Broward Schools & Property Tax Edition: Capitol to Courthouse Headliners–October 28
Oct 28, 2008
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UPDATE CAPITOL BLOG: Leon judge rejects Save Our Homes challenge
A Leon County circuit judge has dismissed a lawsuit by a Tallahassee couple and others who challenged Amendment 1 and the Save Our Homes property-tax cap that protects more than $404 billion from taxation each year.
Those amendments on the Nov. 5 ballot: What they mean
Although major ballot questions on school property taxes and vouchers were removed by the courts, voters still face a roster of six amendments they’ll vote up or down Nov. 4. Each requires 60 percent approval to pass:
COLUMN: Surge of new voters raises bar for amendments to qualify for ballot
Florida’s potential for a record-breaking voter turnout on Nov. 4 could have an ironic consequence for the citizen groups trying to amend the state’s constitution.
State Representative Larry Cretul: State not shortchanging schools
Mark McGrifff made this point in his piece “Local schools need your help” in the Oct. 19 Gainesville Sun and on this point I agree with him.
Broward County cities face $1.1 billion pension shortfall
As the housing market surged and tax revenues poured in over the past decade, 19 municipalities in Broward used some of the extra cash to sweeten employee pensions. They boosted payouts, lowered the age to qualify or granted annual cost of living increases, according to a Sun Sentinel investigation.
Broward school audits reveal district lost thousands of high-end items, costing millions
More than 300 computers. Sixty-two musical instruments ranging from a piccolo to a piano. A pressure washer.
All purchased with your tax dollars. All misplaced, mislabeled, stolen or tossed out without the proper paperwork. All unaccounted for, from just one Broward County school – Dillard High in Fort Lauderdale.
Gov. Crist supports property tax break for conservation land
Gov. Charlie Crist has endorsed the constitutional amendment on the Nov. 4 ballot that would create a property tax break for conservation land.
Amendment 3 would give green homes a tax break
Ingemar and Janet Persson hadn’t heard about a tax break for adding renewable energy sources to homes when they started a major 2,300 square-foot addition on their Sarasota home.
Election 2008: Preserving land outweighs negatives of Amendment 4, some say
Cindy Hackney values her corner of Old Florida along the Suwannee River for its peace and quiet.
Florida’s economy is in transition. We at the often are asked, ‘Where does Florida go next?’ Florida never will go back to being a low-cost state. But what will Florida look like in 2030? We are still on pace to add 10 million residents, and Florida needs to plan better and grow smarter during the influx of the next 10 million than we did when the last 10 million were arriving.
Florida’s 109 specialty license plates raise money, awareness
For Beverly Kohn, the specialty Florida license tag showing a pink ribbon and the message ‘End Breast Cancer’ on the back of her Honda Accord is a way for her to help raise awareness about a disease that has attacked her body three times since 1985.
EDITORIAL: Schools can’t save anymore? Don’t drink school officials’ Cool-Aid
A sour economy affords the opportunity for innovation and efficiency in education
Treasure Coast school officials who say they’ve ‘run out of places’ to cut costs aren’t looking hard enough.
Voters debate higher property tax
In a darkened classroom at Gainesville High, nearly 30 students sit at computer screens as teacher Tony Malo explains how to grab a picture from the Internet and post it to a Web page.
Vasilinda proposes repeal of aviation gas tax
A legislative candidate proposed repeal of the aviation fuel tax Monday for commercial flights to and from Tallahassee, saying Florida’s capital is being financially “strangled” by poor air service.
Broward schools help teens cast their first votes
Broward’s school system is organizing bus trips to help students reach a milestone: casting a presidential ballot.
Growing up in Florida, a two-hour wait to exercise your patriotic duty can conjure up a certain other memory.
Collier schools budget referendum: Defeat dangerous, official says
They also are campaigning for a Collier County School District referendum that district officials say is necessary to keep programs not mandated by the state available to students.
Charter schools raise concerns
Leon County now has five charter schools and may be getting a sixth next year
At least one more charter school will open its doors next year, offering parents yet another alternative for their children’s educations. But while some parents are supportive of Leon County’s charter schools, others express some concern.
Number of school students slipping
74,000 enrolled in public education
Brevard Public Schools enrolled 1,235 fewer students this year, the third straight fall with a decline.
Gloomy economy creates uncertainty for Florida’s colleges and universities
Private colleges, universities fear impact of poor economy
A poor economy and troubled financial market is creating some uncertainty at Florida’s colleges and universities.
University president to serve as interim head of Florida Board of Governors
A president of a Florida university will serve as interim chancellor of the Florida Board of Governors once Mark Rosenberg steps down in February.
Panel to pick new Fla. chancellor by July 1, 2009
A committee looking for a new State University System chancellor wants to expand its search beyond academia to business and other fields, but salary limitations may complicate that effort.
Florida can’t afford to cut ESOL training
L earning a foreign language can be daunting. In Florida, there are almost a quarter-million public-school students learning English for the first time. They’re expected to pass the FCAT in a year.
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