NARROWING THE FIELD: A selection committee cuts in half the field of Hernando superintendent applications it will review. Included in the mix is current interim leader Sonya Jackson (shown).

GOING FOR THE GATES: Hillsborough schools are wise to pursue a major Gates Foundation grant so the district can enhance the way students are educated, the Times editorializes.

NOT GOOD ENOUGH: The ACLU sues several Florida government leaders over Palm Beach County's poor high school graduation rate, the Palm Beach Post reports.

LABOR NEWS: The Broward teachers union loses a lawsuit in which it claimed the district breached the contracts of 32 dismissed teachers, the Miami Herald reports. • Pembroke Pines charter school teachers will get their annual step increases in a tentative contract deal, the Miami Herald reports.

SCHOOL IN THE PARK: Marco Island residents explore the possibilities of building a new charter school in a city park, the Naples Daily News reports.

PAYING PARENTS: Putnam schools use some of their stimulus funds to give part-time employment to parents, hoping it will increase their involvement while also freeing staff for other work, the Florida Times-Union reports.

ON THE HUNT: Florida Atlantic University kicks off its effort to replace former president Frank Brogan with 600 letters seeking input and ideas, the Palm Beach Post reports.

THEY'VE GOT OLD SCHOOLS: Okaloosa estimates it needs about $100 million to upgrade all its aging schools, the Northwest Florida Daily News reports.