Broward Schools & Property Tax Edition: Capitol to Courthouse Headliners–June 30
Jun 30, 2009
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Editorial: Republicans in the Legislature failed Florida’s schools
There is one very simple reason why 400 teachers are losing their jobs in Broward County –Republican legislative leaders have callously refused over several years to adequately fund Florida?s public schools.
New state laws take effect July 1
On July 1, a yearly ritual takes place in Florida: a crop of new laws passed by legislators and signed by the governor takes effect.
Cigarette tax increase among new Fla. laws
Smokers will pay an additional $1 tax on a pack of cigarettes under one of 65 new state laws going into effect Wednesday, including a $66.5 billion budget.
State’s revenue collections beat forecast
For three years, collections had been overestimated. Some say it’s an indicator the recession is slowing.
A report was released this week showing that state revenue was up in May, this following the 16 percent increase in existing housing sales between May 2008 and May 2009, and it may be one more indicator the recession has begun to slow.
In a blaring online video making the rounds in some real-estate circles, two men wearing black shirts denounce changes in the way properties now get appraised.
Palm Beach County still uncertain on proposed 14.9 percent tax-rate hike
Commissioners continued to nibble away at ways to cut the county’s cash-strapped budget today, but stopped short of saying whether they will endorse a 14.9 percent increase in the countywide property tax rate.
Three Miami-Dade cities now free from county fees
Three city mayors celebrated an early Independence Day with sparklers, pomp and ceremony as election results were released at the Miami-Dade County Elections office in Doral.
Learn more about Hillsborough County budget
The Tampa Tribune recently compiled a list of the most frequently asked questions and comments we hear from citizens and employees about the county budget and possible cuts to services or jobs.
West Park: The little city that could
This place was supposed to be bankrupt by now. But in its fourth year of existence, the 2.2 square miles no one wanted to annex has blossomed into a thriving city at a time many other Broward municipalities are struggling to maintain services without raising taxes or laying off employees.
Budget stalls plans for better roads in Orange
A steep drop in construction and a weakening of the state’s growth laws could drain away $70 million or more in development fees that Orange County elected leaders were counting on to build new or wider roads during the next five years.
Merging state and federal ratings lumps disparate Pasco schools together
When it comes to school performance, Lake Myrtle Elementary sits in an elite crowd.
It’s one of just 33 schools in Florida to earn an A each year since the state started grading schools 11 years ago.
Broward teachers bargain for raises in hard times
South Florida teachers unions are starting what could be months of negotiations for pay increases in these bleak economic times.
Twenty-three years ago, proponents sold voters on the Florida Lottery by pledging that revenues generated by state-run gambling would be a boon to public education.
Some believe Seminoles will balk at pulling blackjack out of casinos
Is the noose tightening around Seminole Casino Immokalee’s blackjack tables, or will they remain in play?
Data suggest more moving out of Florida
Once the dream of many a retiree and young person seeking to live in paradise, the prospect of living in Florida seems to be less attractive in the current economic downturn.
State set to ‘intervene’ in two South Florida schools
Two schools — one in Broward, one in Palm Beach County — are among the 17 in Florida that will get the highest levels of state and school district intervention next year to help students make learning gains.
Employee furloughs among cost-saving moves Collier County is considering
Collier County leaders struggled Monday deciding on next year’s budget cuts.
Pinellas teachers tie furloughs to pay hikes
Leaders of the Pinellas teachers union said they will agree to a one-day furlough and help the district save $2.4 million.
Blog: Gov. Crist sets new rules for Florida charter schools into law
The second time proved a charm for Sen. Don Gaetz’s effort to put more controls onto Florida’s charter schools (many of which have closed for mismanagement, poor performance, money woes or worse).
U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson pushes teacher performance pay
Political lines are blurring so much on education reform, it’s hard not to get dizzy.
Florida voucher students learning no more, no less than public school students, study shows
Florida students using corporate tax credit vouchers to attend private schools are making about the same academic progress as their peers in public schools, according to the results of a long-awaited study obtained by the Gradebook this morning.
Website estimates education’s effect on health, crime, income
Researchers have known for decades that rising education levels positively influence a host of social factors: income, health, voting rates and even the likelihood that a person will stay out of prison.
1 in 4 drops out of high school, but some cities improve
The high school dropout problem is getting better in some big cities where it’s most severe, a national study found, but the overall situation remains dismal, as more than one in four kids drops out of high school nationwide.
Educators Share Successes Against All Odds at the Digital Equity Summit
Educators from across the country shared inspirational stories at the Digital Equity Summit, a part of the 30th annual National Educational Computing Conference (NECC).
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