CALENDAR WAR: Three years after a student asked Hillsborough leaders to recognize a Muslim holiday, the district continues to battle over which days to give off in its academic calendar.

TO CLOSE, OR NOT TO CLOSE: Pinellas leaders ponder whether to shut five elementary schools as the district enrollment shrinks.

'NO CUTS TO EDUCATION': That's the stance the Senate Dems are taking as they head into discussions about Florida's financial crisis, the Tallahassee Democrat reports.

WHERE TO CUT: Manatee's proposals to balance its budget -- such as cutting middle school sports and replacing teachers with substitutes -- have angered parents, the Bradenton Herald reports. Miami-Dade prepares to consider $89-million in cuts, including a downsizing of administration, the Miami Herald reports.

GRAD RATES UP: Treasure Coast schools see increases in their numbers of high school graduates, the Vero Beach Press-Journal reports.

KEEP THEM: The City of Weston abandons its idea to take over the public schools within the city limits and make them charter schools, the Miami Herald reports. More from the Sun-Sentinel.

SEEKING UNIFORMITY: Broward officials discuss setting one class schedule for all middle and high schools as a way to save millions, the Sun-Sentinel reports.

CHANGE IT BACK: Orange parents hate the district's changes to school start times and want them reversed, the Orlando Sentinel reports.

SURPRISE: A Montessori school in Stuart closes unexpectedly, leaving parents and students in the lurch, the Stuart News reports.

STEPPING BACK: Facing denial, Imagine Schools withdraws several charter school applications from the Florida Schools of Excellence Commission, the Gainesville Sun reports.

NO MORE MAKEUPS: The Florida Department of Education waives the need for districts to make up more days missed because of Tropical Storm Fay, Florida Today reports.

AROUND THE NATION: AFT president Randi Weingarten speaks about education reform in D.C., saying no items except vouchers should be off the table, USA Today reports. The NY Times also covers Weingarten's speech. A Dallas area school district moves to fire its superintendent amid allegations that he illegally lent money to employees, the Dallas Morning News reports.