This Florida school district has two tax referendums in play. Is it too much?
The big story: To bolster their resources, school districts across Florida are asking voters to support referendums that would increase local sales or property taxes.
In Hillsborough County, officials are asking for both this November. And that has some observers wondering if it’s too much of an ask.
The Hillsborough County Commission is seeking renewal of a sales tax that has supported a wide range of activities, including school construction. Meanwhile, the School Board is hoping for passage of a property tax that would increase teacher pay, making it more competitive.
Commissioner Ken Hagan has suggested that some voters might see the effort as “double dipping” and reject both. He’s not alone in that concern. Read more here.
Hot topics
Affordable housing: The Miami-Dade County school district is developing affordable apartments for teachers and staff as part of a new middle school building at a K-8 center in the Brickell Avenue area, WLRN reports.
Cat colonies: The University of Florida has a group of feral cats that wanders campus, supported by students and staff. But you’re not supposed to be feeding them, WUFT reports.
Charter conversion: The city of Newberry will begin work to convert an elementary school within the city limits to charter status, now that the state has verified the vote to do so was successful, MainStreet Daily News reports. If the application is approved, the charter would begin operation in 2025.
Election season: A Manatee County school board member is stepping down. A former board member wants replace her, the Bradenton Herald reports. • Hernando County school board chairperson Linda Prescott announced she will not seek reelection, Suncoast News reports.
Now hiring: As it experiences rapid enrollment growth, the Walton County school district is seeking more teachers and staff, WJHG reports.
Parkland demolition: More than six years after a fatal shooting massacre, the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High site will be razed in June, the Sun-Sentinel reports.
‘Repurposing’: Broward County school district leaders say they want to reconfigure under-enrolled schools to make them more attractive to families, rather than close them down, the Sun-Sentinel reports. The superintendent’s latest plan projects $6.7 million in added revenue, if it works. • Plans to convert the uses of some Miami-Dade County schools and shift students around have upset some parents, WFOR reports.
Senior pranks: Can you say toilet paper and spray paint? Some students at Volusia County’s DeLand High School are facing punishment, WKMG reports.
Student discipline: A survey of Florida teachers indicates that more than half believe schools need more resources to combat student misbehavior and violence, WFTV reports.
Superintendent search: The two finalists for Duval County superintendent answered questions from the community as they tried to demonstrate why they’re the best choice for the job, Jacksonville Today reports.
Weather report: Leon County schools closed Tuesday as they worked to recover from a string of severe storms and the threat of more to come, the Tallahassee Democrat reports.
From the police blotter ... A Marion County elementary school principal was arrested on allegations of child abuse and false imprisonment of a student, WKMG reports.
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Before you go ... School can be so much fun when kids get to do hands-on projects that spark their interest.
