The big story: Gov. Ron DeSantis lent his support Wednesday to calls for investigations, and possible dismissals, of teachers, professors and other government employees who make disparaging remarks about the shooting death of conservative activist Charlie Kirk.
“No one is saying the government’s going to put you in jail for doing that. But I do think it’s a problem. Is that someone you want teaching your kids when they say that this is something, this assassination should be celebrated? Of course not,” said DeSantis during a press conference. (Watch here)
The ACLU is pushing back against this viewpoint, saying all Americans have First Amendment rights to free speech, Central Florida Public Media reports.
So, too, is the Florida Education Association, which is offering its support to educators who face retaliation for their online comments.
“We are all humans, and I think humanity requires us to not celebrate the death of an individual, an assassination or anything like that. But I also think how we respond in times like these are very important,” FEA president Andrew Spar told WPBF.
Meanwhile, concerns are rising among local officials that the state government is forcing them to decide between voting their conscience on issues, or adhering to the DeSantis agenda. Read more from WUSF.
AP alternatives: Two years ago, Gov. Ron DeSantis mused about how Florida might replace AP courses with its own accelerated options. What’s happened since then?
Charter schools: The Oasis charter school system in Lee County is reducing its paid lunch price by $1, saying it collected too much revenue last year, Cape Coral Breeze reports. Oasis also is increasing requirements on background checks for school volunteers, Cape Coral Breeze reports.
Football fields: A proposal to sell the naming rights to a Martin County high school’s football stadium is bringing in 84% less than anticipated, TC Palm reports. • A Broward County high school football team tried to have practices and games at the field of one of its rivals. It didn’t work out, the Sun-Sentinel reports.
Funding: Orange County school district leaders have begun advocating in halls of power for improved public education funding as revenue declines amid decreasing enrollment, Central Florida Public Media reports.
School board meetings: The Sarasota County school board decided to shift its meetings from evenings to mornings for the next three months despite concerns it would limit public participation, the Venice Gondolier reports.
School bus cameras: The Brevard County school district is the latest to equip its buses with cameras to catch drivers that illegally pass a stopped bus, WKMG reports.
Superintendents: Escambia County commissioners have not determined whether to place a referendum on whether to return to an elected school superintendent on the primary or general election ballot, the Pensacola News-Journal reports.
Vaccines: Leon County school officials are bracing for the potential impact of eliminating student vaccine requirements, the Tallahassee Democrat reports. • Dr. Scott Rivkees, a former state surgeon general under Gov. Ron DeSantis, is speaking out against DeSantis proposals to undo Florida’s school vaccine rules, WUSF reports.
Vouchers: Two central Florida private schools continue their appeal to participate in the state’s voucher program, months after being kicked out of the program amid accusations of having ties to communist China, the Orlando Sentinel reports.
From the court docket … Two former employees of Florida Prepaid pleaded guilty to stealing funds from the program, WCJB reports.
Don’t miss a story. Here’s a link to yesterday’s roundup.
Before you go … How would you like to have this garden?
Jeffrey S. Solochek is a reporter covering education as a member of the Tampa Bay Times Education Hub. You can contribute to the hub through our journalism fund by clicking here.
