Latest news with #BenGibson
Yahoo
29-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Who will be Florida's next education commissioner?
The big story: Floridians won't have to wait long to find out who will be Florida's next education commissioner. State Board of Education chairperson Ben Gibson has added an item to the board's June 4 agenda for a discussion on how to replace Manny Diaz Jr., who was chosen to lead the University of West Florida earlier this week. Speculation is running high among education advocates and activists as to who might take the commissioner post, which lately has been a high profile bully pulpit for Gov. Ron DeSantis' agenda including support for vouchers and opposition to diversity programs. Florida has been among the acknowledged leaders in setting the national education agenda for several years. But only a few names have circulated, with one DeSantis staffer — deputy chief of staff Anastasios Kamoutsas — getting mentioned frequently. The board agenda gives no clues, as it includes no attachments for 'Consideration of the Appointment of Commissioner of Education.' Gibson did not respond to an email asking who might be under consideration. The State Board, which is filled with DeSantis appointees, is responsible for choosing the commissioner. Before DeSantis took office, the board would hold national searches for the job, taking the governor's advice into consideration. That process ended after the brief tenure of Tony Bennett, who came to Florida from Indiana's top education post in 2012 and left under a cloud less than a year later. Since then, the board has not held searches, instead looking to internal candidates or relying on the governor's choices. UF president search: Conservative opposition to the appointment of Santa Ono to lead the University of Florida gained steam, with Donald Trump Jr. the latest to join in. • Pushback against the selection of Marva Johnson, a DeSantis ally chosen as Florida A&M University's next president, continued to grow, WFSU reports. Student nutrition: With classes ending, Florida school districts are ramping up their summer food programs, Spectrum 13 reports. New schools: The Bay County school district plans to rebuild its K-8 school that serves the Tyndall Air Force Base, WMBB reports. Medical school: Tallahassee leaders are looking to the USF-Tampa General Hospital model for a possible future of Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare connected to FSU, the Tallahassee Democrat reports. Hurricane aftermath: Fort Myers Beach officials and residents discussed the future of the city's elementary school, which has not been used since being damaged by Hurricane Ian in 2022, WGCU reports. Charter schools: An Alachua County charter school is appealing the school district's decision to rescind its contract, WCJB reports. Don't miss a story. Here's a link to yesterday's roundup. Before you go ... The Scripps National Spelling Bee is under way, with the finals set for tonight. Here's a flashback to winning Tampa speller Bruhat Soma's amazing spell-off from last year. This year, the region's contestant didn't make the finals.
South Wales Argus
19-05-2025
- Entertainment
- South Wales Argus
Parents can win scooter by sharing school run stories
The competition is part of Walk to School Week, which is taking place from May 19 to 23. The yearly initiative is aimed at getting more children and their families walking and taking part in exercise as they head to school. The campaign is organised by Living Streets, which is the UK charity for everyday walking. Micro Scooters is sponsoring the campaign and giving away 10 scooters and helmet sets to those who tell the best stories of their walk to school. Ben Gibson, managing director at Micro Scooters UK, said: "Swapping one car journey for a scoot to school might seem like a small thing, but it has a big ripple effect. "Fewer cars, cleaner air, and happier, more active kids. "We're proud to support Walk to School Week and to help families build healthier habits." The winners will be announced by email on May 26. To enter the competition people should visit the Living Streets website.
BBC News
19-02-2025
- Sport
- BBC News
York woman who took up weightlifting at 64 wins medal
A woman who took up weightlifting for the first time five months ago has enjoyed success in her first national competition at the age of Mathers, a university chief academic officer from York, was inspired by the exploits of her son Ben Gibson, a British champion in the deciding to begin training in October 2024, she has now won a silver medal in the women's 60-69 84kg category at the British Classic Bench Press said: "It's been really great to do it and my strength and confidence is brilliant." The powerlifting novice, who works for Coventry University, said: "It was really scary but amazing that you can - within 12 weeks - go through a process and actually win a medal."She completed the training with the help of her 28-year-old son, a health club said: "How wonderful is it to train with your son and actually enjoy it?"We've had the odd fall-out but apart from that it's been absolutely brilliant." Mr Gibson, who is also a personal trainer and two-time champion in the 120kg+ category, said: "It's been great fun."I'm so proud. I think she got over some really big nerves over the weekend to get onto the platform and she did a really good job."Ms Mathers worked in the finance sector before joining York St John University and her current role includes Coventry University's campus in to highlights from North Yorkshire on BBC Sounds, catch up with the latest episode of Look North or tell us a story you think we should be covering here.
