Despite extra dollars for schools, controversial bill remains a concern for many

Advocates of traditional public education welcomed Gov. Rick Scott’s demand on Friday that lawmakers redo the K-12 education budget for next year and boost it with $215 million in additional spending.  But school superintendents, teachers union leaders and others cautioned that those added dollars won’t be good enough if Scott intends to also sign House…

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FSBA Session Spotlight — June 2, 2017

In response to the requests and advocacy of school board members, superintendents, district staff, parents, and students, Governor Scott has announced that he intends to veto the Florida Education Finance Program (FEFP) portion of the state budget because he finds it to be inadequate to meet the needs of students and their families. A Special…

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Veto the Florida Legislature’s harmful education budget, Gov. Scott

Florida Gov. Scott should veto the misbegotten K-12 education budget. Turn a deaf ear to his political foes’ contention that in doing so he would be caving in to (liberal) teacher’s unions. Swat down fantastical tales of overly larded public-school budgets. Decry, resolutely, the appallingly secretive deal-making between legislative leaders that, ultimately, leaves public schools…

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Florida prekindergarten access among nation’s best, but funding among worst

When Florida began its voluntary prekindergarten program, the criticisms began that it aimed to serve many youngsters but with little quality.  It’s been 15 years since voters put the system in place, and the reviews have yet to change.  In a report released Wednesday, the National Institute for Early Education Research found Florida second of…

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