BJ's Wholesale Club recently celebrated a landmark: It has contributed a total of $500,000 for more than 120 scholarships for economically disadvantaged students through the Step Up For Students Scholarship Program, an initiative of the Florida Tax Credit Scholarship Program. ...more

December 9, 2009

The number of economically disadvantaged children in Hernando County has risen by more than 2,000 with 12,000 children accepting free and reduced lunches in 2009. ...more

December 4, 2009

Academy at the Farm is putting its bonus money from the state to good use. ...more

November 30, 2008

The latest report from Education Week finds that less than half of all African-American students, many of whom live in poverty, graduate from high school in Florida. That's a staggering statistic, and none of us who believe public education is a sacred trust can rest until we try everything possible to reach every child who is poor and disadvantaged. Only in a polarized political environment, then, could a program offering a few of those children a different learning option be viewed by well-meaning people as an affront to public schools. ...more

October 18, 2008

More than 25 Quail Hollow Elementary School students made community service part of their summer vacation plans this year. ...more

August 24, 2008

No wonder people are skeptical when educators claim some new whiz-bang program will help children do better in school. ...more

May 21, 2008

Mothers Day gives children an opportunity to express their appreciation for their mothers' devotion. It's also a time for reflection. As we get ready for Mothers Day, I'd like to recognize three women who are worthy of recognition and emulation. ...more

May 10, 2008

Raising achievement for all students and closing achievement gaps between economically disadvantaged students, students of color and their peers must be the No. 1 priority in our nation. ...more

October 19, 2007