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Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has appointed Erika Fritz-Ochs and Luis Fuste to the State Board of Education, while reappointing Dr. Grazie Christie, pending confirmation by the Florida Senate. Fritz-Ochs, currently the program manager at the University of Florida's Lastinger Center for Learning, has background in education policy and teaching. Fuste, an attorney at Fuste Law, P.A., has served on various boards, including the Florida Commission on Ethics. The State Board of Education aims to "increase the proficiency of all students within one seamless, efficient system," providing valuable learning opportunities, according to its website.

 

Florida Politics

Tampa Bay Fl News

District and school leaders have stressed the importance of early budget discussions to make strategic, long-term financial decisions. According to a survey by the EdWeek Research Center, 46% of K-12 administrators believe that engaging department leaders in budget talks early is crucial. Additionally, 45% stated that initiating overall budget discussions sooner would significantly enhance decision-making. The survey, part of an ongoing project supported by the Gates Foundation, revealed that effective budgeting requires a long-term vision. A South Dakota school leader noted: "When we do the budget, we look at our goals and we look at the personnel that we have." The findings suggest that prioritizing early planning can lead to more sustainable and impactful budgeting outcomes.

 

Education Week News

The Consortium of Florida Education Foundations has awarded the Polk Education Foundation $260,845 in matching funds through the School District Education Foundation Matching Grant Program. This funding will enhance various educational programs aimed at improving academic outcomes for students. The Classroom/School Grants program will also provide funding for schools to address unmet needs and expand student opportunities. The Consortium has facilitated over $187m in combined private and state funding for local projects since its inception, significantly impacting literacy initiatives, STEM education, and teacher support.

 

Midfloridanewspapers

The Duval County School Board is set to vote on January 6 regarding proposed changes to Florida's "Schools of Hope" law, which allows certain charter schools to occupy public school buildings rent-free. Critics argue that the law has expanded to include well-performing schools, placing financial strain on districts. The proposed changes aim to refine eligibility criteria and maintain local school boards' authority over district property. Vice-Chair April Carney said: “I feel like we're making a lot of headway in those conversations,” while member Cindy Pearson emphasized the need for proactive leadership, stating: “I don't see this language as controversial.” 

 

The Florida Times-Union

Legends Academy, one of Orange County's oldest charter schools, has closed mid-year due to "unsustainable financial challenges," affecting over 200 students who will need to transition to new schools after the winter break. The board of directors made the "difficult" decision after a thorough review of the school's financial condition and long-term viability, commenting: "This decision was not made lightly and does not diminish the impact the school has had on generations of families." Founded in 2001, the school was initially named after Nap Ford, a former city council member who advocated for a public school in the Parramore neighborhood.

 

News 13

Bradenton.com

Orlando Sentinel

Authors Peter Parnell and Justin Richardson are appealing a decision by the Escambia County School Board to remove their book "And Tango Makes Three" from library shelves, claiming it constitutes "unconstitutional viewpoint discrimination." The book, which tells the story of two male penguins raising a chick, was removed due to its inclusive message about same-sex adoptive families. The authors' brief argues that the board's actions violate the First Amendment, claiming: "Some reasons for removing books are unconstitutional." The case reflects a broader trend in Florida, where numerous disputes over book removals have arisen.

 

Pensacola News Journal

Artificial intelligence is increasingly integrated into educational settings, with Ohio State University (OSU) leading the charge. The university's AI fluency initiative ensures that all undergraduates engage with AI in their curriculum. Sunny Hasija, a research graduate, noted that while AI can simplify tasks, it also enhances critical thinking skills. In K-12 education, teachers like Angelow Rowe are using AI for interactive learning, demonstrating its potential to enrich student experiences without replacing educators.

 

News 13

Wanda Paul, the Chief Operations Officer of Broward Public Schools, has announced her resignation effective June 5, with her last working day set for April 3. In her resignation letter, Paul expressed confidence in the District's future, stating: "I am confident the District is on a stronger path because of the dedication and professionalism of this team." However, her departure follows significant turmoil, including audits revealing mishandling of a $125m construction oversight procurement and a controversial $2.6m office lease.

 

Florida Politics

Community members are expressing confusion and concern following the reassignment of Gadsden County High School Principal Marlon Ball, who was only recently appointed to the role. The Gadsden County School District has not provided an explanation, labeling the situation as a personnel issue. Ball is set to report to the district office on January 5 for a new assignment, but he is unable to comment due to district policy. The lack of communication has left the community feeling unsettled about the future leadership at the school.

 

Tallahassee News

Karen and Paul Levy have pledged a $250,000 challenge grant to support the Palm Beach Symphony's outreach programs aimed at enhancing music education in underserved schools. This is the second challenge grant from the Levys this year, following a similar donation in April. The funds will help provide instruments and music education to students, with the symphony recently donating 31 instruments to three Title 1 schools.

 

Palm Beach Daily News

In Lakeland, Florida, police are set to implement a new program aimed at reducing speeding in school zones by installing 14 speeding cameras near eight school entrances. The initiative, part of the Vision Zero program, aims to "eliminate fatal and serious injury crashes." Starting with a warning period in January, drivers exceeding the speed limit will receive warning notices before citations of $100 are issued in February.

 

Tampa Bay Fl News

As the industry celebrates its 70th anniversary, School Bus Fleet (SBF) reflects on its journey through significant milestones and innovations in pupil transportation. The evolution of the yellow bus has been marked by safety advancements, engineering improvements, and cultural shifts. Key developments include the establishment of national standards in 1939, the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards in 1977, and the transition to alternative fuels and electrification. Industry veterans shared insights on how dedicated professionals, including directors, drivers, and engineers, have shaped the safest vehicle on the road.

 

School Bus Fleet

At Broward's main bus terminals, drivers have been preparing for the upcoming school year, noting improvements in organization compared to last year. Fifty new buses will be introduced, alongside an upgraded routing system and a new routing manager. Broward Superintendent of Schools Robert Runcie highlighted lessons learned from last year, commenting: "Our routes were changing too frequently last year." He also addressed last year's driver shortage, assuring parents: "You should have no concerns, we're ready, you should trust the system.”

 

NBC Miami

As daycare costs rise, families face difficult choices regarding work and childcare. Families now spend between $9,100 and $9,500 annually for care for a single 4-year-old, according to the Early Learning Coalition of Orange County. The coalition's CEO, Dr. Ronald Scott Fritz, highlighted the significant pay gap between public education and private childcare, with teachers in public schools earning about $50,000 compared to $13 to $15 per hour in private centers. Adjusting income caps and increasing wages for childcare workers could help families access care and stabilize the industry.

 

News 13