Library book battles cost Florida school districts big money
The effort to keep certain books out of Florida’s school libraries has become increasingly costly. The Escambia County school district, for instance, has spent nearly $1 million on legal fees in its battle to control the content of its media centers. Other districts have opted to return books to shelves rather than face the costs. More from the Tampa Bay Times and WUSF.
District leaders speak out as dozens of public schools targeted by charter takeover letters
Local districts are speaking out against a plan for charters to set up inside public schools, under Florida law that expands so-called Schools of Hope to not just target low-performing schools, but any public school with available space. The changes come as public school enrollment is declining in parts of the state, as more parents take advantage of Florida's expanded voucher program for kids learning at home or at private schools. [Source: WUSF]
Florida schools continue to grapple with state diversity rules
Florida’s efforts to eliminate diversity, equity and inclusion from its education system continues to impact decisions at schools and universities. Among the latest moves, Polk State College has canceled its Introduction to African American Studies course, saying it violated state law, WTSP reports. Confusion over the state’s exact intentions led an Escambia County high school’s softball team booster club to withdraw its application for a $20,000 grant from a local organization that promotes diversity. [Source: Tampa Bay Times]
How Florida’s oldest business school is punching above its weight
In DeLand, Florida, a small city of just over 41,000 nestled between Orlando and Daytona Beach, sits Stetson University’s School of Business Administration — the oldest business school in Florida, founded in 1897. Today it enrolls 739 undergraduate students and 219 graduate students, for a total of 958. What makes Stetson distinctive is its commitment to experiential learning. Every program embeds hands-on projects with real clients and organizations. [Source: Poets & Quants]
Florida lawmaker pushes 'teacher’s oath' bill, critics warn it could violate free speech
The oath in Florida HB 147 includes a promise to “support, protect and defend” both the U.S. and Florida constitutions, and to teach in a “professional, independent, objective and nonpartisan manner.” Critics of the bill say the oath is political theater. Escambia Education Association President Darzell Warren says every teacher is already under oath when they begin teaching. Florida statute requires state employees, including school district employees, take an oath that they are a citizen of Florida to support both the state and federal constitution. More from WEAR and WFTS.
ALSO AROUND FLORIDA:
› University of Florida unveils 4th-gen HiPerGator supercomputer to prepare students for AI future
University of Florida leaders are discussing plans for what they describe as the most powerful supercomputer in higher education, designed to prepare students and educators for an artificial intelligence-driven future. UF Board of Trustees Chair Mori Hosseini joined Interim University President Donald Landry and Congresswoman Kat Cammack to unveil the fourth-generation “HiPerGator” supercomputer during a Tuesday announcement event.
› Tampa’s Walton Academy opens ‘in defiance’ of order to close, district says
After an emotional night pleading with the Hillsborough County School Board to keep her school open, Walton Academy for the Performing Arts principal Tanika Walton said she fielded several calls from concerned parents. The district had called them, saying the school was not safe and was going to be closed, she said. Should they still bring their kids? “We’re not going anywhere because our community needs us,” Walton said on Wednesday.
› New UCF Business Incubator location in Seminole helps companies learn and grow
The way to do business is different all around the world, so established companies that want to break into the U.S. market may need a little help. That is where the University of Central Florida’s Business Incubator Program comes in. The program recently expanded to a new office on the Seminole State’s Heathrow campus. A Costa Rican software company, InnovaSoft, was the first in the space.
› Impasse looms after Leon teachers reject pay raise offer, calling it 'an insult'
The teachers of Leon County have voted and the majority rejected the Leon County School District's million dollar offer for salary raises. The disapproval didn't come as a surprise to many. The Leon Classroom Teachers Association now will have to return to the bargaining table with the longshot hope of landing a better deal – or preparing to declare an impasse. The deal would have landed teachers a $40 monthly pay raise, or an average of $400 to $500 per year.