HOT TOPIC - FOR NOW: The Pinellas School Board is focused on student discipline, but other matters such as the budget are pushing their way into the spotlight. (Times photo, Melissa Lyttle)

KEEP IT SECULAR: The Hillsborough School Board should quit grandstanding over religious holidays in the academic calendar, the Times editorializes.

NEW APP: The Florida Department of Education releases its latest Race to the Top memorandum of understanding for school district consideration, the AP reports.

NOW HIRING: Manatee schools need 104 more teachers to comply with the class size amendment, the Bradenton Herald reports. • Sarasota also is hiring teachers, but cutting support positions to pay the salaries, the Herald-Tribune reports. 

PRETTY IN PINK: Broward teachers join a national campaign to wear pink in support of more federal money that would protect educators from layoffs, the Sun-Sentinel reports.

HELP FOR THEIR FRIENDS: Martin schools now allow employees to donate unused sick leave to a bank that co-workers can tap into, the Stuart News reports.