Stay informed about education news and updates in Tampa Bay, FL.
A recent change in U.S. law allows 529 plan owners to transfer excess funds directly to a beneficiary's Roth IRA starting in 2024, enhancing retirement savings opportunities. This new provision addresses concerns about unused funds and potential tax penalties. Individuals are encouraged to consult their financial advisors to understand how these changes can benefit their families.
Pinellas County schools plan to offer affordable day care services for district employees starting in late July, addressing pressing needs for child care among educators. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to retain and recruit staff while repurposing the Pinellas Secondary School site.
Pinellas County Schools in Florida will launch a new day care program for district employees starting in July. The program will initially operate at the Pinellas Secondary School site and aims to provide affordable and accessible childcare for employees. If successful, the program could potentially expand to other locations in future years.
Clemson University has filed a lawsuit against the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC), joining Florida State University in a legal battle that has emerged as a significant conflict within the conference. This move marks a continuation of tensions regarding conference realignment and the future of college athletics. The lawsuits have now created a complex legal situation involving the ACC in three different states.
A 15-year-old freshman in Bradenton, Florida, was arrested for making threats of a mass school shooting on Snapchat. Although he claimed the threat was a joke, authorities took the matter seriously and conducted a search, finding no weapons. Additional police presence was established at local schools as a precaution.
The Florida Board of Governors has advanced controversial rules limiting discussions of social issues on college campuses, aimed at ending diversity programs and regulating general education courses. The proposed regulations sparked protests from students and faculty members, raising concerns about their impact on education and inclusion.
A proposed regulation in Florida aims to restrict discussions on diversity and social issues at public universities, raising concerns about its potential impact on free speech. Critics argue that the broadly worded measure, driven by Governor Ron DeSantis, could limit students' rights to engage in activism and express diverse viewpoints. The regulation is part of a larger effort to dismantle diversity, equity, and inclusion programs within the state's educational institutions.
Hillsborough County Public Schools has approved a $600,000 investment in a new software system to replace the problematic Synergy program, which has faced significant criticism for its operational failures. Although implementation will take time, educators are hopeful that the new system will alleviate ongoing frustrations associated with the current student information management tools.