Addison Davis

The state Department of Education says federal emergency relief money for schools — amounting to nearly $500 million for Hillsborough County — will not be available until July, and that board members shouldn't count on it to fix its budget crisis.

Addison Davis said the moves have been hard but necessary to avoid a district takeover by state education leaders.

Superintendent Addison Davis talked about what the district will have to do to address a $100 million deficit — and that includes layoffs.

The Tampa Tiger Bay Club hosted a virtual forum where local government leaders discussed how they’ve spent federal pandemic relief dollars.

The school district says it must make the cuts, or risk not being able to pay its staff by summer.

District officials say talks are at an early phase, that public input will be a key part of the process, and that no schools are slated for closure this year or next.

Some counties are working to vaccinate teachers over 65, but a Pinellas Classroom Teachers Association leader says it should be expanded, as all teachers are at risk.

A yawning budget deficit is forcing Hillsborough School officials to consider possible layoffs or rezoning and closing of some of its schools.

A virtual discussion with school district officials looked at the possible effects of closing the USF College of Education undergraduate program.

Hillsborough County Public Schools plans to increase the annual salary of almost 4,500 new teachers to $46,900.

The moves will save the financially strapped school district about $45 million in payroll, Superintendent Addison Davis wrote in a letter to parents and staff.

Addison Davis will work remotely while in quarantine.