Florida vouchers raise concerns about testing, funding

The big story: Universal vouchers haven’t taken effect in Florida yet.

Lawmakers haven’t agreed on a budget to pay for them in advance of the July 1 start date.

Still, they’ve become a focal point as Floridians discuss the future of education in the state and beyond. Just as Gov. Ron DeSantis boasted of having the nation’s biggest choice program, other political leaders are seeking to take the model as far or farther as the 2024 election cycle comes into view, Business Insider reports.

The issue has local school district officials skittish as they await more details.

The Palm Beach County School Board delayed discussions on placing a new high school in Riviera Beach, in addition to planned renovations at existing campuses, as the district predicts a funding decrease because of the vouchers, the Palm Beach Post reports.

Some parents also have concerns about the new law, as it would add testing requirements to home school students who accept a voucher, Epoch Times reports.

Hot topics

Book challenges: The Escambia County School Board has paused all challenged book reviews while awaiting more state guidance on laws governing book selection, the Pensacola News-Journal reports.

Campus diversity: Some graduating college seniors said they might not have come to Florida colleges and universities if they didn’t have diversity and equity programs, WMFE reports.

History lessons: Some Collier County families are criticizing their children’s middle school for airing a video on “Confederate History Month” during morning announcements, WBBH reports. The teacher who made the video, which cast the Civil War as the “war to prevent Southern independence,” is under investigation by the district.

Security: The Duval County school district is testing out new high-tech weapons detectors at its high schools, WJXT reports.

Superintendents: The semifinalists for Brevard County superintendent submitted video and written responses to questions for the public to review, Florida Today reports.

Teacher pay: Osceola County teachers will get a $2,000 one-time supplement while they continue to negotiate for raises, WFTV reports.

Today in Tallahassee ... The House Appropriations Committee will consider HB 1259 on higher education when it meets at 9:30 a.m. • The House Infrastructure Strategies Committee will consider HB 741 on school bus passing infractions when it meets at 2 p.m.

Other school news

The Hernando County school district is under scrutiny over its handling of a threat made by a teacher. Parents have raised questions over discrepancies between reports from the school district and sheriff’s office regarding the incident, WGFL reports.

An investigation continues into teacher misconduct at a Duval County school for the arts. Police said they want to interview about 140 students, the Florida Times-Union reports.

Broward County schools are reopening on Monday. They closed several days last week because of historic flooding, the Miami Herald reports.

The Miami-Dade County school district unveiled a solar array to provide energy to one of its high schools. Advocates have pushed for the district to support solar production for years, WLRN reports.

A Bay County teacher was suspended without pay with no explanation offered. School Board members said they wanted more information, but approved the action after superintendent Bill Husfelt asked them to trust him, WMBB reports.

The Sarasota County School Board is poised to approve a contract with little known consultant Vermilion. The group has ties to conservative Hillsdale College and has drawn opposition within the community, WUSF reports.

A Lee County high school has put an early end to its baseball season. The team has been in disarray since February, the Fort Myers News-Press reports.

From the police blotter ... A Collier County elementary school office manager was arrested on accusations of stealing thousands of dollars from the school, WBBH reports. • A Putnam County sixth grade teacher and youth pastor was arrested on accusation of possessing child pornography, WJXT reports.

Before you go ... Who doesn’t need something just joyful and sweet these days?

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