Latest news with #HillsboroughCountyPublicSchools
Yahoo
14 hours ago
- Politics
- Yahoo
Hillsborough County schools remove LGBTQ+ book under state pressure
Once again this summer, Hillsborough County removed a book from its library shelves following a reprimand by Florida education officials for "inappropriate content." The book, "Trans Mission: My Quest to a Beard," was removed from Hillsborough County Public Schools as of Aug. 8, Superintendent Van Ayres said in an email posted by Anastasios "Stasi" Kamoutsas, the state's new education commissioner. It's the result of an escalated exchange between Ayres and Kamoutsas, after Kamoutsas posted a photo of the book on Aug. 4 and wrote on X: "I expect this to be remedied immediately or you can expect another invite to our next meeting." Ayres promptly reacted Aug. 5 by first restricting the book's access to only those with parental consent and said it wouldn't be displayed openly in any of the district's media centers. Then Ayres removed the book altogether three days later. Book removals are part of an escalating pattern of state officials pressuring school districts to remove books, in accordance with legislation empowering parents to challenge materials they consider inappropriate. Many of these books address LGBTQ+ themes, race or classic literature. Florida's been in the national spotlight for book removals, with critics accusing state officials of censorship and violating First Amendment rights. Ayres already has been under fire since May, when then-Education Commissioner Manny Diaz Jr. and Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier wrote letters mounting pressure on dozens of book removals, describing them as "pornographic." It led to Ayres being brought before the State Board of Education in June, where officials grilled him for not flagging these books sooner. "I understand Commissioner Kamoutsas' concerns. To be clear, this book was not purchased since I was appointed superintendent but I will ensure that moving forward all books purchased at taxpayer expense are advancing academic achievement and student success," Ayres wrote on X Aug. 5 "Trans Mission" is a book written by Alex Bertie, a transgender former YouTube personality, who discusses his journey growing up and transitioning in this memoir. Kamoutsas wrote on X on Aug. 4 that Hillsborough County continued to "expose students to inappropriate content." A request for comment is pending with Ayres on what led to the decision to fully remove the title and whether a media specialist reviewed it. Media specialists manage library books in schools and have been called the defenders of students' First Amendment rights. They read and analyze books in entirety, and as of 2022 they were required to approve all materials in school libraries and follow training guidelines set by the state. This reporting content is supported by a partnership with Freedom Forum and Journalism Funding Partners. USA Today Network-Florida First Amendment reporter Stephany Matat is based in Tallahassee, Fla. She can be reached at SMatat@ On X: @stephanymatat. This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: Hillsborough schools yank LGBTQ+ memoir after state warning Solve the daily Crossword
Yahoo
03-06-2025
- General
- Yahoo
4 HCPS graduates complete rare feat thousands of other students couldn't achieve
HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, Fla. (WFLA) — Four Hillsborough County Public Schools graduates achieved a rare feat — perfect attendance for their entire K-12 educational journey. Bloomingdale High School graduates Chloe Wilson and Colby Wilson, Durant High School's Dalton Bramlett and Robinson High School's Hailey Irvan completed 13 years of school in HCPS without missing a single day of class, the school district announced. Oreo maker sues Aldi, alleging grocery chain copies packaging to confuse customers 'These students have demonstrated exceptional perseverance, discipline, and a deep respect for the value of education,' said Superintendent Van Ayres. 'It's not just about being present in a seat—it's about showing up for your future, day in and day out. In Hillsborough County Public Schools, every day matters. We are incredibly proud of Chloe, Colby, Dalton, and Hailey, and we know their futures are bright.' The students were recognized during the school board meeting on Monday. They each received a new laptop and a $500 scholarship gift card from Suncoast Credit Union. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
03-06-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Local students help pass more legislation in Tallahassee
