Florida education news: Wedding gifts, new rules, school bus safety and more

NO GIFTS, PLEASE: Hillsborough County first-grade teacher Kelli Cameron and her new husband, Matt, didn’t need new things for their home. So instead of creating a wedding registry, the newlyweds drafted a supply list for guests to support a local school serving a low-income community.

WHAT’S NEW? The Florida Department of Education issues a 31-page handbook on all the new state rules placed upon schools for the new academic year.

OUTSOURCING: The Alachua County school district contracts an outside staffing agency to hire substitute teachers for its schools, the Gainesville Sun reports.

BUS SAFETY: Polk County school buses get a new $6 million radio system for improved communication with emergency services, the Ledger reports.

BACK TO SCHOOL: Brevard County teachers start preparing their classrooms and their course lessons in advance of students’ return, Florida Today reports. • Lee County teachers say they’re glad to be back to work, the Fort Myers News-Press reports.

BULLETPROOF BACKPACKS: A Manatee County Office Depot features two styles in time for back-to-school shopping, the Bradenton Herald reports.

ALL IN THE FAMILY: Two Lake County school principals, who are also brothers, lead the school district in academic gains, the Daily Commercial reports.

WHICH ROUTE? The Polk County school district launches its annual transportation call center to field parent questions, the Ledger reports.

CHARTER DEAL: A troubled Collier County charter school reaches a mediated settlement with the school district that will allow it to remain open, the Naples Daily News reports.

ICYMI: Yesterday’s Florida education news roundup