Today's news

UNPOPULAR PROVISIONS: A survey shows that Florida voters aren't too keen on a Jan. 29 property tax plan referendum, which would, among other things, cut about $2-billion from education over five

INVEST IN POOREST STUDENTS: For the new Pinellas student assignment plan to work, the school district must commit extra funds to the most impoverished children, St. Petersburg mayor Rick Baker writes in an op-ed piece.

STUDYING ABROAD: The number of U.S. college students taking a semester overseas is up 8.5 percent from a year ago, the AP reports.

SURE, TUITION IS LOW, BUT... Florida still manages to place three public university leaders among the top 10 nationally when it comes to pay, the Sun-Sentinel reports. High pay for presidents is becoming more usual, the NY Times reports, with a dozen private college leaders earning more than $1-million.

FAIR TRADE: A Palm Beach high school teacher convinces her students who can't pass FCAT to skip lunch social hour to study for the test. In exchange, she pledges to run a triathlon, the Palm Beach Post reports.

THE PRINCIPALS' JOB: The Manatee School Board is revising the job description of its campus leaders, the Herald-Tribune reports. Officials say it has nothing to do with recent troubles over the enforcement of the dress code at a Manatee High football game.

HELPING BOYS OF COLOR: The Polk school district wins an $800,000 grant to deal with the particular learning needs of minority boys, who struggle mightily in the district, the Lakeland Ledger reports.

COLLEGE ACCOUNTABILITY: Wisconsin moves to the front of the pack, agreeing to post college "report cards" based on test results within four years, the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel reports.

Reminder: Schools are closed today in Pinellas, Pasco and Hernando counties in recognition of Veterans Day.