The large story: It was virtually surreal.
Commingling in the identical downtown Tampa lodge complicated had been Mothers for Liberty, the Florida Democratic Get together, the Federalist Society and, only for selection, Metro-Con attendees dressed like Sailor Moon, Loki and the like.
The speeches and counter-spin, marked with the occasional protests, highlighted how pivotal training coverage is changing into as Florida’s 2022 elections strategy.
The Mothers group, sponsored by conservative influencers such because the Heritage Basis, rallied keen attendees with talks about stopping faculties from indoctrinating youngsters in areas resembling gender ideology and social-emotional studying. The viewers had loads of “amens” to supply because it took notes on the best way to successfully unfold the message again house, whereas additionally angling to win majorities on their college boards.
The trouble is enjoying out in actual time in Pinellas County, for instance, the place one District 2 candidate who attended the summit is attacking the conservative incumbent as not conservative sufficient, whereas the third protested exterior. Learn extra in regards to the background of Mothers for Liberty from the Miami Herald.
/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/tbt/CHL2XSCZNBAWDOP5NRXSKINRDM.jpg "Rose Jamieson, 64, St. Pete for Change cofounder, sits outside the Moms for Liberty National Summit Friday, July 15, 2022 in Tampa.")
The Democrats introduced a distinctly totally different world view, vowing to struggle e-book bans, bias and bigotry. They raised hopes that the Mothers’ positions on college classes received’t attraction to moderates and independents.
Who left with the political momentum stays to be seen.
One attainable trace did come out over the weekend: A brand new nationwide lecturers union ballot indicated that Gov. Ron DeSantis’ training coverage positions, which the Mothers for Liberty endorsed, has voter approval, NBC studies. In the meantime, a brand new group known as DeSantis Watch argued that the governor’s insurance policies are exacerbating Florida’s trainer scarcity, Florida Politics studies.
Scorching matters
College safety: The Clay County college district licensed a 21% enhance in premiums to cowl lively assailant insurance coverage, WJXT studies. • The Lake County College Board is asking voters to resume a local-option property tax that helps pay for varsity security measures, the Each day Business studies. The tax, first authorised in 2018, helps initiatives resembling having officers in each college, the Each day Business studies.
Trainer scarcity: Noting that many lecturers battle to discover a place to dwell in Collier County, the College Board is exploring an reasonably priced housing plan utilizing district-owned property, Gulf Shores Enterprise studies. • Alachua County trainer union leaders stated college students’ poor self-discipline is a number one explanation for trainer turnover within the district, the Gainesville Solar studies. • Okeechobee County college district officers stated their battle to rent sufficient lecturers is worse than up to now. They’re turning to long-term subs to fill gaps, WPEC studies.
/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/tbt/SFA5GAXLCZAUJOIDJCKMUZVQ7Q.JPG "Follow what’s happening in Tampa Bay schools")
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Public remark: A decide dismissed a case alleging the Brevard County College Board discriminated in opposition to conservative mother and father with its public talking coverage, Florida As we speak studies.
Gender points: The Palm Seashore County college district eliminated an LGBTQ help information from its web site amid issues it would violate Florida’s new legislation relating to instruction on gender id, WLRN studies.
Mental freedom lawsuit: A federal decide stated former training commissioner Richard Corcoran doesn’t need to testify within the case, the Information Service of Florida studies.
Faculty entry assessments: A South Florida former highschool soccer coach was disciplined for serving to gamers with solutions on their SAT exams, the Solar-Sentinel studies.
From the police blotter … A Hillsborough County center college trainer’s aide was arrested on accusations of possessing little one pornography. • The Marion County college district’s technical companies division caught hearth over the weekend. An investigation of the trigger is ongoing, the Ocala Star-Banner studies.
From the court docket docket … The sentencing of the Parkland college shooter begins right this moment. Households of the victims are calling for the loss of life penalty, the Related Press studies.
Earlier than you go … All the time attempt to take pleasure in Steve Martin when you may.
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