Broward Schools & Property Tax Edition: Capitol to Courthouse Headliners–May 20
May 20, 2010
Above: Florida Today editorial cartoon by Jeff Parker
To view a complete story, click on a headline below:
Class size issue on Florida ballot as Amendment 8
The Legislature’s proposed state constitutional amendments on redistricting and class size have officially been added to the Nov. 2 ballot.
The Division of Elections listed the redistricting measure as Amendment 7 on Tuesday and the class size proposal as Amendment 8 on Wednesday.
Broward officials brace for ‘dramatic’ service cuts
More than $100 million must be cut from Broward County’s budget to avoid a property tax rate increase, and county officials are warning of a ”dramatic reduction in services.”
Blog: Florida’s per-pupil spending ranks it 36th nationally
Thirty four states and the District of Columbia spent more per-student in their public schools during the 2007-08 school year than Florida.
Martin School Board postpones tax vote; superintendent says as a result more cuts needed
The Martin County School Board delayed a vote on an additional tax levy and Superintendent Nancy Kline’s $3.1 million budget reduction plan Tuesday.
Florida state board wants lead in resurrecting teacher tenure bill
Florida Board of Education tread close to the role of legislators during a discussion Tuesday morning about the failed teacher reform bill known as Senate Bill 6.
Developers propose major rehab of Swimming Hall of Fame complex
A proposal being studied by the city to rebuild the aging International Swimming Hall of Fame complex features two new Olympic-size swimming pools, an iconic dive tower and state-of-the-art artificial surf machines – and a tab of up to $46.6 million for taxpayers.
Editorial: Crist–political opportunist or populist governor?
Vetoes show support for Floridians vs. special interests on property tax.
This week, Crist also vetoed a tax break for large landowners who feign farming and ranching on valuable tracts in order to qualify for an generous property tax exemption intended to protect working farms. The special interest legislation would have robbed local governments of revenue while doing nothing to safeguard agriculture.
U.S. Department of Education Scrutiny on Clay County schools’ hiring practices
Some say the lack of minority educators shows discrimination.
The U.S. Department of Education will investigate whether the Clay County school district discriminates on the basis of race in its hiring of administrators, teachers and non-instructional personnel.
Hometown Democracy asks Crist to veto ECO bill
Gov. Charlie Crist is being urged to veto the Legislature’s latest attempt at regulating shadowy political committees, with critics saying the measure may give local governments a new weapon to fight a controversial growth management proposal on the November ballot.
Floridians left hanging on solar rebates
Thousands of homeowners and business owners who installed solar systems expecting to be reimbursed for the costs from the Florida Solar Rebate Program could be left footing the bill, if state lawmakers don’t fund the program.
New York Times Book Review: The Death and Life of the Great American School System
The Education of Diane Ravitch
Attending high school in Houston in the 1950s, Diane Ravitch came into contact with a teacher named Ruby Ratliff.
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