Lawmakers say Florida's universities have a ‘systemic problem' with spending
Lawmakers say Florida’s universities have a ‘systemic problem’ with spending
As financial scandals cloud three state universities, legislative action, geared toward fixing structural and cultural problems in the university system, will likely be in play this year. Details on proposals remain scarce as the annual legislative session prepares to start Tuesday. But Randy Fine, chairman of the House’ Higher Education Appropriations Subcommittee, said he wants to look into giving the Legislature more sway over the higher education budget and training for university officials who oversee school finances. [Source: Tampa Bay Times]
See also:
» University of Florida investigates use of funds for building projects
» UCF scandal prompts lawmakers to call for stricter university rules
The Florida Department of Education wants your input as it replaces Common Core
The Florida Department of Education is figuring out how to replace Common Core standards starting with an online survey to get feedback from parents and teachers. But the state’s biggest teacher union is raising concerns about the effectiveness of this tool. [Source: WMFE]
FMU soaks up the sun: University wants to be the solution center for clean energy in South Florida
Florida Memorial University wants to be at the forefront of Florida’s clean energy growth. Last Monday, industry representatives, experts and local leaders met at the university for its fourth roundtable discussion on the benefits of clean energy for students and Miami-Dade County residents. The university is part the Clean Energy Initiative, a partnership between the U.S. Department of Energy and the Historically Black Colleges and Universities Community Development Action Coalition. The emphasis of the initiative is to expand access to clean energy in communities where HBCU are located. [Source: Miami Times]
Teachers union launches campaign to fully fund public schools
The Florida Education Association, the state’s largest teachers' union, has launched a new campaign urging lawmakers to properly fund traditional public schools. The move comes in response to Gov. Ron DeSantis and the Florida Senate’s plan to expanded vouchers for private schools. [Source: WJXT]
See also:
» Key senator pitches school spending requirement
Florida college suggests cash-strapped professors get Medicaid
As adjunct professors in the U.S. make their case for higher pay, Miami Dade College inadvertently brought their financial stress into sharp relief, suggesting that academics apply for Medicaid to cover uninsured children. Miami Dade says it provides “the best benefits in the state.” Would professors do better with a union? [Source: Bloomberg]
› New president leads Florida Gulf Coast University into the future [WINK News]
Florida Gulf Coast University recently turned 20 and it is showing signs of emerging adulthood. WINK News Anchor Chris Cifatte asked FGCU President Mike Martin, who became the university’s fourth president in July, 2017, to reflect on where the university has been and where it is going. Martin’s answer to the second question was as quick as the first.
› UCF president search: Scandal might make it tougher to find new leader [Orlando Sentinel]
Less than a year after the University of Central Florida trustees picked former provost Dale Whittaker to serve as the institution’s fifth president, the board is again searching for a new leader. Whittaker, who became the university’s president in July, resigned last week amid a controversy over UCF’s misuse or planned use of $85 million in operating funds on construction projects.
› Florida grand jury to examine school safety law compliance [AP]
The Florida Supreme Court is granting Republican Ron DeSantis’ request to impanel a statewide grand jury to investigate whether school districts are following laws enacted in the wake of the Parkland high school shooting that left 17 dead.
› Florida Coastal and ABA ask court to dismiss accreditation lawsuit [ABA Journal]
Florida Coastal School of Law, the last of three for-profit InfiLaw schools to remain open, has asked that the court dismiss, with prejudice, its lawsuit against the American Bar Association, with the parties agreeing to bear their own costs and fees.