From today's NJ:

DOVER — Every year since 2006, Delaware Technical Community College’s leaders have asked lawmakers to consider the same funding source for campus infrastructure – a statewide property tax. For the last several years, the idea has received little or no discussion. But the proposal received attention from some lawmakers during a budget hearing Tuesday before the Bond Bill Committee.

No.  The response is a plain and simple NO.  Public education in this nation is a protected right for Kindergarten through 12th grade. It is compulsory, mandatory.  College is not.  Post secondary education is a choice and a choice that must be earned through performance in the K-12 school system.  I support taxes that support K-12 education.  I do not and will not support a special property tax leveled against property-owners to fund one and only one voluntary institution of education.

Delaware Tech officials estimate such a tax would cost the average property owner $15 to $20 per year. The committee is responsible for approving funding for building projects and facilities improvements.

Schools that provide compulsory educational services must put their capital needs before their constituency through referendum.  Yes, I'd like a line item in the budget, too.  I'd like to add a room to my house every year for the next fifty.  Delaware Legislators - would you please issue a property tax on my neighbors so that I can build my McMansion? Ummm, I mean perform "infrastructure upgrades?"  Yeah, I didn't think so. Why in a million years would any legislator entertain this ridiculous proposal?

The college’s main argument revolves around the crowding of its buildings. Delaware Tech is scheduled to receive $3.2 million for capital projects in Gov. Jack Markell’s recommended budget. George asked lawmakers for another $9.7 million.“With your track record, we ought to find a permanent source of funding, whether it’s $15 a year or $20,” said Venables, D-Laurel.

Track Record?  Okay, so my home houses four full-time residents and five furry ones.  Our structure has at various times housed two teenagers fresh the MD foster-care system, and an infant niece.  We pay bills on time, our mortgage is current, we maintain our property,we've updated all major systems except plumbing.  In fact, I could really use some money so that I can replace my recalled plumbing and repair the rotted posts that are precariously supporting my deck.  And I need a hot tub with a gazebo enclosure as that major snowfall some years back desimated both.  Our credit is good, so I have a great "track record"  Mr. Venables, would you please give me a line item?

While the proposal received some positive feedback, George acknowledged getting legislation to institute the tax would be “a high mountain to climb.”

Hey George, I have an idea. You make more money than the President of the United States. In 2009, you were Delaware's top earner.  "Delaware Technical & Community College President, Orlando George Jr., will make $455,000 this year. That's more than the President of the United States of America makes ($400,000.) And no one in the federal government is allowed to earn more in salary than the President."  YOU NEED MORE MULLAH FOR YOUR SCHOOL - TAKE A PAY CUT!

Committee member Michael Ramone said the college should find money elsewhere for capital projects, such as grants or public-private partnerships.

Thank you, Mike Ramone, for injecting some common sense into the debate. 

The state’s other two public institutions, the University of Delaware and Delaware State University, often use private funding provided by bondholders to build dormitories and dining halls. Those projects receive bond funding because they have stable sources of revenue from student fees.Delaware Tech would benefit from the dedicated tax for its projects, allowing the college to participate in the state’s general obligation bond issue.

Ahhh, the heart of the issue.  UD and DSU maintain their infrastructure by using the bond mechanism.  Their eligibility is predicated on their ability to recoup some expenditures through existing income channels such as student fees.  SO, why hasn't Del Tech adopted some policy changes and instituted some procedures that will create eligibility for the general obligation bond?  Greed, that's why. Del Tech wants a dedicated funding stream of gift money so that they don't have a payback obligation.  

Essentially, this school, where enrollment is purely voluntary, wants all Delaware Property Owners to pay into a very special kitty of funds that does not require repayment.  And the request is coming from 2009's highest paid Delawarean. If that's not greed, I don't know what is?  

Legislators - Please Tell George NO!  Del Tech should be seeking parity, not special favors.  However, if you are feeling generous, I'll take that personal line item to cover my own capital expenses...

5 school districts, 9 charters join Delaware Talent Cooperative, www.doe.k12.de.us/news/2013/0225.shtml

Release Date: Feb 25, 2013 9:40 AM  ShareThis

The Delaware Department of Education announced today that five school districts and nine charter schools have confirmed their participation in the Delaware Talent Cooperative. In addition to Capital School District and Laurel School District, two districts that participated last year, Brandywine School District, New Castle County Vo-Tech School District and Seaford School District also will participate in the initiative, which offers state-sponsored retention awards and recruitment incentives for educators in their highest-need schools. Additionally, nine eligible charter schools have confirmed their participation in the initiative.

The following 18 schools have committed to participating: Brandywine School District’s Harlan Elementary; Capital School District’s South Dover, Towne Point and East Dover elementary schools and Dover High; Laurel School District’s Laurel Middle; Seaford School District’s West Seaford and Blades elementary schools; New Castle County Vo-Tech School District’s Howard High School of Technology; and charter schools Positive Outcomes, Thomas Edison, EastSide, Prestige, Academy of Dover, Delaware College Preparatory Academy, Kuumba Academy, Moyer and Reach.

