Florida education news: School funding, board members, student testing and more

STILL COUNTING: We still don't know who Florida's next governor will be, as the vote recount continues.  But barring discovery of a major error, it's likely to be Republican Ron DeSantis.

TAXES: Voters have approved 18 local option tax increases for schools in Florida's primary and general elections this year. To many observers, that support demonstrates a willingness to pay more for public education. But some worry the Legislature might read the referendums as a message the state doesn't have to do more.

STEPPING DOWN: Pinellas County School Board member Linda Lerner retires after 28 years of service.

SOFTWARE WOES: The costs continue to mount for the Manatee County school district's troubled software replacement project, which is supposed to streamline business operations, the Bradenton Herald reports.

TESTING: Palm Beach County superintendent Donald Fennoy says students face too much testing, but some is necessary, the Palm Beach Post reports.

TURNAROUNDS: Four Duval County schools with consistently low state test scores receive state grants to help boost parent involvement and student engagement, the Florida Times-Union reports.

BUS STOP SAFETY: St. Johns County school and law enforcement leaders take steps to protect students as they wait for their bus rides, the St. Augustine Record reports.

CROWDING: Venice High School in Sarasota County could get a new 400-student classroom wing as its enrollment surges, the Herald-Tribune reports.