Big story: According to state metrics, Hillsborough County consistently has one of the worst-performing school districts in Florida.

Across the state, more schools are struggling to meet the appropriate performance standards set by state boards of education.

But when it comes to talking about Florida’s educational needs, the fate of these underperforming schools has not caught the attention of Gov. Ron DeSantis, who spends more time on cultural and political issues, said Florida. Phoenix reports.

“I never saw him go to these schools,” State Senator Tina Polsky told Florida Phoenix. “If he doesn’t care, why should anyone else care?”

According to the Miami Herald, leaders of South Florida and the National Teachers Union held a press conference to accuse DeSantis of promoting divisive education policies instead of supporting public education. Details from Florida Politics.

hot topic

Book assignment: According to Florida Today, the Brevard County school district has set up a committee to review several titles challenged by the local Moms for Liberty chapter for being too sexually explicit.

Gender issues: According to the Herald-Tribune, a dispute over a flyer promoting an LGBTQ event to students at a Sarasota County school has been brought to a school district board meeting. Details from North Port Sun.

Lunch plan: The Bay County school district will end a free lunch program that began after Hurricane Michael, reports the Panama City News Herald. Eligible students may apply for federally subsidized meals.

School safety: The Volusia County school district has announced plans to purchase metal detectors for use in high schools, reports the Daytona Beach News Journal. The move comes shortly after a gun threat at one high school turned out to be false.

Teacher Discipline: A Palm Beach County math teacher is facing dismissal over accusations of strangling students, The Palm Beach Post reports.

Faculty vacancies: The Florida Department of Education has seen teacher vacancies drop to 4,442 statewide, WFLA reports. Officials noted that it represented about 2.4% of all teaching positions in the 67 districts. • The ministry also reported that 383 veterans have applied for a new program that makes it easier to become teachers, he reports WJXT. The number of teachers retiring will nearly double from 2019 to 2022, according to Palm Beach County school district records, WPTV reports.

in higher education

leadership: The new president of Florida International University is a man who took an interim position and said he didn’t want to serve long-term, reports the Miami Herald.

Name, Image, Likeness: A college sports booster is pushing to change a Florida law that allows paying endorsement fees to student-athletes, according to the Florida News Service.

Don’t miss the story. Yesterday’s recap is just a click away.

Before you go… They made a Beetlejuice musical. did you know who?

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