Florida education funding high; schools still recovering from recession cuts

Florida is spending more than ever on education, yet the amount of money dedicated to each student is barely higher than in 2007.  The state would have to spend an additional $1.86 billion over the next three years to offset inflation and cuts that have ravaged education funding since the Great Recession, according to the…

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Florida House budget rule could lead to Senate lawsuit, state government shutdown

Warning of a state government shutdown, the Florida Senate could sue over a House rule that’s supposed to make the budget process more transparent by giving the public advanced notice on hometown spending projects.  But the rule goes too far in the eyes of Florida Senate budget chief Jack Latvala, who said it unconstitutionally binds…

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Spanish, French and …SQL? The push to teach coding like a foreign language

Miami businesswoman Elizabeth De Zulueta speaks English and Spanish. She knows some Italian and Russian, too.  She’s also a robotics engineer who knows how to code using technical training in computer science and electrical and mechanical engineering.  Having studied languages and coding, De Zulueta knows the value of both skills, and she can attest from…

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Letters to the Editor: Every child has a place in our schools

In the midst of change, redirection and refocus there is one goal that remains immutable, and that is protecting the safety, well-being, and future of children. Recent federal action affecting immigration policy has generated vigorous debate and civil unrest across the nation. Additionally, there is a sense of fear and anxiety in the hearts of…

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FSBA Session Spotlight — Capital Construction Reports

Yesterday, two important state reports on studies conducted on school district capital construction projects were released.  Both studies were required by legislation passed last year, HB 7029.  This bill addressed a variety of issues including, but not limited to, education funding, school choice and open enrollment, charter schools, personnel, and school construction.  In addition to…

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The State Requirements for Educational Facilities (SREF) Should Be Retained; Some Modifications Could Be Made

The State Requirements for Educational Facilities (SREF) are part of the Florida Building Code. SREF requirements apply to construction, renovation, and remodeling of public educational facilities owned by district school boards and Florida College System boards of trustees. This review focused on K-12 public school construction.  We did not identify a compelling reason to eliminate…

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