 “When we brought this opportunity to our educators at Harlan, they discussed what it would mean for them and for the school's culture,” said Mark Holodick, superintendent of the Brandywine School District, "Ultimately, their voice in this decision-making process was the most important voice.

 “It was important to us that educators had all of the details of the program and heard directly from state officials who we invited to the building faculty meeting. The Harlan school community is a tight-knit group with a rich history, and retaining our educators who contribute to student development and outcomes is certainly a high-priority for us as a district,” he said.

 The state has extended the deadline for several school districts to respond regarding their participation since their December invitation. The Indian River School District will make a final decision this week, and the Christina School District's invitation to join the Delaware Talent Cooperative remains open given their local commitment to participate as part of their district Race to the Top (RTTT) plan.
The Delaware Department of Education notified districts and charters of their eligible schools, each of which has at least 100 students, based upon the following criteria:

 ·A school’s inclusion in the state’s Partnership Zone
· A school’s appearance in the “Top 15 schools” in at least two of the following three categories: highest percentages of minority students, highest percentages of students from low-income backgrounds (students on free- and reduced-price lunches), and highest percentages of English language learners.
· In addition, schools could be eligible if they have at least 75 percent of their students in any of the three above categories.
Funded with part of the state’s federal RTTT grant, the Delaware Talent Cooperative features two program arms: the Talent Retention Program, which provides financial awards and leadership opportunities to highly-effective educators who continue to work in participating schools, and the Talent Attraction Program, which seeks to attract select, top-performing educators to the participating schools. The initiative also provides opportunities for additional support for participating schools. Each building can apply to receive a one-time grant of up to $10,000 for school-wide improvement efforts.
The Retention Program, one arm of the Cooperative, launched last year with 28 distinguished educators earning a $10,000 retention incentive from the state for committing to teach in their respective schools for at least two more years. This year’s program is open to highly-effective educators across all grades and subjects who work in a participating school.
A website, www.DEtalentcoop.org, includes more information, including the application for the Attraction Program that educators in non-participating schools can access. There is no application for the Retention Program, as invitations will be sent to those who qualify.

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Delaware's Department of Education is committed to promoting the highest quality education for every Delaware student by providing visionary leadership and superior service.

Court blocks NY from withholding funds from NYC schools

A New York judge blocked the state from withholding $250 million from NYC schools because of a missed deadline. The lawsuit contends that students will suffer from the impasse between the city and teachers' union to adopt a new teacher evaluation plan.  -- http://www.crainsnewyork.com/article/20130222/EDUCATION/130229945

New York Parents Mount Meritous Challenge to Threats by Education Officials to Withhold RTTT Funds:

 

Updated: February 22, 2013 12:42 p.m.

(AP) -- A New York judge Thursday blocked the state from withholding $250 million from New York City schools as punishment for missing a deadline to adopt a teacher evaluation plan.
In granting a preliminary injunction, state Supreme Court Justice Manuel Mendez said a lawsuit brought by a group of parents challenging the penalty has merit. He froze any sanctions pending final outcome of the case.
Gov. Andrew Cuomo's administration said it would appeal.
The lawsuit contends it would be unconstitutional to withhold funding from students who had nothing to do with an impasse between the city and the United Federation of Teachers over how to measure the performance of teachers and principals.

Personally, I think this story is quite similar to the recent threats against the Christina School District... However, CSD has responded and submitted a credible plan to be compliant.  Certainly, DeDOE will approve.

Join the CSD Board for a special regular session meeting dedicated to the Talent Attraction and Retention Initiative:

Board of Education Open Session Meeting Date: 2/25/2013 Time: 6:30 PM - Location: Sarah Pyle Academy 501 N. Lombard Street Wilmington, DE

-----Original Message-----
From: Steven Quimby
Subject: Next Week

Dear Pencader Families;

 

The events of last week have left everyone with many questions about what the future holds for our students and families.  I wanted to take some time to clarify the upcoming schedule as there are some important events taking place next week. Everyone is still trying to cope with the news and while there is a temptation to want to do things to show our displeasure, we all need to make sure they are directed at the people who made the decision and not things that disrupt the regular business of the school. 

 

First, there will be representatives from charter schools and school districts available in the Pencader gym at 6PM on Tuesday evening to meet with families and discuss options and procedures for their respective districts/schools.  At this time, I do not have a specific list of which schools/districts will be in attendance.  I should have more information on Monday, but I have not received conformation from the state about that.  In addition, I do not have confirmation about whether or not anyone from the Department of Education will be in attendance.  I'm sure there has been information put out in the media, but I only know what was given to me via my conversation with John Carwell on Friday.  I will be speaking with him again tomorrow afternoon to finalize the details.

 

Second, our monthly school board meeting will be held at 6PM on Thursday evening in the cafeteria.  At that time we will be discussing what options are available to the students and families in terms of challenging or contesting the decision.  We are not able to meet sooner, as FOIA regulations require meetings of public boards to be properly noticed.  I know that Mr. McIntosh is not ready to throw in the towel, but please come to the meeting on Thursday and be part of the discussion.

