Florida Trend | Florida's Business Authority

In major shift, House bill would turn three USF universities into one

In major shift, House bill would turn three USF universities into one

Graduates of those schools frame diplomas bearing the name of their own universities, which all fall under the umbrella of the Tampa-based USF System. But under proposed changes to a bill moving through the Florida House of Representatives, the USF System as it stands today could be no more. More from the Tampa Bay Times, the Sarasota Herald-Tribune, and WMFE.

See also:
» How a small campus grew into an independent USF St. Petersburg
» USF consolidation proposal gets no pushback in Florida House committee
» Legislature move on USF could leave St. Pete rattled

Florida Trend Exclusive
Succession: The search is on for UCF’s next president

After a quarter-century on the job, University of Central Florida President John Hitt revealed in October that he will retire at the end of the 2017-18 school year. Presiding over the search for Hitt’s successor is Marcos Marchena, an Orlando attorney who chairs UCF’s board of trustees. Full story here.

Proposal to end school board pay heads back to Florida Constitution Revision Commission

A controversial proposal to end school board members' pay in Florida returns to the Constitution Revision Commission's Education Committee on Friday, so far with no amendments proposed. Lawmakers have separately filed term limit legislation, as a backstop. [Source: Tampa Bay Times]

Florida House: Are students safe to express their views?

Florida may require its 12 public universities to do a survey on the "intellectual freedom" and "viewpoint diversity" that is allowed on campuses. A panel in the Florida House on Wednesday attached the requirement to a sweeping higher education bill that also includes a boost in the amount of financial aid provided to top-performing students. [Source: AP]

Bonuses could boost computer science classes in Florida

Teachers could receive $1,000 annual bonuses for teaching computer science classes in middle and high schools under a bill approved unanimously Tuesday by the Senate Education Committee. The measure (SB 1056), sponsored by Sen. Kathleen Passidomo, R-Naples, is designed to increase the number of computer science classes and students taking those classes. [Source: ]

ALSO AROUND FLORIDA:

› Miami’s universities focusing business schools on entrepreneurs
In anticipation of preparing their students to become well-rounded entrepreneurs, local universities have taken the initiative to streamline their programs and classes within their business schools to help nurture and develop small business operators.

› South Florida Museum breaks ground on new education center
The South Florida Museum has broken ground on a highly-anticipated expansion in manatee county. Suncoast families and tourists will have the opportunity to learn about science at the "North Education Center and Mosaic Backyard Universe,” which is expected to bring new programs to the museum.

› Are Sarasota County teachers the best-paid in the state?
Are Sarasota County teachers the best paid in the state? That question caused a stir last week when teachers picketing outside of the Sarasota County school district’s Landings Boulevard administrative headquarters were surprised to find the street-facing sign there touting them as “the best paid teachers in Florida.”

› A closer look at graduation rates. How did your school do?
Graduation rates aren't the only measure of a high school. Far from it. The quality of the faculty and administration are key. So are intangibles like school tradition and spirit. Somewhere in there, you have to include test scores and other measurements.

Regional Education
News & Updates