Roll Call: Portable Classrooms; A Safer Trip To School; Fewer Explusions In Hillsborough

Most Florida students are heading back to school today, in Monday’s education headlines.

Portable classrooms pull a vanishing act in Hillsborough – At one point Hillsborough County schools used more than 2,200 portable classrooms. But a leveling off of enrollment and new classrooms means the district starts classes today with just 43 portable classrooms. The Tampa Tribune

Goal: ‘Zero accidents’ walking, biking to school – Volusia County students were involved in 26 accidents last year — including two deaths. The district worked with communities to build sidewalk and focused on safety. The Daytona Beach News-Journal

Lee County school bus stops at gates, many irate – Lee County parents are not happy with a district policy that requires buses pick up students outside of gated communities. The Fort Myers News-Press

Only Polk Schools to Jump 2 Letter Grades Look to Build on Success – “Polk County school leaders say focusing on reading and some extra help analyzing data from district specialists explain why two schools improved by two letter grades. The Lakeland Ledger

School expulsions decrease as teachers become more tolerant, pro-active – Nearly 300 fewer students were expelled in Hillsborough County schools last year than were expelled five years ago. The Tampa Bay Times