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…

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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…

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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…

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Civil Rights Groups Weigh In On Florida’s Delayed ESSA Plan

Florida remains the only state that hasn’t received approval of a federally mandated education plan.  Now, civil rights groups are weighing in on the delay. The Every Student Succeeds Act gives states latitude in creating systems for measuring student success, but they still have to be accepted by the U.S. Department of Education. Read More

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State responds to challenge of six bundled amendment proposals, calls them proper

Hours after a Leon County judge tossed proposed constitutional Amendment 8 off the November ballot, calling it misleading, Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi filed a 47-page document asking the Supreme Court to leave the measure and five others on the ballot.  Hers was a response to a separate challenge, filed a week earlier by former chief justice…

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Opinion – Ferrandino: Privatization weakens public schools

We are in a hidden battle in Florida, and in Sarasota County, to save our public schools. It’s one reason this primary election is so important.  Public schools in Sarasota remain a source of pride and hope in our community. The Sarasota County School District has received an A rating for the 15th consecutive year…

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