Polk County Schools

Several counties are emphasizing how seriously threats are being taken and highlighting their added security measures.

The Mulberry Academy, which serves children in the migrant farm worker community, requested $500,000 from the state, but was denied.

SB 256 raised requirements for public-sector unions to remain certified. Some teachers unions in the Tampa Bay area are fighting to survive.

Families in Polk County Schools can use the Parent Portal tool to look through the entire library catalog at their school library, and then opt out of books they don't approve of.

A Polk County Schools teachers union says as many as 15 schools in the district could be without air conditioning for the first day of school.

The governor endorsed three school board candidates in Sarasota County and they all won.

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.

Heid suggested that none of the 16 books be removed from the system, but also said that some should be pulled from — or added to — certain grade levels.

So far, two review committees have voted to keep 15 of the contested books in libraries.

Polk County Public Schools' book review committees have approved two of the books previously placed under question for students' use — The Kite Runner and Drama.

The committees held their first meeting Tuesday night. They consist of 34 adults including parents and community members, and 15 high school juniors and seniors.