Florida school districts brace for state oversight of rules on race, gender

The big story: Today at 10 a.m., the State Board of Education meets via conference call to discuss whether 10 school districts are violating new state laws and rules relating to the instruction of race, gender identity and sexual orientation.

The Department of Education sent letters to each of the districts, warning that their policies on matters such as pronoun use and restroom rules are under scrutiny and should be revised.

The Hillsborough County School Board was among the group receiving such a directive. Its members met Tuesday to discuss its response. They talked about whether they have enough lawyers to deal with the state. Read about it here.

Hot topics

Student assignment: As many as 24,000 Hillsborough County students could be rezoned to different schools next year, under proposed plans to shutter a half-dozen campuses as a way to more efficiently use the district’s buildings. The district has three options for the community to review.

Superintendents: The Broward County school district doesn’t need a new superintendent anymore. The School Board rescinded Vickie Cartwright’s firing, the Miami Herald reports. A previous incarnation of the board, made up of Gov. Ron DeSantis appointees, had dismissed her. • The Brevard County School Board named three finalists for its superintendent job, after forcing out the previous chief executive, WKMG reports. • Sarasota’s outgoing superintendent declared his ouster was all about politics after the board accepted his separation agreement, WUSF reports. • Collier County superintendent Kamela Patton and the School Board agreed that she would begin her retirement earlier than scheduled, the Naples Daily News reports. All stressed that Patton was not forced out. • More on superintendent shifts from USA Today Florida Network.

School discipline: The Brevard County School Board unveiled some of its newly proposed tougher discipline policy, WMFE reports.

Growth plans: The St. Johns County School Board approved two new schools to alleviate crowding in the northwest portion of the county, WJXT reports. • The Sarasota County School Board reviewed plans for a new high school focused on career and technical education, the Sun reports.

Hurricane recovery: Port Charlotte Middle School, devastated by Hurricane Ian, is set to reopen in January, the Port Charlotte Sun reports. • The Lee County school district is reviewing its options for rebuilding Fort Myers Beach Elementary School, which has been empty since Ian, WFTX reports.

Employee shortages: The Leon County school district is looking into creating a new position dedicated to recruitment and retention, WTXL reports.

Contracts: The Bay County School Board approved a new teacher contract that raises the base salary by about $2,000, WMBB reports.

Classroom displays: The Miami-Dade County School Board will discuss barring schools from flying any flags other than those of the state and nation, or those related to the curriculum, the Miami Herald reports.

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