Scrutiny of DeSantis’ education agenda focuses on Sarasota

The big story: Gov. Ron DeSantis has made education culture wars a centerpiece of his administration, and his presidential campaign.

The issue is gaining plenty of attention across the nation as non-Floridians assess his policies and philosophy.

Sarasota County, with its DeSantis-based school board majority, is being used as a prime example of what the nation might expect. Vanity Fair is calling Sarasota “ground zero for the far right’s education blitz.” Read more here.

Part of the governor’s agenda has centered on removing books from schools that contain sex-related content. DeSantis has asserted “there’s not been a single book banned in the state of Florida.” PolitiFact finds that statement false.

The Florida Department of Education is scheduling a series of rule development sessions to begin implementing several of the controversial measures approved by lawmakers and signed by DeSantis, the News Service of Florida reports.

Hot topics

Book challenges: The Orange County school district’s new process for handling book challenges has drawn both criticism and praise, WMFE reports. • An Escambia County mom explained why she joined a lawsuit against her school district’s book removal policies, the Pensacola News-Journal reports.

History lessons: A Lee County elementary school removed some fifth graders’ posters from a display made for a history lesson after a staff member raised concerns about them, WFTX reports.

Graduation day: Seniors at a Duval County high school received their correct commencement gowns just before walking across the stage, WJXT reports. They initially got ones for the Class of 2022.

National spelling bee: It’s been 23 years since Florida had a champion, the Palm Beach Post reports.

Security: Weeks after the 2018 Parkland school shooting massacre, Florida required all schools to have some type of police presence. The model varies by school district, WTSP reports.

Superintendents: The Osceola County School Board named four finalists for its superintendent position, Positively Osceola reports.

Taxes: St. Lucie County school district officials are considering whether to ask voters to approve a special sales tax to support new school construction, WPTV reports.

From the court docket ... The state is trying to convince a judge to dismiss a potential class-action lawsuit alleging discrimination against Florida A&M University, the News Service of Florida reports. • A federal judge ruled for the Brevard County school district and two teachers in a case where a family accused the district of inappropriately tying a mask to their child’s face during the pandemic, Florida Today reports.

On teachers

Teaching the arts: A Broward County theater teacher will receive a special Tony award for his work including deaf students in school performances, the Associated Press reports.

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Union dues: Central Florida school employee unions are finding new ways to collect membership fees after lawmakers banned school districts from using paycheck deductions, WMFE reports.

Vacancies: Florida school districts are struggling to find and keep teachers amid the state’s worst shortage, WESH reports.

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Before you go ... I’m guessing no one drinks wine from these.

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