PLUGGING THE HOLE: A Florida Taxation and Budget Reform Commission committee will decide today whether to move forward with a referendum to end sales tax exemptions, using the added revenue to fund schools.

MENDING FENCES: Jim Farrelly works to smooth the operations of the troubled Pasco-Hernando Early Learning Coalition. (Times photo, Brendan Fitterer)

FIGHTING FOR FARMERS: Hillsborough's farmers lobby UF to protect its funding of local agricultural extensions.

FIGURING OUT FINANCIAL AID: Teens across the Tampa Bay area and Florida attend "College Goal Sunday" to learn about how to afford higher education.

UNEASY COMPROMISE: Maybe the State Board of Education's vote on evolution standards will hold off future battles over the issue, but it's not likely if people don't talk intelligently about the roles of science and religion, guest columnist Liam Julian writes.

CONSTRUCTION CONCERNS: An audit turns up loads of problems with the way Broward handles its  school construction contracts, the Sun-Sentinel reports.

SEND A CHECK: Broward School Board members inadvertently overpay themselves $420.63, and they have to pay it back, the Miami Herald reports.

DON'T DILUTE ARTS: Music and art teachers worry that a bill to expand middle school physical education requirements will limit kids' other options, the Palm Beach Post reports.

NO PRAYER: Lake schools reexamine their policy on whether athletic coaches may lead their teams in prayer, the Orlando Sentinel reports.

EXAMINING FOUR-YEAR DEGREES: Polk Community College looks into offering bachelor's degrees, the Lakeland Ledger reports.