TOP TEACHERS: Carla Nolan, left, is Pasco County's teacher of the year. • Kimberly Koparan is Hernando County's teacher of the year. (Times photo, Skip O'Rourke)

STEM DEGREES: Florida lawmakers debate the best way to get more university students into science and technology degree programs. Money may be key.

TAX SWAP: The Florida House moves forward with a bill to let school districts levy a half-percent sales tax for construction projects if they lower their capital property tax rates. • Monroe voters approve shifting some of their capital millage to general operating expenses, the Keynoter reports.

TOP OF THE CLASS: Chasco Elementary pairs muffins and math for early morning refresher lessons • Longleaf Elementary celebrates student authors 

NORTH TO ALASKA: Former Lee superintendent Jim Browder takes the same job in Anchorage, Alaska, the AP reports.

MORE MONEY: Lee school officials project an increase in per student funding for 2012, the Fort Myers News-Press reports.

ANGRY TEACHER: A Miami-Dade teacher is upset after her city's mayor calls her principal after she speaks out at a City Hall meeting, the Miami Herald reports.

NOT A PRAYER: A bill to allow prayer at Florida school events can't makes its way onto a committee agenda in the House, the Sun-Sentinel reports.

LABOR NEWS: Brevard school-related employees reach a tentative contract with the district, Florida Today reports.

NO CLUBS: FAMU suspends recruiting for university clubs and organizations amid its hazing investigation, the Orlando Sentinel reports.

NO JAIL: Former North Port High principal George Kenney reaches a plea deal on charges that he improperly hypnotized students, the Herald-Tribune reports.

NO ALIGNMENT: Alachua officials run into resistance over a proposal to hold spring break at the same time as the local higher education institutions, the Gainesville Sun reports.