Broward Schools & Property Tax Edition: Capitol to Courthouse Headliners–Sept. 14

Click on a headline to read the complete story:

 

Budget session rises again

After a stalemate, Republicans now say they will convene a budget-cutting session after all.

TALLAHASSEE – One week after their planned budget-cutting session collapsed in a stalemate, legislative leaders now say they have made progress and will convene early next month.

 

Legislators Closing In On Balanced Budget

TALLAHASSEE – The Florida Legislature will meet in a rescheduled special session next month after its leadership announced Thursday it is close to an agreement that would eliminate a $1.5 billion shortfall in the state budget.

 

Justices Dump Precedent, Force Voters To OK Bonds

TALLAHASSEE – Organizations representing cities, counties and school districts said Thursday that they want the Florida Supreme Court to rehear a bond case they fear could jeopardize billions of dollars worth of construction projects across the state.

 

Study: Super homestead exemption unlikely to pass

TALLAHASSEE – While the chances of voter approval seem to be fading by the day, less than half of Florida homeowners would take advantage of a “super” homestead exemption that Republican lawmakers put on the Jan. 29 ballot.

 

Schools question high court’s ruling

Construction projects at risk

Organizations representing cities, counties and school districts said Thursday they want the Florida Supreme Court to rehear a bond case they fear could jeopardize billions of dollars in construction projects across the state.

 

Slots no financial jackpot, Hallandale Beach gripes

Slot machines at Hallandale Beach’s two parimutuel facilities — Mardi Gras Racetrack and Gaming Center and Gulfstream Park Racing & Casino — have failed to bring in the dollars the city anticipated.

 

Urgent! Act now or developers will suffer!

When an envelope arrives bearing the words “extremely urgent,” it probably means one of two things:

 

Florida Democrats backing down on Jan. 29 primary

Florida Democrats, unable to work out a compromise to avoid harsh sanctions imposed by the Democratic National Committee, appear ready to give in and declare the Jan. 29 presidential primary meaningless.

 

County braces for tax outcry

Despite budget cuts of $9-million as part of a state mandate, officials expect unhappy property owners.

BROOKSVILLE – Back before soaring property values and rising tax bills were the rule, it was noteworthy if even a handful of taxpayers showed up for county budget hearings.

 

New, improved teacher merit pay still draws opposition

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP) — The Florida Legislature’s new and improved teacher merit pay plan may have passed with grudging union support, but teachers still don’t like it and some school districts have declined to participate, turning down millions of dollars in state bonus money.

 

Thompson questions ‘No Child’

JACKSONVILLE, Fla.- Republican presidential candidate Fred Thompson said Thursday that President Bush’s signature education program isn’t working and that he would provide federal education money with fewer strings attached.

 

Broward County schools get high safety marks in survey

Campus-life survey’s feedback helps district win $7.6 million grant

Ever wonder what kids really think about school beyond the nonspecific but often-given response of, “Fine”?

 

State House candidate criticized for ‘white activism’

A state House candidate in the Tampa area is drawing criticism for his affiliation with a group that promotes the creation of “white-only living spaces” and has distributed fliers criticizing the war in Iraq as only benefiting Israel.

 

Schools: Fund age law or drop it

Having been a guidance counselor for 14 years, Carol Sanek knows it’s easier to talk an older kid out of dropping out.

 

Keep budget hearing instructive and civil

Play nice. Most folks heard, and hopefully heeded, that advice when they were toddlers. Even so, it sometimes bears repeating to adults. Tonight may one of those times.

 

Pell grants boosted

Our Opinion: Financial Aid Will Help Lift Low-Income Students

One of the few pieces of legislation produced by the 110th U.S. Congress is the College Cost Reduction and Access Act — the largest overhaul of federal education funding in six decades.

 

School forum puts focus on flexibility

Officials listen to suggestions on No Child Left Behind.

LAND O’LAKES – Kathleen Zagaros came to the meeting with a simple message: Don’t look at all kids the same when assessing their academic skills.

 

A Grand Day At School

MANGO – Gloria Moyer met her husband, Kenneth, while both were students at Mango Elementary School. She packed her own children off to school there when they were young.