Broward Schools & Property Tax Edition: Capitol to Courthouse Headliners–September 17
Sep 17, 2010
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Broward School Board approves property tax hike, $3.4 billion budget
Saying it had no choice but to bend to the will of parents and teachers, the Broward School Board approved a property tax increase in order to comply with new class-size limits in core courses such as math, science and English.
Another Florida property tax challenge rejected
A Florida appeal court has rejected another challenge to an amendment that gives property tax breaks for primary homeowners.
More than a half-billion in U.S. aid on way to Florida schools
Funds may save 9,000 jobs in the state schools, officials say
Florida’s public schools will get more than $554 million to shore up depleted budgets and save education jobs, the U.S. Department of Education has announced.
Florida Supreme Court gets class size amendment case
As expected, the Florida Supreme Court has received a challenge to a ballot proposal that would loosen Florida’s class size limits.
Palm Beach County School District hopes voters will support extending special tax
The Palm Beach County School District, citing financial shortcomings and critical operating needs, is holding a Nov. 2 referendum to continue a special property tax that otherwise would expire after this year.
Teachers vote on $500 bonuses in Palm Beach County
Glitches reported by union as two days of voting commences
Computer glitches surfaced Thursday as Palm Beach County teachers began two days of contract ratification voting online.
Palm Beach County tentatively approves 9 percent tax increase
Final vote on $4 billion budget set for Sept. 28
Palm Beach County property tax rates would increase for the second year in a row under a $4 billion budget that county commissioners gave the initial go-ahead Tuesday night.
Duval County School Board action: Increase in property tax approved
The board finalized the district’s 2010-11 budget and property tax rate. The budget is $1.8 billion, with a tax rate of 7.844 mills.
Jacksonville City Council looks to address new Duval County tax rates
Potential savings may be redirected to meet other agreements
Duval County property owners could pay a little less in property taxes than what Jacksonville Mayor John Peyton initially proposed for the upcoming fiscal year, thanks to about $4 million in cost-cutting by the City Council’s Finance Committee.
Sarasota School Board OKs tax-bumping budget
The School Board approved its 2010-11 budget on Tuesday, a $395 million spending plan built in part on the largest tax increase since 2003.
Orange, Seminole school boards pass budgets with extra property tax
Both districts approve optional tax of 25 cents per $1,000
School boards in Orange and Seminole counties gave final approval to their 2010-11 budgets Tuesday night, and both chose to levy an extra property tax to help make up for recent state funding cuts.
Marion County School Board to increase millage rate
Falling property values have hurt the general budget
The Marion County School Board settled on a $541.3 million budget Tuesday night and agreed to nudge its millage rate up by 0.009 mills.
Property tax rate drops under tentative Volusia budget
The Volusia County Council unanimously sent a message to taxpayers Thursday night: If you have a larger tax bill next year, it’s not our fault.
Brevard Commission OKs tax rate increase
$24M put back in 2010-11 budget
Suzanne Valencia asked Brevard County commissioners to envision pothole-pitted roads, long, scraggly grass in the parks and beaches without a lifeguard in sight.
Commentary: Parents are demanding that Florida educate its children
Recently, history was made in Florida. The Florida Supreme Court held that the citizen-plaintiffs had stated a claim worth pursuing at trial – that the Florida Legislature is violating its “paramount duty” to provide and fund a uniform, efficient, safe, secure and high quality system of free public schools as required by Article IX, Section 1 of the Florida Constitution.
Federal K-12 Funding Muddies Electoral Waters
The massive flow of federal funding into schools has created a new and unfamiliar political dynamic in state elections this fall, with many candidates voicing concerns about the government involvement while acknowledging its role in saving jobs, propping up budgets, and supporting innovations in education.
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