The Brief Students from Hillsborough County are helping pass more legislation in Tallahassee. The "Ought to be a Law" program is sponsored by Hillsborough County Public Schools and the Florida legislature. The students say the program gives them a voice and an opportunity to advocate for their own educational experiences. TALLAHASSEE - Students from Hillsborough County are helping pass more legislation in Tallahassee. The "Ought to be a Law" program has been in Hillsborough County Schools since 2004. On Monday, Rep. Susan Valdes announced the passage of two Florida House bills that were crafted with the help of students from Hillsborough County high schools. What they're saying "You can simulate civics all day, but putting kids in a position where they can live civics, they can learn how to address their local representatives, they can find out that these representatives are people who are interested in the things that they see as important and are willing to listen," Tony Pirotta, the project coordinator of Ought to be a Law and a teacher at Sumner High School said. Valdes says HB 1105 and HB 1255 were signed into law last week. She says HB 1255 includes proposed legislation from other bills. "Students from Jefferson High School created the language in House Bill 1261, which requires the mandatory financial literacy course to cover post-secondary expenses, like how to apply for the FAFSA," Valdes said. The students said they shared input about issues they noticed with their peers firsthand. "There are so many kids that we know that don't even know what a tax is," Genesis Salcedo Lima, a student at Jefferson High School said. "They don't even know what a tariff is. They don't know these simple economic things." PREVIOUS: Hillsborough students help propose legislation to help kids abused in foster care Big picture view The students say the program gives them a voice and an opportunity to advocate for their own educational experiences. "We think it's very important for these students to gain this education before they graduate high school, because it's the only way we can ensure that they will make it and be successful and are able to sit in these important seats as they grow older," Laraina Fernandez, a student at Jefferson High School said. Valdes says the new law addresses a plethora of education matters, including opportunities for children of military members. "We said, 'What issues in our community are we facing? How are these military students struggling?' And as we hear stories from kids who don't share the same backgrounds as us, I'm not a military student, none of our team members are military students, but we see that these children have these problems," Kaitlyn Chin, a student at Sumner High School said. The students said this program opened their eyes to different issues happening within their communities. "It inspires me to continue doing that and helping my peers know that they're not going unheard and that their worries and concerns are actually being listened to," Yeny Espino Vasquez, a student at Sumner High School, said. Valdes says the high school students were heavily involved in coming up with the legislation and moving it forward. "Students from Sumner High School created language for Senate Bill 1528 and their amended language saves the Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunity for Military Children from repeal," Valdes said. The students visited Tallahassee with lawmakers to gain hands-on experience and learn how the legislative process works. "It's different than just filling out a worksheet on how a bill gets turned into a law," Grace Siderio, a student at Sumner High School said. "I actually sat there, and we watched the press conferences, and we watched the meetings, and we got to go up there and testify on the floor." Valdes says HB 1105 also addresses a number of matters, including requiring the Department of Education to implement a workforce credential for students with autism or on a modified curriculum. She says it also removes the certificate of completion that is given to students in place of a diploma. She says the certificate is a "phony diploma" that acknowledges a student's completion of school in the public school district, but it's not equivalent to a diploma. "This particular certificate does not allow the students to even go to the military, go to trade school, go into college, even apply for the FAFSA," Valdes said. Valdes says the encompassing pieces of legislation steer away from a one-size-fits-all education model. "We're learning how to be able to cater to children," Valdes said. "How to be able to educate children and meet them where they are." The "Ought to be a Law" program is sponsored by Hillsborough County Public Schools and the Florida legislature. CLICK HERE:>>>Follow FOX 13 on YouTube The Source Information for this story was gathered by FOX 13's Kylie Jones. STAY CONNECTED WITH FOX 13 TAMPA: Download the FOX Local app for your smart TV Download FOX Local mobile app: Apple | Android Download the FOX 13 News app for breaking news alerts, latest headlines Download the SkyTower Radar app Sign up for FOX 13's daily newsletter
Daily Mail
20-05-2025
- Daily Mail
