After enduring criticism that they've been waiting too long, Gov. Charlie Crist and Education Commissioner Eric J. Smith now have formally applied for the state's share of the federal stimulus money for public schools. ...more

April 28, 2009

If we had to hazard a guess, we would imagine 99 out of a 100 people who have driven by Mittye P. Locke Elementary School over the years assumed its namesake, like many of the other people for whom schools in Pasco County are named, had long ago passed away. Until Wednesday, however, that wasn't true. On that day Mrs. Locke, one of the pioneers of Pasco public education, died, a little less than two months before what would have been her 100th birthday. ...more

February 28, 2009

State spending would grow and property taxes drop under a new budget proposal from Gov. Charlie Crist that relies heavily on a handout from the federal government. ...more

February 21, 2009

The Legislature this week cut spending by roughly $2.8 billion to bring the state budget in balance. Then Gov. Charlie Crist threatened to veto the portion of the spending-cut plan that would take money from public education. We have a much better target for him if the governor is looking to wield his veto pen. ...more

January 17, 2009

According to Education Week magazine, Florida offers its young people an above-average public education while not spending as much on schools as most other states. We call that a bargain. ...more

January 10, 2009

Even while Florida's schools struggle financially, a report card issued Wednesday by Education Week magazine shows them making academic progress and ranks the state 10th nationwide. ...more

January 7, 2009

Your lead editorial on Sunday used the term, "the most fortunate," making an obvious reference to those who many would consider wealthy. Although I am not one of those (I teach high school math,) I would like to bring up a few points just for the fun of it. The term "fortunate" seems to imply that these people just happen to win life's lottery...well, this couldn't be further from the truth. Most of these individuals and families have become "the most fortunate" because they have worked long hours, sacrificed many of life's pleasures, and were focused on achieving goals. ...more

December 23, 2008

Re: Don Plezia's Feedback letter, "Fix Public Education By Eliminating Teacher Unions," in the Dec. 16 edition of Hernando Today. ...more

December 18, 2008

The watchdog for the Florida Legislature says a state program that diverts corporate taxes to private school vouchers saved the $38.9 million in fiscal year 2007-08. ...more

December 16, 2008

Every year lexicographers publish their annual list of of popular words or phrases they would like to see expunged from our lexicon. I have to admit "connect the dots" is getting a little wearisome for me. ...more

December 13, 2008