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Florida districts penalized over mask rules get reimbursed

A roundup of Florida education news from around the state
 
Anti-mask protesters make their feelings known outside of the Broward County School Board meeting on Tuesday, Oct. 5, 2021, in Fort Lauderdale.
Anti-mask protesters make their feelings known outside of the Broward County School Board meeting on Tuesday, Oct. 5, 2021, in Fort Lauderdale. [ JOE CAVARETTA | South Florida ]
Published Dec. 14, 2021

Florida’s battle over school masks hit a fever pitch in the fall, as the State Board of Education sanctioned school districts and withheld some of their funding as punishment for violating a rule banning strict mandates. One by one, the districts relented. What happened next? Read on for that story and more Florida education news.

Over Thanksgiving, the state Department of Education quietly returned the withheld funds to the districts. The collective total had approached nearly $1 million, Florida Phoenix reports.

Masking has lasting effects in schools even after the debate has faded. A Broward County teacher faces firing over his refusal to wear a mask on the job. He’s accused of insubordination for repeatedly flouting the district’s now-rescinded policy, the Sun-Sentinel reports.

Hot topics

Public input: The Palm Beach County School Board is preparing to cut back public comments at its meetings. The expected move comes after months of contentious commentary over masking, the Palm Beach Post reports.

Teacher shortage: Florida school districts are struggling to fill a large and growing number of classroom vacancies, WFTS reports.

Bus driver shortage: Signing bonuses and creative marketing have helped the St. Johns County school district fill almost all its driver positions, WJXT reports.

School naming: A year after a controversial high school renaming proposal, the Brevard County School Board will consider possible changes to its policy, Florida Today reports.

Higher ed

How has the governor’s office influenced University of Florida? Board of Trustees chairman Mori Hosseini served as an intermediary on pandemic decisions, Fresh Take Florida reports.

Contract talks broke down for Pensacola State College instructors. Starting pay proved a sticking point, the Pensacola News-Journal reports.

The University of South Florida announced a new center for lung research. Philanthropist Timothy Ubben donated $5 million to the initiative.

Other school news

Broward County school district enrollment has shrunk by about 51,000 students over the past 15 years. District officials are looking at closing some campuses and merging others in response, the Sun-Sentinel reports.

Bay County school officials say student mental health issues are at an all-time high. Superintendent Bill Husfelt has asked the community for help, WJHG reports.

From the police blotter ... A Polk County substitute teacher was arrested on accusations of having sex with a student, WKMG reports. • Law enforcement are investigating rumors of sexual harassment at an Okaloosa County middle school dance, the Northwest Florida Daily News reports.

From the courts ... An Indian River County family is suing a local private school for negligence related to the death of their son, TC Palm reports.

Don’t miss a story. Here’s the link to yesterday’s roundup.

Before you go ... The long awaited Netflix live-action version of animé classic Cowboy Bebop didn’t generate enough interest to win a second season. At least the show’s animated reruns, and its hot jazzy music, live on.

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