Lawyers struggle to advise Florida schools on books

The big story: It’s been no secret that Florida law governing issues such as library book selection has confused educators around the state.

Attorneys charged with advising school boards and superintendents have found themselves equally flummoxed.

Recently released email chains show school board lawyers struggling to determine whether mere mention of certain words would get districts in trouble. Meanwhile, the state has advised school districts to consult their lawyers if uncertain about what a law means.

The lawyers also leaned heavily on the state’s recommendation to “err on the side of caution.” Read more from the Miami Herald.

Hot topics

Vouchers: The DeSantis administration barred four private schools from participating in the state’s school voucher program, saying they have ties to the Chinese Communist Party, the Orlando Sentinel reports. One of the targeted schools denied the accusations, the Sentinel reports. • Voucher recipients continued to wait for their state funding, WPTV reports.

Student data: The Hillsborough County school district is offering identity protection services to students whose personal data was compromised in a cybersecurity breach.

History lessons: Details of the 2018 mass shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High are now in school history books. Some parents say it’s too soon, the Sun-Sentinel reports.

Artificial intelligence: A Volusia County high school has joined the growing list of Florida schools working to teach students the ins and outs of AI, the Daytona Beach News-Journal reports.

Other school news

A Pasco County charity that provides homecoming and prom outfits to teens had no place to go this fall. A business owner at Gulf View Square Mall came to the rescue, Bay News 9 reports.

The Flagler County school district received an audit of its youth orchestra. The program, which recently got new leadership, had some financial anomalies which are being cleaned up, the Daytona Beach News-Journal reports.

From the police blotter ... Two Santa Rosa County middle school student were arrested on accusations of bringing a gun to school, the Pensacola News-Journal reports. • Major fights recently have led to arrests at two Pasco County high schools. Superintendent Kurt Browning issued a stern warning over the weekend to students and families that “there will be no second chances” for students participating in such violent acts.

In higher ed

Faculty evaluations: Tenured faculty at the University of North Florida are protesting against a state plan to conduct performance evaluations every five years, saying they will stifle academic freedom, Jacksonville Today reports.

Follow what’s happening in Tampa Bay schools

Subscribe to our free Gradebook newsletter

We’ll break down the local and state education developments you need to know every Thursday.

Loading...

You’re all signed up!

Want more of our free, weekly newsletters in your inbox? Let’s get started.

Explore all your options

Campus leadership: Tensions had been brewing for weeks before the president of Broward College submitted his resignation, the Sun-Sentinel reports.

Black history: Some University of Florida professors say the state’s efforts to redefine Black history lessons are having a negative effect on higher education in the state, the Miami Herald reports.

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

Before you go ... Are all you NSYNC fans ready new music and a tour from the 1990s-era Orlando boy band? While biding your time, check out the group reminiscing — and taking the hot wing challenge

• • •

Sign up for the Gradebook newsletter!

Every Thursday, get the latest updates on what’s happening in Tampa Bay area schools from Times education reporter Jeffrey S. Solochek. Click here to sign up.