MORE CUTS COMING: Pinellas schools superintendent Julie Janssen says layoffs are likely as the district's budget picture does not improve. • Manatee superintendent Tim McGonegal paints a similarly dire picture, the Bradenton Herald reports. • University of North Florida students are protesting proposed cuts to campus groups, the Florida Times-Union reports. (Times file photo)

BIG TALKS: USF launches a lecture series to focus on the liberal arts and sciences.

TOO MUCH REACH: School officials should have no say over students' speech outside of school, columnist Robyn Blumner writes.

A GOOD START: The "New Florida" program offers a useful approach to improving the state's higher education system, the Times editorializes.

NO GRADES: Four Collier elementary schools will test report cards that rate students' success with standards rather than giving grades, the Naples Daily News reports.

NOTHING WRONG WITH EXPERIENCE: Perhaps Florida lawmakers should reconsider the push to evaluate teachers on merit rather than pay them based on seniority, Palm Beach Post columnist Jac Wilder VerSteeg writes.

PLEASE COME: Martin schools launch a campaign urging students to come to school every day, the Stuart News reports. 

LABOR NEWS: The Escambia School Board approves raises for teachers, the Pensacola News-Journal reports.

RAISING REVENUE: University of Florida leaders discuss ways to bring in more money for the school, such as a flat tuition rate, the Gainesville Sun reports.

Visit the Gradebook at noon for an interview about Florida school vouchers with recipient Shannon Coates.