Florida’s ‘removed book’ list is coming. Schools plan to use it.
The big story: The Florida Department of Education plans to publish a list of books that school districts removed from their shelves in 2022-23. It’s due out in August.
The list is supposed to be one of many references that schools have available when considering which titles to purchase and keep. Some districts have indicated they expect to review each book on it, regardless of whether anyone in their own communities have made any objections to them.
That’s raised concerns among some Floridians, who suggest local communities should be the driving force behind such decisions. Read more here.
Hot topics
Superintendents: Terry Connor started as Sarasota County’s new superintendent by saying he wants to cut through the politics that have embroiled the district, the Herald-Tribune reports. Board chairperson Bridget Ziegler voted against his confirmation. • Peter Licata said he will bring a new ethic to Broward County schools as its new superintendent, the Sun-Sentinel reports. More from WLRN. • Palm Beach County superintendent Mike Burke is in line for a 9.5% raise, the Palm Beach Post reports. • Former Hillsborough County superintendent Addison Davis is joining education management consulting firm Strategos Group, Florida Politics reports.
School buses: The Flagler County school district is considering a loan to purchase new buses as replacements for an aging fleet, Flagler Live reports.
Job vacancies: The Broward County school district is looking to hire more than 800 new employees for the coming school year, WFOR reports. • The Lee County school district has about 400 job openings to fill, WFTX reports.
From the court docket ... An Orange County family is suing the school district, alleging it did not provide proper accommodations for their child with special needs during the pandemic, WESH reports.
In higher education
University of South Florida: USF’s honors college is getting a new $65 million home. It opens to students on July 31.
Florida Atlantic: Accusations continue to fly about political motivations in the suspension of Florida Atlantic University’s president search, the Palm Beach Post reports. More from the News Service of Florida.
Florida Gulf Coast University: New president Aysegul Timur wants to align the school’s offerings with its community needs, the Fort Myers News-Press reports.
New College: The liberal arts college is seeking to fill 36 faculty positions ahead of the next semester, News Service of Florida reports. Provost Bradley Thiessen said the school has a “ridiculously high” turnover compared to past years. • Trustees are considering housing options for students assigned into dorms with structural and mold problems, the Herald-Tribune reports.
Don’t miss a story. Yesterday’s roundup is just a click away.
Before you go ... What’s that? Mexican corn that grows 20 feet high and generates its own nitrogen, avoiding the need for fertilizers? Interesting stuff.
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