Top officials say Florida has no wait list for school vouchers
The big story: Amid rising concerns that their school vouchers haven’t been funded, some Florida parents and school leaders also complained that the state capped awards to students with special needs without doing the same for others.
More than one parent reported of being placed on a wait list, told they’re unable to get money for their children for a year or longer.
Education commissioner Manny Diaz Jr. said Thursday the state has no waiting list. “It is our goal to make sure every student gets funded and gets what they need,” he told the Tampa Bay Times. Read more here.
Hot topics
Transportation: The Hillsborough County school district is trying to hire 200 bus drivers and 40 mechanics, WTVT reports.
Testing: New College of Florida will offer a free session of Classic Learning Test for college admission, the Herald-Tribune reports.
Teacher unions: Florida teacher unions are working to adapt to restrictive laws some say are aimed at breaking them, Florida Phoenix said.
School days: A Volusia County charter school has transitioned to four-day weeks, the Daytona Beach News-Journal reports.
Race relations: Flagler County superintendent LaShakia Moore reached out to the community in the aftermath of segregated school assemblies that outraged parents, Flagler Live reports.
Construction: The Sarasota County school district broke ground on its first new school in 15 years, the Herald-Tribune reports.
Cell phones: Polk County parents and teachers say they like new cell phone restrictions placed on students, Lakeland Now reports.
Attendance: St. Lucie County schools are focusing attention on improving student attendance, WPTV reports.
From the police blotter ... A former Leon County school guard was arrested on accusations of sexual assault on a minor student, the Tallahassee Democrat reports. • A Miami-Dade County high school volunteer was arrested on allegations of sexual activity with a teen student, WTVJ reports. • A Polk County teacher was arrested in a human trafficking sting, WTVT reports.
In higher ed
New College: New College of Florida reached a settlement with the federal Department of Education over an investigation into the school’s compliance with disability access laws, the Herald-Tribune reports.
Enrollment growth: Three Florida universities rank among the top 10 nationally, the Palm Beach Post reports.
College closing: Miami International University of Art and Design and all its branches will close its doors Saturday, the Miami Herald reports. Students received seven days’ notice.
Don’t miss a story. Yesterday’s roundup is just a click away.
Before you go ... After a six-year hiatus, Ringling Bros. Circus is about to return. Without animals.
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