Reading, writing and bank accounts: Should Florida require a high school course on money matters?

Sophia Lam is not ashamed to admit it. She’s approaching her high school graduation, with college loans, tax payments, credit cards and more in the offing. Yet she’s not sure how to deal with that financial reality.  “We’re preparing for the start of life and being an adult,” said Lam, a Brandon High School senior.…

Florida House and Senate pass similar-sized budgets, but fights are ahead

Florida’s House and Senate both passed competing budgets on Thursday that, while not far apart on the money, are philosophically opposed about how to pay for schools, hospitals and affordable housing.  The House passed its $87.2 billion budget on a vote of 85-27 after a highly-charged partisan debate that foreshadowed bigger election-year battles ahead, mostly…

FSBA Session Spotlight — February 6-8, 2018

The FSBA Day in the Legislature Conference has been in full swing this week with more than 125 school board members and other attendees in Tallahassee to participate in legislative briefings and advocacy training, network with education leaders, and meet with legislators to discuss issues of interest to school districts. This has been a particularly…

Should Florida private schools that take state vouchers have degreed teachers?

After reading an Orlando Sentinel series on the issue, Florida lawmakers came to the conclusion that they needed to stiffen oversight laws affecting private schools that accept state tax-credit scholarships.  They looked at a variety of areas, ranging from school inspections to owner financial status. In drafting his legislation on the subject, Sen. David Simmons also…

Battle royale: Florida House gears up for what could be its biggest debate of the session

It’s a debate worth about $26.9 billion, and involves the most fundamental, nagging question surrounding Florida’s education system: What does Florida owe its students in public education?  And it begins today — at least this year’s rendition.  The Florida House’s omnibus education bill, HB 7055, is slated to be heard on the floor Wednesday afternoon — an event that…

Constitutional panel ready to take issues across state

After considering more than 100 proposals in committees, the Florida Constitution Revision Commission is ready to move into its next phase, starting with a public hearing today in Fort Lauderdale.The scheduled six-hour hearing, which starts at 1 p.m. at Nova Southeastern University, is the first of five public hearings that will be held across the…

FSBA Session Spotlight — February 5, 2018

Today is the beginning of the 5th week – and the half-way mark — of the Legislative Session.  Please be sure to watch our Legislative Weekly video featuring FSBA Executive Director Andrea Messina providing a recap of bills considered last week and a preview of some of the issues coming up.  There were no legislative…

VIDEO: Legislative Weekly – Week 4

Tallahassee, FL – This week’s updates on the Florida Legislative Session come directly from the steps of the Historic Capitol where we will join with over 125 school board members next week at the FSBA Annual Day in the Legislature. Watch this week’s edition to learn more about proposed budgets, chamber priorities, and the components…

FSBA Session Spotlight — February 1, 2018

Although there were only a few legislative and Constitution Revision Commission (CRC) Committee meetings today, several topics of interest were considered, including a new proposed House bill and a CRC proposal that both addressed government ethics and integrity. Please click on the link below for our report on the outcome of consideration of these issues…