Florida debates role of religion in public schooling

The big story: The role religion plays in public education has gained renewed attention in recent weeks, as several states have adopted laws, rules and requirements relating to lessons and services in their schools.

Florida is one of the flash points.

Debate has centered on whether the states are supporting religion, or promoting it. Some observers say it’s a slippery slope that could end up pitting one set of beliefs against another, potentially interfering in some people’s ability to practice freely as the U.S. Constitution envisions. Read more here.

Hot topics

Elections: Floridians will vote in November on whether to return to partisan elections for school board members. A panel discussed the history of the measure, its pros and cons with WUSF.

Florida A&M transition: Florida A&M University trustees have called a meeting for next week, after Larry Robinson’s resignation as president, WCTV reports. The man whose dubious $237 million “gift” to the school factored into Robinson’s departure said he is cooperating with an investigation into the donation’s validity, the Tallahassee Democrat reports.

Education policy: Gov. Ron DeSantis leaned into his “anti-woke” agenda for schools during a panel discussion at the Republican national convention led by Moms for Liberty and the Heritage Foundation, PolitiFact reports. DeSantis also said he has plans to continue revamping Florida’s colleges and universities in a more conservative direction, the Tallahassee Democrat reports.

Homeless students: Schools in Florida and around the nation have until September to spend millions of unused dollars in federal aid for homeless students, NPR reports.

K-8 schools: The Hillsborough County school district unveiled its newest K-8 school, part of a growing trend to move away from the middle school model, WFTS reports.

School closures: The Madison County School Board approved a proposal to shut three elementary schools with fewer than 250 students each, WTXL reports. The plan is to consolidate the students into other campuses in 2025.

School leadership: Eight Sarasota County schools are getting new principals, with more changes in the offing, the Herald-Tribune reports.

Teacher shortage: Volusia County schools have more than 200 teaching positions to fill before classes resume, the Daytona Beach News-Journal reports.

Virtual education: Florida Virtual School extended its registration deadline to give families more time to make decisions before classes begin, WMFE reports.

Water supply: Brevard County schools in Satellite Beach are getting new water fountains as the district responds to concerns about contaminated water supply, WOFL reports.

From the police blotter ... A Broward County woman was arrested on accusations of plowing her car through a school for students with special needs while students and staff were present, WPLG reports.

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

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