The big story: The ongoing effort to turn Florida’s higher education system in a new conservative direction took another step forward Tuesday at one of the state’s 28 state colleges.
Eric Hall, secretary of the Department of Juvenile Justice, was named interim president at Pasco-Hernando State College — with the possibility open for him to get the permanent position at the college’s next trustees meeting.
Hall joins several Republican leaders with ties to Gov. Ron DeSantis in assuming leadership over higher education institutions across Florida. Other recent additions include former Lt. Gov. Jeanette Nuñez at Florida International and former State Board of Education chairperson Marva Johnson at Florida A&M.
Some PHSC students, staff and supporters have questioned the path that led to Hall’s appointment. Read more here.
There’s talk of boycotts at Florida A&M over Johnson’s appointment, WFSU reports.
Hot topics
Algebra lessons: Pasco County schools will change their math course progression in an effort to get more children ready for algebra by the eighth grade.
Book challenges: The Hillsborough County school district removed more than 600 titles from its shelves amid accusations that students had access to pornographic material.
Charter schools: Plans to bring a new charter high school to Pasco County fizzled as the applicant walked away from the deal following more than a year of negotiations.
Hurricane aftermath: St. John Vianney Catholic School held its final promotion ceremony before closing its doors for good, unable to reopen because of 2024 hurricane damage, WTSP reports.
Immigration enforcement: Pinellas County school district officials knew more about plans to have the district police department support federal immigration enforcement in schools than they initially let on when the issue arose in the community, The 74 reports.
New schools: The Orange County school district is putting off new school construction for four years as it confronts an enrollment slowdown, the Orlando Sentinel reports. District officials tied the action to a rise in voucher participation, WESH reports.
Preferred names: Brevard County students again urged the school board to reinstate a Satellite High teacher who was dismissed for using a student’s preferred name without parental permission. One board member proposed bringing back teacher Melissa Calhoun, but no action was taken, Florida Today reports.
School closures: A Broward County elementary school that closed because of low enrollment will reopen as an early learning center, WLRN reports. District officials said more similar moves are expected at other schools.
Spelling bee: Pinellas Academy of Math and Science sixth grader Vlada Kozhevnikova is headed to the Scripps national spelling bee as one of 12 Florida contestants, WTSP reports.
Superintendents: The Manatee County school board narrowly voted to fire superintendent Jason Wysong, citing concerns with his communication on issues, WFTS reports. Wysong negotiated an exit deal over the weekend after learning board sentiment had turned against him, WUSF reports. • The St. Johns County school board chose deputy superintendent Brennan Asplen, formerly head of Sarasota County schools, to lead the district, WJXT reports.
Teacher pay: Lee County teachers are worried about the possibility of losing supplemental income as part of their contract negotiations, WINK reports.
From the police blotter … A Miami-Dade County high school teacher was arrested on allegations of child abuse and unlawful sexual activity with a minor student, WTVJ reports.
Don’t miss a story. Here’s a link to yesterday’s roundup.
Before you go … Are you ready for the next installment of Jurassic Park?