Charter schools. Brooksville’s first charter school, one with a STEM focus, will open this fall, reports the Tampa Bay Times. Competition from charter schools is forcing the Palm Beach County school district to think harder about its needs and priorities, reports the Palm Beach Post. Charters are also sparking debate among Palm Beach school board members about how much help they should give struggling charters, the Post also reports. An op-ed in the Miami Herald raises concerns about charter schools’ diversity and financial incentives. The Sarasota Herald-Tribune profiles the principal of the Imagine charter school that is trying to break free from the parent company.
Magnet schools. The Tampa Tribune applauds the Hillsborough school district for creating a magnet tied to the maritime industry.
Alternative schools. Troubled girls get a fresh start at a sheriffs’ youth ranch in Polk County. Orlando Sentinel.
Tax credit scholarships. Great back-and-forth between scholars Kevin Welner at NEPC and Jason Bedrick at Cato, with Florida’s program a big part of their debate. Cato at Liberty.
School choice. It’s often partisan. Sunshine State News.
Parent trigger. Education Commissioner Tony Bennett raises a constitutional question. The Florida Current.