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Coronavirus closes a Hillsborough school. Plus vouchers, pre-k and other Florida education news

A roundup of stories from around the state.
 
Hillsborough schools acting superintendent Addison Davis has announced the 48-hour closure of Farnell Middle School because an individual there was exposed to coronavirus.
Hillsborough schools acting superintendent Addison Davis has announced the 48-hour closure of Farnell Middle School because an individual there was exposed to coronavirus. [ OCTAVIO JONES | Times ]
Published March 12, 2020|Updated March 12, 2020

GOING VIRAL: The coronavirus jumps back to the top of our morning report, as schools and universities across Florida jump into hyperdrive with preventive measures. Out of an abundance of caution, the state university system directed all its campuses to move to online courses only. They’re taking other steps, as well. • K-12 school districts continued their preparations, scaling back field trips and surveying families to determine who would need help if schools move to an e-learning model. At 6:30 a.m., the Hillsborough County school district announced a 48-hour closure of Farnell Middle School, after an individual there was found to be exposed to the virus. • The Manatee County school district has spent nearly $100,000 on supplies, the Bradenton Herald reports. One big concern, though, has nothing to do with education: Will needy children be fed if the campuses close? • The scare isn’t stopping everything in its tracks, though. It’s still ‘business as usual’ at schools in Citrus County, as elsewhere, as the Citrus County Chronicle reports. And at least one Broward County school is keeping its New York travel plans on schedule (even though some parents are upset about it), WPLG reports. • For some perspective: Coronavirus doesn’t affect kids as much as others.

EARLY EDUCATION: Back in the fall, members of the Florida House prioritized making improvements to the state’s prekindergarten program. They did their part. Where’s the Senate on this one?

VOUCHERS: Lawmakers’ plans to further expand the state voucher and tax-credit scholarship programs looked to be on a rail to approval. Then Sen. Tom Lee threw up a roadblock, prompting an unexpected delay, Florida Politics reports.

ARREST AGE: Legislation to alter Florida’s school safety laws grew contentious as the House pushed to include limits on the age at which a child can be arrested, and the Senate resisted. Then the Senate changed its mind, the Orlando Sentinel reports.

LET HIM OUT: Lawmakers talked about banning the use of seclusion rooms at schools for yet another year, but again look unlikely to bring that measure to the finish line. An Escambia County grandmother has concerns about how seclusion is used on her grandson with special needs, WEAR reports.

STEPPING DOWN: House Education chairwoman Rep. Jennifer Sullivan decides not to seek reelection, Florida Politics reports. It’s all about family.

CONSTRUCTION PLANS: A Manatee County middle school is on track to become a zero-energy campus. Some leaders are concerned about the cost, the Bradenton Herald reports.

CHARTER SCHOOLS: A Lake County charter school was placed on probation by the school district over its finances. Did it get its five-year contract extension? The Daily Commercial reports.

ALL APOLOGIES: A Volusia County School Board member is saying sorry over an insensitive Facebook post related to coronavirus, the Daytona Beach News-Journal reports. He’s already deleted the message.

GROWING STRONG: An Marion County private school thought it might have to close because of stagnant enrollment. Instead, it’s moving into a bigger space, the Ocala Star-Banner reports.

AT THE TOP: The Monroe County School Board completes contracts with its new superintendent and chief finance officer, the Key West Citizen reports.

SAVED BY THE BELL? The Lee County school district wants to lengthen its school days, to give students more learning time with teachers, the Fort Myers News-Press reports. Some people don’t like the idea.

TODAY: Keep an eye out for more school-related announcements related to coronavirus. They seem to keep on coming. • Meanwhile, the Florida Legislature will continue to finish up bills, including language on vouchers and teacher pay. Senate at 10 a.m., House at 10:30 a.m. No budget expected until the weekend.

ICYMI: Yesterday’s Florida education news roundup