GROWTH: Before- and after-school programs surge in enrollment as Hernando schools change their start and end times. (Times photo, Octavio Jones) 

EAT: Pinellas high schools return to midday lunches, ending optional end-of-the-day lunch periods.

TALK: Pinellas leaders defend the expansion of their district communication office.

UNDER FIRE: A former Manatee high school principal is investigated for questionable grading practices, the Herald-Tribune reports.

STAYING POWER: Duette Elementary soldiers on as Florida's last one-room schoolhouse, CNN reports.

BUSING: Broward's school transportation chaos frustrates parents, the Miami Herald reports. • Politics swirls as Lee schools try to set school bus routes, the Fort Myers News-Press reports.

WORTH IT: Support of a bond issue to repair and rebuild aging Miami-Dade schools is a good investment, Miami Herald columnist Fabiola Santiago writes.

DEBATE: Volusia leaders discuss the pros and cons of a new local property tax for schools, the Daytona Beach News-Journal reports.

"UGLY": Marion district officials prepare major budget cuts after voters reject two funding ballot measures, the Ocala Star-Banner reports.

ON LOAN: Florida Polytechnic gets help from other public universities as it gears up to open, the Ledger reports.

RELATIONSHIPS: The Orange school district looks to improve its customer service, the Orlando Sentinel reports.