Manatee County Schools

Republican attorneys general of 14 states sought approval to file a brief supporting Florida in a fight about the new law. Democratic attorneys general from 15 states and the District of Columbia filed a brief supporting the bill’s challengers.

The starting pay for teachers increases by $2,367, while the minimum wage for teachers' aides is now $15 an hour.

COVID-19 protocols are somewhat relaxed, including optional masks, but school districts suggest students who are experiencing symptoms should stay home.

Three counties in the greater Tampa Bay region are increasing the cost of breakfast and lunch for students compared to the last time students paid for meals during the 2019-2020 school year.

The Hillsborough County School District was the only one in the Tampa Bay region to have more schools improve their grades since 2019 than decline.

The textbooks need to be ordered as soon as possible to have them in time for teacher training, said one Manatee County official.

Superintendent Cynthia Saunders reached a settlement earlier this month with the state.

Saunders will pay a $2,000 fine to the Education Practices Commission, have a letter of reprimand placed in her file, and take courses on ethics.

In Pasco County, there were 649 teacher vacancies on Monday, with most related to COVID-19. It has forced the district to double up classes, or pull in staff members with teaching backgrounds to fill in.

The policy lasts through Aug. 25, and will be considered again at a school board meeting next week.

In the past week, Florida has broken records for new COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations. But schools can no longer require students to wear masks or take other safety precautions.

In the past week, Florida has broken records for new COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations. But schools can no longer require students to wear masks or take other safety precautions.