DeSantis expected to keep pressure on Florida schools in second term

The big news: Gov. Ron DeSantis won his reelection bid by a margin that suggests he has a mandate to double down on his governing agenda.

Many observers expect him to keep pressing on the cultural issues that have brought him national attention, amid speculation that he’ll seek the presidency in 2024.

And that likely means continued attention on schools, along with hot button topics such as abortion, as he advances his election-night message that “Our state is where woke goes to die.” Read more here.

He will have help at the local level, where six more of his endorsed candidates won school board seats, The 74 reports. And he’s looking for more supporters to join his second-term team, which he said will focus on priorities including “keeping our schools open and free,” Florida Politics reports. More from Fox News.

Hot topics

Civility: Some Pasco County residents blasted a proposed school district civility policy as too vague and possibly unconstitutional. School Board members asked for changes before they consider adopting the rule.

Corporal punishment: Collier County’s newly elected School Board member said he wants to reintroduce corporal punishment for misbehaving students, the Naples Daily News reports. He also wants to reduce the rights of LGBTQ students.

Election conundrum: Broward County voters backed a School Board candidate who hasn’t had his civil rights restored after a felony conviction, raising questions about whether he can serve, WLRN reports.

Hurricane recovery: Tropical Storm Nicole passed Florida quickly. Many schools are reopening Friday, while others remain closed for Veterans Day, WFLA reports. • South Florida school district officials are reviewing models for making up instructional time missed because of hurricanes, the Sun-Sentinel reports.

Teacher pay: With contract negotiations foundering, some Bay County teachers took to the streets to rally for improved salaries, WJHG reports.

Turnaround schools: A newly elected Escambia County School Board member is pushing for quick resolution to the long-simmering question of what to do with struggling Warrington Middle School, WEAR reports.

From the court docket ... The University of South Florida’s lawyers are using a new legal approach to fight a breach of contract lawsuit brought by students claiming they were denied services during the pandemic, Inside Higher Education reports. The case is headed to the state Supreme Court.

Don’t miss a story. Here’s a link to yesterday’s roundup.

Before you go ... This bird is gonna fly.

• • •

Sign up for the Gradebook newsletter!

Every Thursday, get the latest updates on what’s happening in Tampa Bay area schools from Times education reporter Jeffrey S. Solochek. Click here to sign up.