Big story: Nearly four years ago, the Pasco County School District faced allegations that it was improperly sharing student data with law enforcement.
After hearing the details of the situation, some families, advocates and activists were outraged and called for an end to the practice, along with structural reforms to prevent it from happening again in the future. Among those who drew attention were federal officials who called for an investigation.
The U.S. Department of Justice investigated and identified several problems with the school's treatment of students with disabilities. The district reached a settlement in the case this week without admitting any wrongdoing and agreed to take several steps aimed at better serving students. Please see here for the detail. Click here for the settlement agreement.
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test: The Pinellas County School District is exploring ways to make it easier for high school students to receive exemptions from semester exams. Officials said they hope the change will improve attendance. • The state Legislature has moved forward with a measure that would exempt military members seeking admission to master's programs at state universities from taking entrance exams, the Tallahassee Democrat reported.
Teacher salary: Representatives from the Orange County teachers union and school district have reached an agreement that will give teachers nearly 10% raises, the Orlando Sentinel reports.
Special needs: The Polk County School District has established a parent liaison office to help families access special education services, Bay News 9 reported.
safety: According to a report in Florida Politics, a bill is being introduced to the governor that would provide continued funding for Jewish day care security.
Religion in school: The Daytona Beach News Journal reports that residents in Volusia and Flagler counties have mixed opinions about a bill that would allow schools to hire volunteer chaplains for counseling services.
Funding: Marion County has reinstated school impact fees on new home construction after a 13-year hiatus, WKMG reports.
Diversity: The University of Florida's faculty union sent a letter to Chancellor Ben Sasse opposing the dissolution of the school's Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Program and Office, WCJB reports.
Integration: WJXT reports that Duval County School District officials are recommending demolishing two elementary schools and merging with a third.
code of conduct: The Brevard County School Board is looking to include rules regarding the use of artificial intelligence when revising its student code of conduct, Florida Today reported.
Career education: The Citrus County School District has been awarded a $2 million grant to expand its construction academy, Bay News 9 reported.
Book assignment: The Florida Senate has approved a measure that would limit the number of book appeals non-parents can file within a school district each month, The Florida Phoenix reports. The proposal still needs to be approved by the House of Commons. • Palm Beach County schools have had four formal book challenges this school year, with one title temporarily removed, the Palm Beach Post reports.
Today in Tallahassee… The Senate will convene at 9 a.m. Bills available for special order include SB 1044 regarding school chaplaincy, HB 1317 regarding patriotic organizations in schools, SB 7048 regarding vouchers, and SB 1372 regarding teacher preparation. • The House convenes at 10:30 a.m. Bills for final consideration include SB 994 on student transportation, SB 46 on tutoring programs, SB 7032 on alternative options for high school graduation, and SB 62 on tuition. Masu.
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