Idalia’s gone, school is back in session for much of Florida
The big story: Hurricane Idalia left parts of the Tampa Bay area submerged with storm surge that they hadn’t seen before. Some communities will take quite some time to repair.
The worst of the wind didn’t push the king tide as high as some expected, though, allowing counties to call off their evacuations, close their shelters and send people back home. Those were some of the factors school district officials had to take into account as they considered when to resume classes.
By late afternoon Wednesday, most schools, colleges and universities had decided to reopen today. Leaders in each acknowledged the devastation that some employees and students might have experienced with Idalia, though, and said they would work with any individuals who needed help or extra time before returning.
Further north, where the storm hit hardest, some districts are staying closed for another day. Those include Duval County, Jacksonville Today reports, and Leon County, the Tallahassee Democrat reports.
A looming question remains for schools as they get back to business: Will they use the unpopular makeup days they’ve scheduled during Thanksgiving break?
Hot topics
Book challenges: The Okaloosa County School Board adopted new rules aligning its book objection and review process to new state law, Get the Coast reports.
Nicknames: Some Florida students and parents feel the strain of new rules requiring them to give permission for being called by nicknames in schools, New York Magazine reports.
PragerU videos: Authorized for use in Florida schools, PragerU videos got tipped for consideration in Texas, where several State Board of Education members said they’re not ready to approve them, KTBC reports.
Race relations: Leaders of the NAACP in Indian River County accused Moms for Liberty of hijacking the meeting where they had planned to speak forcefully against Florida’s newly adopted Black history standards, TC Palm reports. A Moms for Liberty leader said its group had no intention to undercut the NAACP.
Student housing: As dorms filled at Florida Atlantic University, some students found they could not afford off-campus housing nearby, WLRN reports.
Teacher discipline: An administrative judge recommended that a Palm Beach County teacher with a long string of disciplinary incidents, including telling a student “f*** you,” should not have been fired, the Palm Beach Post reports. The school board will take up the recommendation.
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Before you go ... Already over Ryan Reynolds and Wrexham? Another US entertainer is buying into British soccer. It’s the YouTube group Dude Perfect and Burnley. This video explainer scored nearly 4 million views in four days. Go figure.
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