potential budget cuts that could mean slashing millions more from its spending plan
COMMENTARY:Â Tax Swap Could Be Bait And Switch
Back in the 1990s, former Gov. Lawton Chiles compared Florida to an 18-wheeler running on a Model T engine. He was referring to the state’s antiquated tax system developed before World War II when the state was the least-populated in the South.
Debate rages over proposed school funding change
State amendment would reduce property taxes, but at what cost?
Do you trust your state legislators not to levy sales taxes against the purchase of metered water, school textbooks and lunches, dry cleaning or items bought by a local government?
Churches extend religious tax exemptions to additional properties
It’s a remarkable home, even in an upscale Coral Springs neighborhood: 12,000 square feet, manicured grounds, a guest house, five-car garage and a pair of lion statues gracing the entrance.
Regional Report Central Florida in 60 seconds
Learn about proposal to drop Florida school tax
Sen. Mike Haridopolos, R-Indialantic, will have a public forum on the proposed statewideproperty-tax swap at 1 p.m. Tuesday at Valencia Community College.
It’s a question that comes up every summer when the board adopts and advertises a proposed millage rate and budget. And it’s an entirely legitimate question -especially this year, when the district’s financial situation is so dire.
EDITORIAL:Â State Lawmakers Deserve Blame For School Property Tax Hike
Taxpayers, your school taxes are going up this year – even though you were promised they would “drop like a rock.” You should feel hoodwinked.
Plan links pot, property taxes
Homes that double as marijuana greenhouses and meth labs could see a higher tax bill under a plan unfurled by one Brevard County Property Appraiser candidate.
Misleading amendment would gut school funding, force deep budget cuts
The tax reform plan voters could see on ballots this fall offers a tempting 25 percent cut toproperty taxes starting in 2010.
Stuart’s Rep. Snyder foresees more cuts in Florida’s budget
Further cuts to Florida’s $66.2 billion, 2008-2009 budget might be coming, state Rep. William Snyder said.
Dade schools’ Crew hits back at chief critic
Embattled Superintendent Rudy Crew accused a board member of playing politics; Renier Diaz de la Portilla said he’ll still push for Crew’s firing.
Miami-Dade Schools chief Rudy Crew broke his silence about his beleaguered administration Tuesday, blasting the School Board member who has called for his ouster.
The St. Lucie County School District, facing millions less in revenue, as well as rising costs and an uncertain future, has raised temperatures, left buses dirty and positions vacant, delayed construction projects, shuffled employees around and cut athletics.
20-day suspension ahead for principal in enrollment audit?
Palm Beach County Schools Superintendent Art Johnson has overruled his administrators who recommended firing a middle school principal accused of inflating enrollment figures and awarding fake grades, documents released today show.
Volusia Union leader says schools chief going too far with cuts
A simmering dispute boiled over Thursday as the Volusia teachers union president accused top school system officials of misleading the public about the district’s financial straits.
School district, teacher talks set on health insurance costs
The focus on contract negotiations between the Manatee School District and Manatee Education Association on Thursday turned to health insurance.
Schools chief defends use of money for teaching program
Lake County School Superintendent Anna Cowin defended herself Monday against the School Board auditor’s report holding her responsible for using about $485,000 of district funds to advance a now-defunct teaching program.
Payroll Mistakes Still Plague Polk Schools
Seven additional mistakes, including an $11,005 overpayment to an employee, have recently been found and are connected to 86 previous payroll errors that have been widely reported.
FIU gives Marco Rubio a $69,000 job
Outgoing state House Speaker Marco Rubio got a $69,000 part-time job at cash-strapped FIU. School officials said the hiring made good sense.
Florida House Speaker Marco Rubio has landed a part-time job at Florida International University that pays $69,000, amid layoffs and tuition hikes caused by what the university president called ”the most serious budget crisis in our history.”
State Board of Education Member Kathleen Shanahan:Â A plan for schools
Listen to superintendents
Leslie Postal’s examination of Florida’s 13 failing high schools is a sad reality in a system that otherwise has raised student achievement in Florida’s public schools. As a member of the State Board of Education, I believe in accountability.
The Broward School Board has approved a new anti-bullying policy to broaden the definition of bullying and track offenders.
Broward has become the first Florida school district to put in place a new anti-bullying policy before year’s end, as required by law.
High-achieving, low-income students earn scholarships in Broward
Two Broward County students are among nationwide winners of a scholarship awarded to high-achieving, low-income students so they can transfer to four-year universities.
Pledge of allegiance ruling may spur suits
A court ruling has opened the door for Florida public-school students to challenge rules on reciting the pledge of allegiance.
A former Palm Beach County high school student’s desire not to stand during the pledge of allegiance was supported by a federal appeals court this week — though the court wouldn’t go as far as to say that means every student in Florida is exempt from standing during the school-day ritual.
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