Big story: Some universities across the United States have canceled graduation ceremonies due to fears of disruption caused by anti-Israel demonstrators.
The University of South Florida, Tampa, was not among them. The launch took place as planned and was a success.
Earlier this week, the state university system advised university leaders not to cancel or suspend graduation ceremonies. Law enforcement was on standby at USF just in case.
That doesn't mean the protests are over. We summarized the stakeholders and what they wanted.
hot topic
tax: The deadline for Pinellas County's school property tax referendum is fast approaching. District officials are talking about a renewal with several changes.
Student loans: As the Biden administration seeks to ease the federal student loan burden, some Floridians are wondering if relief will ever materialize, WLRN reported. More than 2.7 million Florida borrowers owe approximately $103 billion in student loans.
School closure: A plan to close some schools in Broward County that are at capacity is facing fierce opposition, the Sun Sentinel reports.
Religion in school: A dispute over a Christian club at Hamilton County's only elementary school has led to a major debate over the role of religious groups in public education for the youngest grades, the Tallahassee Democrat reported.
Pandemic relief: Several Volusia County schools are planning to cut their AVID college prep programs as federal pandemic relief funds dry up, WESH reports.
Recruitment: The Clay County School District has begun efforts to fill about 170 teaching positions by August, WJXT reports.
Industry certification: WKMG reports that more than 50 Volusia County high school students were found to have been allowed to use their cell phones as calculators during exams, invalidating their certification exams.
Higher education funding: Florida A&M University received a $237 million gift from the Isaac Batterson Seventh Family Trust, nearly doubling the school's endowment, WFSU reported.
Contract negotiation: WFTS reported Hillsborough County Teachers Union leaders said their good working relationship with the district's superintendent allowed them to begin salary negotiations earlier than usual.
Classroom control: AD Henderson School in Boca Raton is one of the top performing schools in the state of Florida. The Associated Press reports that teachers appreciate the autonomy given to them by the administration in achieving results.
Book assignment: The Hernando County School Board is scheduled for a marathon session Tuesday to consider the fate of 23 books challenged by local Moms for Liberty members, Suncoast News reports.
Board of Directors Policy: The incumbent Brevard County School Board member has chosen a third challenger for re-election, Florida Today reported. •An incumbent Polk County board member faces his two opponents, The Ledger reported.
Black history: The Association for the Study of African American Life and History is offering black history classes in Pinellas County to counter state restrictions on how racial issues are taught in public schools, WUSF reports.
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