Roll Call: Marion Denies Virtual Charter School; State Board Not Happy With Candidates; Combining K-8

The Marion County school board is worried about the state’s investigation of K12, Inc, in Wednesday’s education headlines.

School Board denies application for charter school – The Marion County school board has denied an application for a virtual charter school to be run by a company being investigated by the Florida Department of Education. The Ocala Star-Banner

Search for Florida education chief is extended to find better candidates – “‘You’ve seen the list of names submitted,” vice chairman Roberto Martinez of Coral Gables said after the board’s four-minute morning conference call. “I don’t see any names on that list that rise to the very high standard I am looking for.’” The Tampa Bay Times

School Board Mulls Weight-Loss Programs – The Polk County school board is considering offering weight loss plans — including surgical options — for nearly 800 obese district workers. The Lakeland Ledger

Flagler school officials weigh possibility of K-8 schools – “All of the schools would provide instruction in core subjects, but they would offer specialties in other areas such as fine and performing arts; math and science; agriculture; and natural resources and eco-tourism. School officials also say the K-8 model would offer students more opportunities to pursue advanced coursework.” The Daytona Beach News-Journal

Miami-Dade’s top academic officer picked to lead Duval school district – “The man who led efforts to turn around failing Miami-Dade schools will now lead the Duval County school district. The Miami Herald