Broward Schools & Property Tax Edition: Capitol to Courthouse Headliners–March 19
Mar 19, 2009
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Thousands rally in Tallahassee to protest cuts to Florida schools
From communities throughout the state, parents, teachers and students converged Wednesday on the Capitol.
Blueprint for education board sticks to Republican principles during economic crisis
It reads like a prescription from Florida’s Republican platform: Jettison the class-size amendment, stop paying teachers based on seniority or giving them raises for earning advanced degrees, expand school choice options, such as charter schools, and continue the FCAT and add more rigorous assessments.
Florida‘s Budget: ‘Pretty Darned Good?’ Not Hardly
Florida lawmakers learned last week that state tax revenues for next year are expected to decline for an unprecedented fourth year in a row.
In Tallahassee today, it’s all about the money
From reducing prison costs to grappling with the state’s prepaid college funds, the state Legislature turns its attention Thursday to virtually every aspect of the state budget.
Editorial: Time to free school districts of class-size amendment burden
Schools need greater flexibility to meet requirements of smaller-classroom rules
The collision was inevitable — state budget cuts for education are racing headlong toward a violent encounter with Florida’s voter-approved class-size reduction amendment.
Orange County schools in $240 million hole
The budget sinkhole for Orange County schools — the country’s 11th-largest district — has grown to a staggering $240 million for next school year as sales- and property-tax revenue continue their historic free fall.
State bills target Bright Futures costs
A measure that would require Bright Futures scholarship students to pay back the state if they drop college courses, saving $30 million a year, is making its way through the House.
Central Florida Schools May Start New Year Without Principals
Budget-crunched elementary schools could open in Central Florida this fall without principals.
Manatee County Schools consider impact-fee freeze
With no student growth and the economic downturn, the Manatee County school board wants to give builders a break through a moratorium on impact fees.
Column: Florida can’t afford cheap tuition
Florida has an important decision to make: Do we want our state universities to be known for a high-quality education or bargain basement degrees?
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