The superintendents of 14 Florida school districts went before the state Board of Education on Wednesday to lay out their plans for turning around the failing schools within their purview.

  • Almost 50 schools receive 'D' or 'F' grades
  • Easier for principals to remove struggling teachers
  • State law requires 2-year turnaround plan

The 47 schools have all been given "D" or "F" grades for at least two consecutive years. Under state law, the superintendents are required to produce turnaround plans for approval by the board.

Of particular concern for board members were five failing elementary schools in St. Petersburg serving predominantly African-American students. The situation has prompted state and federal desegregation lawsuits and demands for additional resources.

In submitting his turnaround plan for the schools, Pinellas County Schools Superintendent Mike Grego told the board much of the work is already under way.

Teachers with records of improving student performance have been recruited to work at the schools and have opportunities to make up to $25,000 per year more than their counterparts at schools that aren't struggling.

In addition, principals now have the ability to remove underperforming teachers with relative ease.

"We negotiated this very successfully with our union, and that is that the principal can opt a teacher out any time of the school year, any time of the year, period, if that principal feels like that teacher's not getting the job done in that classroom," Grego said.

Under state law, districts with consistently failing public schools have two years to successfully implement their turnaround plans or risk further state intervention.