MERGER OFF: A new majority of Pinellas School Board members rejects a proposal to merge Lakeview and Gulfport elementary schools. 

NO POLITICS ALLOWED: Two Hernando teachers are reprimanded for using their district e-mail to support a School Board candidate.

ADDED OPPORTUNITIES: The Florida Youth Challenge Academy for dropout prevention offers its first dual enrollment college credit courses with St. Johns River Community College, Clay Today reports.

BE HEALTHY: Palm Beach teachers gain access to 10 online health courses to help them with their classroom physical education instruction, the Sun-Sentinel reports. 

LABOR NEWS: Seminole teachers make a case for $1,000 raises, the Orlando Sentinel reports.

EARLIER START: Collier school officials look into starting the academic year earlier to provide more instruction time before the FCAT, the Naples Daily News reports. • Martin district leaders also are preparing a calendar with similar thoughts, the Stuart News reports.

LONG RIDES HOME: The Manatee school district considers ending diversity busing at the request of parents, the Bradenton Herald reports.

TIME FOR CHANGE: The Broward School Board is ready to end its 42-year relationship with lawyer Ed Marko, Sun-Sentinel columnist Michael Mayo writes.

TAKE THE GED: Brevard schools will allow students to take the alternative diploma exam at 17 instead of waiting to turn 18, Florida Today reports.

LOVE THE ARTS: Participation in Flagler's school arts programs rises dramatically despite budget struggles, the Daytona Beach News-Journal reports.