Female teacher, 27, 'sexually assaulted underage boy in her classroom shortly before cops came to arrest her'
A Florida high school teacher was arrested just moments after she allegedly sexually assaulted a boy in her classroom. Riverview High School teacher Brooke Anderson, 27, was charged with three counts of unlawful sexual activity with a minor on Friday. Police launched an investigation after receiving information about an inappropriate relationship between Anderson and a male student that same day, according to the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office. The minor student told police that the relationship began in September 2024 with 'sexually explicit text messages.' The relationship allegedly escalated in the weeks leading up to her arrest, and the student reported multiple instances of sexual activity. Police said the most recent incident occurred the morning of her arrest, inside Anderson's classroom before the start of the school day. 'This teacher betrayed the trust of a student, a school, and an entire community,' said Sheriff Chad Chronister. 'What should have been a safe, supportive environment for learning was exploited for abuse. Her actions are criminal, calculated, and deeply disturbing.' Police said she had a sexual encounter with a student inside her classroom at Riverview High School (pictured) on the morning of her arrest Hillsborough County Public Schools told Anderson had taught biology in the district since November 2021. She has been suspended pending termination. The district said she passed all required screenings and background checks before she was hired. Anderson was a science teacher at Riverview High School, but her name was removed from the school's directory shortly after her arrest, according to People. The Riverview High School Clubs roster also lists her as the school's environmental club sponsor. Anderson was booked into jail on Friday and then released on Saturday after a judge set her bail at $45,000 - $15,000 for each count of unlawful sexual activity with a minor. Court records show she has not entered a plea, and it is unclear if she has a lawyer.
Yahoo
08-04-2025
- Yahoo
Former Hillsborough deputy accused of throwing bottle at another driver during road rage incident
The Brief A former Hillsborough County deputy is accused of throwing a bottle at another driver during a road rage incident. The victim had a raised contusion and an abrasion after the incident. He was an HCSO deputy for more than a decade and now works with Hillsborough County Public Schools. LITHIA, Fla. - A former Hillsborough County deputy is accused of throwing a bottle at another driver during a road rage incident on Sunday. The Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office said 47-year-old Brandon Parker, who was an HCSO deputy for more than a decade and now works with Hillsborough County Public Schools, was arrested a day after the incident. CRIME:Man charged with mother's murder after claiming accidental shooting denied bond What we know Deputies said the victim and her two teenagers were heading south on Bell Shoals Road when they approached a red light at the intersection of FishHawk Boulevard. When the light turned green, the vehicle in front of the victim didn't move, which is when the victim honked her horn to alert the driver of the green light. Both vehicles continued on FishHawk Boulevard when the passenger of the suspect's vehicle started yelling at the victim, according to HCSO. Once they reached a red light at the intersection of FishHawk Boulevard and Mosaic Drive, the passenger of the suspect's vehicle threw a bottle at the victim, hitting her in the head. Investigators said the victim had a raised contusion and an abrasion after the incident. Follow FOX 13 on YouTube The sheriff's office was able to identify Parker as the suspect during their investigation. Authorities said he was arrested for throwing a deadly missile at or into an occupied conveyance. HCSO officials said Parker was employed as a deputy from 2003 to 2016. What they're saying "This type of violent behavior is absolutely unacceptable, especially from someone who once wore a badge," said Hillsborough County Sheriff Chad Chronister. "There is no excuse for escalating a traffic dispute into an act that caused injury to an innocent driver. No one is above the law, and we will hold individuals accountable for their actions, regardless of their past or current affiliations." What we don't know It's unclear how HCSO's investigation led them to Parker being the suspect. Officials also haven't confirmed what his current role is with Hillsborough County Public Schools. STAY CONNECTED WITH FOX 13 TAMPA: Download the FOX Local app for your smart TV Download FOX Local mobile app:Apple |Android Download the FOX 13 News app for breaking news alerts, latest headlines Download the SkyTower Radar app Sign up for FOX 13's daily newsletter
