Florida schools seek more teachers, staff

The big story: As the school year ends, districts across Florida turn their attention to the next one that’s just more than two months away.

One of primary goals: Making sure they have enough people working as teachers, assistants and all the other positions needed to provide children their education and related services.

It’s not always an easy task.

Just this week, the Pinellas and Pasco school districts announced new pay plans for some of their workers as a way to attract applicants. Retention is also key, as Volusia County officials noted as they begin an effort to fill close to 700 job openings, WKMG reports.

The Palm Beach County school district has struggled to find enough nurses for all its schools. Still, the district cut the pay of its school nurses despite those difficulties, the Palm Beach Post reports.

Orange County teachers said increasingly poor student behavior is a leading reason they leave their jobs. They’re trying to find solutions, WFTV reports.

Hot topics

Book challenges: As Florida schools cope with rising number of book objections, the Flagler and Volusia county districts have adopted opt-in policies that allow books to remain on shelves while under review, the Daytona Beach News-Journal reports.

Charter schools: An Okaloosa County charter high school is creating a new top administrative post to help handle its rapid growth, while the school faces allegations of financial mismanagement, the Northwest Florida Daily News reports.

Graduation season: Some seniors at an Escambia County high school were blocked from participating in their commencement ceremony because they wore the wrong type of shoes, WEAR reports.

Superintendents: Twenty candidates have applied to fill Sarasota County’s superintendent post, the Herald-Tribune reports. • Marion County’s superintendent received a strong performance evaluation from her board, WCJB reports.

Taxes: Florida will have two back-to-school sales tax holidays — one in July and one in January — as part of a tax package signed into law Thursday, Florida Politics reports.

Don’t miss a story. Yesterday’s roundup is right here.

Before you go ... OK, robotics fans. Check out this cool maze solving competition. Some fascinating stuff.

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