Florida Supreme Court strikes Amendment 8 from November ballot

A controversial proposed constitutional amendment that could have significantly altered Florida’s public education landscape will not go to voters in November.  In a narrowly divided 4-3 decision, the Florida Supreme Court on Thursday ruled Amendment 8 should remain off the ballot. It upheld the order of Leon County Judge John Cooper, who found the measure’s title and summary misleading. Read More

Florida justices ask pointed questions during hearing on Amendment 8

Florida Supreme Court justices poked holes in both sides of an ongoing debate whether to place Amendment 8 back on the November ballot during a 45-minute hearing Wednesday afternoon.  They didn’t issue a ruling, but one is expected soon. Read More

Grant trains K-12 staff to help students with mental health difficulties

Faculty and staff at Florida’s K-12 schools will receive training on how to recognize and assist students with emotional or mental health difficulties.  It’s thanks to a new $2.2-million dollar grant awarded to USF St. Petersburg’s College of Education. Read More

Status of up to seven Nov. 6 measures uncertain as ballot-mailing deadline nears

Legal challenges to at least three and, perhaps, seven of the 13 proposed Constitutional amendments Florida voters will see Nov. 6 remain unresolved as the deadline for mailing ballots to out-of-state voters draws near.  The Florida Supreme Court has scheduled two hearings Wednesday – one day after the deadline to set ballots for mailing by Sept.…

Florida, schools getting $95.8 million for Puerto Rico students

Florida and county school districts are receiving $95.8 million in federal reimbursements to cover costs of taking in thousands of students from Puerto Rico who fled the island for Florida after Hurricane Maria last year, the office of U.S. Rep. Stephanie Murphy announced Tuesday.  Under the plan, Florida will retain $47.7 million and distribute another…

Bucking allies, school choice group favors IRS proposal on tax credits

A Florida-based advocacy group that pushes Georgia and other states to help fund private schools so more children can attend them is breaking ranks with allies over a controversial proposed federal tax rule.  The proposal by the U.S. Treasury Department and Internal Revenue Service would limit or eliminate the federal tax break for donors in state…

Florida School Boards Association works on legislative priorities

After a tough legislative session, in which school districts received little new funding without strings attached, the Florida School Boards Association is looking to ask lawmakers for increased support in the coming year.  School board members are holding out hope that new leadership will be more receptive to increased funding with fewer restrictions. The Florida…