Broward Schools & Property Tax Edition: Capitol to Courthouse Headliners–October 7
Oct 7, 2008
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Although the Florida Supreme Court has removed three of the most contentious constitutional amendments from next month’s election, Floridians will still get to decide a half dozen ballot issues, ranging from a ban on same-sex marriages to a measure that would allow local communities to increase the sales tax to support community colleges.
Is Florida in danger of going bankrupt?
When Florida lawmakers expanded the state’s hurricane fund in 2007 to force lower premiums, they tied the ability to deliver billions in insurance coverage to something as volatile as tropical storms: Wall Street.
Florida Legislature talks of giving up executive jet service
The Legislature’s fiscal watchdog said Monday taxpayers could save big money by getting rid of the state’s executive jet and letting Florida’s top officials contend with Tallahassee’s notoriously bad commercial air service. The Office of Program Policy Analysis and Government Accountability also said state legislators – who are desperate to squeeze more out of dismal revenue collections – might want to unload one of the state’s three planes. Or it might outsource round-the-clock service to a private air service, OPPAGA said, except for the governor’s high-security travels.
Florida government offers $571 million in loans to build, buy housing
Trying to take the offensive in an economic crisis, Gov. Charlie Crist signed an executive order Thursday freeing $571 million in state-backed financing that real estate developers and reluctant buyers can tap to build and buy new homes.
Next challenge for stadium could be bonds, updated costs
A sputtering economy and falling costs of materials may boost construction of a new Florida Marlins stadium, but uncertainty in money markets could cause bonding for the project to become more expensive.
Local governments look to private sector in wake of budget cuts
As the city of Tallahassee trimmed its budget for 2009 over the past few months, a program that has been teaching young girls swimming and life skills for the past three decades found itself in jeopardy.
OPINION: Budget cuts could hurt our students
Budget cuts are impacting our classrooms. In Volusia County Schools, budget shortfalls of $45.7 million have led to steep cuts in staff, programs and course offerings. A lean budget and bad economic times do not mean we should stop asking tough questions about the priorities set by the school district. Not only are jobs at stake, but so is the quality of the education our students receive.
School class-size rules may be relaxed in Florida’s budget crunch
School officials consider relaxing the requirements, but only temporarily
Florida’s popular class-size law may be put on ice, thanks to a weakening economy and a statewide budget crisis.
COLUMN: State workers hope someone can deliver
Of all the special interests that send their smiling, confident representatives to the Capitol’s fourth floor, none is more in need — or more deserving — than state employees.
Political deal gave rise to Dade tax twist
Miami-Dade County residents will save money on taxes this year — but less than they would if commissioners hadn’t voted to raise the tax rate. The final budget followed a political back-and-forth.
With Miami-Dade County commissioners accepting the mayor and manager’s budget last month, taxpayers will be able to see the result in black and white on their tax bills.
Local tax rate increases offset relief
Some districts will collect more revenue this year than last
In Lee County, 23 taxing districts raised tax rates above last year, and five of them will collect more property taxes this budget year than last.
EDITORIAL: It’s easy to interpret the silence at local governments’ budget meetings
Little opposition to budget cuts suggests there’s still lot of fat in local government, right?
Silence. This is what local officials heard from constituents when the former recently approved their fiscal budgets.
Jon East: A middle ground on vouchers
In a world increasingly focused on individual learning needs, “private” doesn’t have to be the adversary of “public.”
A decade after vouchers were introduced to Florida as an alternative to public schools judged as failing, the political debate is beginning to mature.
Volusia school officials warn of more budget cuts
After two years and $32 million of state-mandated budget cuts, Volusia County school officials Monday warned there are harder times ahead.
More Volusia teachers laid off as enrollment slips
Kelli Young lost her teaching job last week for the second time in just under four months, dashing her hopes for a classroom career and costing her approval for a mortgage on the new home she and her husband planned to buy.
Study of Brevard contract compares district with 12 largest in Florida
Many Brevard Public Schools officials have said it will be nearly impossible to find money for teacher raises during a year with $50 million cut from the budget so far and at least $10 million more expected.
Orange Schools Save a Bundle by Rescheduling Day
Faced with $94 million in state budget cuts and higher operating costs for its bus system, the Orange County School District flipped classroom hours this fall for high schools and middle schools. The move saved the district $5.7 million in transportation costs but drew criticism from parents who had to rework their family schedules.
Proposal Would Release Students Early Once A Month
Hillsborough County students soon may be getting out of school early one day a month, giving teachers more time to plan lessons but leaving parents with one more scheduling problem to overcome.
Middle school principals say: Save our schools
Whatever your personal politics or interpretation of our forefathers’ urging to “promote the general welfare,” it is difficult to reasonably dispute the correlation that exists between a well-educated populace, its impact on the greater good, and a higher quality of life for all.
Flagler ‘school’ bus drives tech learning outside the classroom
It’s big, it’s blue and it’s the size of a coach bus.
Florida schools struggle to get kids active
Elementary schools statewide are under the gun to offer 150 minutes of physical education a week — in blocks of no less than 30 minutes.
When the talk turns to physical education, several things probably come to mind: running, jumping jacks, team sports, sweat.
Boyd gets research dollars for local campuses
U.S. Congressman Allen Boyd, D-North Florida, secured $21.7 million to go to defense research projects for Florida State and Florida A&M universities and Tallahassee Community College. The money was approved by President Bush on Tuesday night, Boyd said.
Senate Releases Interim Project Report on criminal background screening requirements
The Florida Senate recently released an interim project report from the Committee on Education Pre-K-12 entitled “Review the Criminal Background Screening Requirements for Personnel Employed by Voluntary Prekindergarten Providers.”
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