IS THERE A VET IN THE HOUSE? UF's school of veterinary medicine gains a national reputation as one of the best in the business. (Times file photo)

A TAXING QUESTION: Hernando officials debate whether an added .25 mill local property tax will generate enough money to be worthwhile.

UNORIGINAL THOUGHTS: The Florida Department of Education flags some Schrader Elementary student FCAT Writing essays as too similar.

STALEMATE: Pinellas superintendent Julie Janssen declares teacher contract talks at an impasse as the sides disagree over pay. • Santa Rosa arrives at impasse, too, the Pensacola News-Journal reports.

NO NEW SCHOOLS: Hillsborough slows its construction program as enrollment lags.

END OF AN ERA: St. Petersburg College president Carl Kuttler announces his retirement. • Northwest Florida State College also is looking for a new leader, the Northwest Florida Daily News reports.

ONLY TEACHERS NEED APPLY: Broward fires 122 teachers who failed to renew their certification, the Miami Herald reports.

BILL GATES IN THE HOUSE: The Microsoft megamillionaire confabs with Florida education leaders about how to improve the state's schools, the Bradenton Herald reports.

WE'RE GREENER THAN YOU: Florida schools compete to gain recognition as the state's first certified environmentally-friendly campus, the Sun-Sentinel reports.

LAYOFFS COMING? Martin officials don't rule out the possibility, the Stuart News reports.

FINDING FUNDING: Florida's colleges and universities look for different ways to boost their bottom lines, the Daytona Beach News-Journal reports.

'NO' TO NINE: The Orange School Board rejects a move to expand its membership, the Orlando Sentinel reports.