We all know there is a need for cutbacks in the budget, nationally, on the state level, and even in our own homes, but I feel the State of Florida has gone too far in their budget cuts. I attended the District School Advisory Council meeting at the Highlands County School Board for January and came away disheartened at how little our children seem to mean to the State of Florida. According to the paperwork I received there, our state ranks 50th in school spending and the budget just keeps getting cut further. ...more

January 19, 2009

For universities and colleges across Florida, the bad times started two years ago. And like nearly everyone these days, higher education officials see their finances going from bad to worse. ...more

January 17, 2009

For universities and colleges across Florida, the bad times started two years ago. And like nearly everyone these days, higher education officials see their finances going from bad to worse. This week, Florida lawmakers are expected to take 4 percent from the state's college and university budgets for 2008-09. Add that to $259 million in reductions that began in 2007 and fears that the declining economy could force even more cuts when the Legislature goes into its regular session this spring. ...more

January 14, 2009

As Legislators aim to cut $600 million in state education funding, the School Board of Highlands County and South Florida Community College are looking at additional spending cuts that would not compromise student education. ...more

January 8, 2009

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

December 17, 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

Floridians voted for smaller class sizes in 2002, but tough economic times coupled with a statewide budget crisis may delay or halt full implementation of the Class Size Amendment. ...more

October 19, 2008

AVON PARK — An Avon Park High School teacher has been suspended without pay for an undisclosed incident, which is being investigated by the school district and a state education bureau. Science teacher John Altic's five-day suspension from May 21-27 was formally approved by the School Board of Highlands County on Tuesday. Altic was suspended because of an incident, which is currently under investigation, that occurred May 16 at Avon Park High School, Human Resources Director Vivianne Waldron said. Since this is an active investigation no more information can be released, she added. Altic, 63, was suspended for five days because that is the maximum length of time the superintendent can suspend a teacher without input from the school board, Waldron said. A disciplinary letter has been placed in his personnel file. ...more

June 13, 2008

Slot machine supporters hit the jackpot Tuesday as Miami-Dade County voters approved the installation of the devices at three parimutuel facilities, with tax dollars from gambling funneled into a state education fund. ...more

January 30, 2008

SEBRING — Please check back soon for the 2007/2008 Instructional Salary Schedule, the School Board of Highlands County's Web site states on its salary page. Unable to reach a tentative contract agreement during the summer, the school district and teachers union are hoping to break the impasse with a second attempt at mediation on Oct. 10. ...more

October 6, 2007