Welcome to FCAT-land. Across the district, Hernando County public school officials are pumping students up with motivational cheers, reminding children of test-taking rules and gearing up for the most important, high-stakes test of the season: The Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test, set to begin Tuesday. Tampa-based motivational speaker Fairest Hill, a musician and former keyboard player for The Gap Band, spent Friday traveling between several district schools for "Slam Dunk The Test," or his message of overcoming defeat with perseverance and dedication to students. ...more

February 8, 2008

More than $70,000 in "A" school money is good for something. Like a state-of-the-art outdoor education center at Brooksville Elementary School on Broad Street in Brooksville. ...more

January 29, 2008

More than $70,000 in "A" school money is good for something. ...more

January 28, 2008

Leave it to lawmakers to try to ruin a smart state program that rewards Florida's most committed teachers. ...more

January 5, 2008

SEBRING — Staff bonuses are in the offing at seven Highlands County schools that will receive incentives totaling more than $500,000 for their academic achievement in the 2006-07 school year. The state's School Recognition Program awards $100 per student to schools that achieve an "A" based on the school grading criteria or improve at least one grade from the previous year. ...more

October 3, 2007

Nearly a dozen district office administrators have new job titles, but two school board members voted against the revised job descriptions. ...more

September 21, 2007

I agree with Andy Tuck's suggestion that the school superintendent be selected rather than elected. School administration is a profession with a complex skills set. We are best served by someone who meets the job's requirements and has specific experience related to our current needs e.g. upgrading FCAT scores. Because of its locale and reputation, Highlands County would attract a number of qualified candidates, most likely successful superintendents from smaller districts seeking career advancement, which is generally tied to the size of the operation. ...more

September 14, 2007