The big news: Like districts across the state, Hillsborough County’s public schools are also seeing a dip in enrollment.
It’s not what officials predicted.
At the end of the ninth day of school, enrollment in the district’s K-12 schools hit 165,330. That’s 2,650 fewer than the district ended with in the spring. Districts throughout Florida are contending with what to do with fewer students as schools begin to shutter and consolidate.
“We are seeing a modest decrease in enrollment, but not at the levels many districts throughout the state are currently facing,” spokesperson Tanya Arja said.
Pinellas County saw a decrease of 3,800 students and Pasco of 2,518. Other districts across the state saw as many as 19,000 fewer students.
Though Hillsborough had initially expected a slight uptick, superintendent Van Ayres previously said it’s become more difficult to gauge how many students will enter the public school system instead of opting out through vouchers.
“For us in this competitive choice environment, we got to stay on our game because there’s other options,” he said earlier this month.
This year, no schools closed in Hillsborough County, but next year some schools will consolidate due to enrollment and one will close because of a lease issue. School board members anticipate coming years will be filled with more tough decisions.
Hot topics
Vaccinations: Florida’s Department of Health is moving ahead with plans to end requirements for four school-entry vaccines.
Tax referendums: The Leon County school district has a long list of construction and maintenance projects to perform if voters approve a sales tax referendum in November, the Tallahassee Democrat reports.
Superintendents: The Indian River County school board has started talking about how to replace superintendent David Moore, who recently announced he will leave next June, TC Palm reports.
School sidewalks: Pasco County has plans to construct 15 miles of sidewalks near schools, for increased safety of students walking to and from campus, Tampa Bay Beacons reports.
New College: Enrollment at New College of Florida reached 1,000 students despite community concerns about the school’s direction, the USA Today Florida Network reports.
Law school: The US. Department of Justice is seeking to have a court vacate sanctions against Florida International University’s law school dean, the Miami Herald reports.
College costs: University of Florida students are finding new ways to cover rising costs, the Independent Florida Alligator reports.
Classroom supplies: A Tampa-based OnlyFans content creator is donating thousands of dollars to teachers’ wish lists to celebrate the primary loss of Republican candidate for governor James Fishback, USA Today Florida Network reports.
Quick quiz
Nathan Thomas is getting attention for his time teaching at Miami Dade College. What’s his claim to fame?
a) He’s officially recognized as the world’s youngest male professor ever
b) He’s the first to be named Florida professor of the year after one year teaching
c) He donated his salary back to the school for a student scholarship
Find the answer in this story from WLRN.
Don’t miss a story. Here’s a link to yesterday’s roundup.
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