SEBRING — Four of five members of the School Board of Highlands County oppose the proposed change in the state's science standards that would present evolution as fact to students. Some school board members across the state have opposed the proposed revisions to the science curriculum that specifies that evolution be taught as "fact" as opposed to a "theory," School Board Attorney John McClure said at a recent school board meeting. Would the board consider a resolution opposing the proposed change in the Sunshine State Standards that would present evolution as fact? he asked. "I would for one," would support such a resolution, School Board Member Richard Norris said. ...more

January 25, 2008

SEBRING — As more students use Florida Virtual School, school districts face the reality of funding losses. The Highlands County School District is proposing a way to receive funding for some students who are taking online courses. If a student takes an online class during the school day, that takes a tremendous amount of funding away from the school district, School Board Chairman J. Ned Hancock said. But those virtual classes may be the only opportunity for the district's students to take certain courses. ...more

December 3, 2007

AVON PARK — Memorial Elementary School is scheduled to open for classes in August, but first the school district has to resolve water/sewer service issues for the school. The School Board of Highlands County and the city of Avon Park are at a stalemate over water reclamation piping. Avon Park wants the school district to pay about $180,000 for the installation of more than 9,000 feet of "purple pipe" to transport reclaimed water. It is quite possible the school district would spend that money not knowing when the reclaimed water would be available to the school site, according to a letter the school board approved Tuesday to send to the city of Avon Park. It is likely to be three to five years before any reclaimed water is available for irrigation use at the school. "The school board is being asked to completely fund the master infrastructure required for this area," the letter states. ...more

November 24, 2007

Despite three votes by Hillsborough County School Board members to reconsider a $54,000 consultant contract to write a district wellness policy, the issue died Tuesday when four board members voted not to put it back on the agenda in December. ...more

November 21, 2007

Some school boards are known for shouting, table pounding and discord. For years, the Hillsborough County School Board was not. ...more

November 13, 2007

BRADENTON - For years, fans at professional and college football games have bared their bodies and painted themselves to show their spirit. The trend has made its way to high school games, and so far it has been accepted practice -- for boys. ...more

October 18, 2007