Five charter schools have filed a legal challenge against the Indian River County School Board, arguing that they are not getting a proper share of voter-approved tax dollars. Indian River Charter High School Inc., Imagine Schools at South Vero, North County Charter School Inc., Sebastian Charter Junior High Inc., and St. Peter’s Academy Inc., are…
The Florida Gulf Coast University board voted Tuesday in favor of a program that will allow students to receive a rebate of their freshman year tuition. The board voted 11-0 in support of the rebate program. FGCU’s goal is to roll out the initiative when the fall semester starts in August. Students will have to…
Let’s begin with a choice. Say there’s a check in the mail. It’s meant to help you run your household. You can use it to keep the lights on, the water running and food on the table. Would you rather that check be for $9,794 or $28,639? It’s not a trick question. It’s the story…
Last week, Governor Scott signed HB 7029 into law and its provisions will go into effect July 1, 2016 (unless otherwise stated in the bill). This far-reaching legislation addresses a variety of key education issues and is likely to have an impact on all students, personnel, schools, and school districts. FSBA has developed some materials to assist…
ORLANDO — New bonus payments aimed at attracting and keeping good teachers in Florida have gone disproportionately to those who work with students from affluent families, an analysis by a Florida newspaper has found. Teachers who received bonuses under the $44 million “best and brightest” teacher scholarship program started last year were more than twice…
#FridayFive – Special Edition Executive Director, Andrea Messina, shares some of the top NSBA Conference takeaways Last week, I attended the 76th NSBA Annual Conference in Boston, MA with several of your executive officers and school board members from across Florida and the US. In reflecting on my experiences there, I wanted to share 5 takeaways…
Administrators heralded success “recruiting back” students to district schools during Tuesday’s board meeting. At least 500 students have returned to the district since it created “Charter Choice” in 2012, said Assistant Superintendent Michelle Gayle. The funding followed these students, too, Gayle said — “restoring” almost $2 million to Leon County Schools. Charter Choice is a program that aims…
Students across Florida began taking their computerized state math and language arts tests this week, with significantly fewer problems than occurred a year ago. Last spring, when the Florida Standards Assessments and their platform were new, students all over Florida experienced troubles logging in and in some instances were knocked out of their exams, unable…
WASHINGTON – Florida health officials have been pretty successful controlling recent outbreaks of Dengue fever and the chikungunya virus. Zika is shaping up to be far more challenging. Obama administration officials said Monday the virus’ broad health consequences and ability to spread through sexual contact make it much harder to combat than other mosquito-borne diseases.…
Next year’s state budget boasts what Governor Scott has called record funding for K-12 education. After deep cuts spurred by the Recession, per-pupil spending, known as FEFP, or Florida Education Finance Program has indeed hit a new high—but not when you account for inflation. In real terms, the state’s contribution is down nearly 8%, and…