 

 

I know that all of our families, while potentially willing to keep the fight going, are also making plans for their students for next year.  Tomorrow, the guidance staff and I will be meeting with each grade individually over the course of the morning, to explain what happened last week, answer questions, and talk about what students will need to do over the coming months.  Each grade is going to have different priorities, and so the message will be tailored to their particular needs.

 

We want to make sure we can satisfy all requests in a timely fashion, but please remember that our staff is still working with students each and every day.  Please note the following:  ALL TRANSCRIPT OR RECORD REQUESTS MUST BE MADE IN WRITING OR VIA EMAIL.  PLEASE SPECIFICALLY INDICATE WHAT TYPE OF RECORD YOU ARE REQUESTING AND WHERE IT NEEDS TO BE SENT.  PLEASE ALLOW THE SCHOOL STAFF TO HAVE AT LEAST 48 HOURS TO COMPLETE YOUR REQUEST.  WE WILL HAVE A FORM TO HAND OUT STUDENTS AND POSTED ON THE WEBSITE THAT PARENTS MAY USE TO MAKE SUCH A REQUEST. Starting next week, parents will be able to print report cards and unofficial transcripts from the Home Access Center.

 

In addition, beginning this week, both guidance counselors will have weekly office hours to meet with students and families.  Mrs. Tooles will be available to meet with 9th and 10th graders and their families on Wednesdays from 8AM-12PM  and 1:30-3:30PM.  Mr. Heller will be available on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons from 1-6PM  to meet with 11th and 12th graders and their families.  These times are for students (and their parents) who would like to discuss their transcripts, progress towards graduation, courses for next year, or information about the college application process. DO NOT make an appointment to just get a transcript.  Follow the procedure outlines above. Please call Mrs. Delle Donne in the main office if you wish to schedule an appointment.

 

Dr Elliott, our school psychologist, will be on campus tomorrow, and we will be working to have other counselors available over the course of the week.  The next couple of days will be tough on everyone.  We all want to see the school year progress as normal, as anything less would only vindicate the decision to close us down.  More information will be sent out about events later this week once we receive confirmation from DOE.

 

 

Sincerely,

 

 

Steve

http://www.delawareonline.com/article/20130223/NEWS03/130223001/Wallace-new-executive-director-Vision-Network-

Dana Diesel Wallace replaces Mark Murphy, who left to become the state Secretary of Education. She was most recently working at a North Carolina organization that advocated a public­-private education innovation.
Diesel Wallace has worked in educa­tion for more than 20 years as a teacher, principal, administrator and superinten­dent, according to the Vision Network. She has a bachelor’s degree in educa­tion from Old Dominion University, a master’s in educational leadership from Harvard University, and an education doctorate from Teachers College at Columbia University.

credit - http://www.inforum.com/event/article/id/261288/

 

Let's all give Diesel Wallace a big 'ole blogosphere welcome! If you want to get a feel for what this agent of change brings to Vision and Delaware, take a look at the excerpt below and go visit the very full story.

From: http://www.inforum.com/event/article/id/261288/

Not even two years into her job, West Fargo Superintendent Dana Diesel Wallace nearly got the boot from the School Board.
Members hired her in 2006 to be a change agent. But change has nearly been Diesel Wallace’s downfall.

PENCADER CHARTER SCHOOL
State Board of Education revokes Pencader Business and Finance School’s charter

DOVER – In response to the state Board of Education’s decision Thursday to revoke the charter of Pencader Business and Finance School, House Education Committee chair Rep. Darryl M. Scott released the following statement:
“The state Board of Education’s decision to revoke Pencader’s charter was not one they made lightly, coming after more than six years of trying to work with the school to improve results and get it to perform to the high standards expected from charter schools.
“Despite repeated attempts to improve the governance and organization of the school, the school’s shortcomings continued to have a negative impact on students’ educational performance and overall experience.
“I am disappointed that it has come to this, yet I support the decision. The performance of the school left the board with no further options. Charter schools are given additional privileges and abilities not afforded to all public schools, but with those come additional responsibilities and expectations. They failed to meet those expectations on numerous occasions, and it ultimately became in the best interests of the students and parents of the school, as well as the taxpayers of Delaware, to revoke Pencader’s charter.”
###

“We will continue the fight and try and keep the school open although I know it’s rather bleak,” he said. “Our first and foremost concern is what is in the best interests of our students, our teachers and our families.”

Asked what options he may have for keeping the school open now, Quimby said: “We’re going to have to discuss that.”  - http://www.wdde.org/39555-state-board-votes-close-pencader

Release Date: Feb 21, 2013 2:30 PM  ShareThis

The State Board of Education today voted to revoke Pencader Business and Finance School’s charter at the end of this academic year. The board had placed the New Castle high school, which still was on probation from 2011 problems, on formal review in September 2012. This was the fourth time the school was placed on formal review since it opened in 2006.
The Charter School Accountability Committee’s final report, available here, outlines the governance, administrative, academic, financial and other problems cited by the committee in its recommendation to revoke the charter.
Secretary of Education Mark Murphy considered the committee’s findings as well as transcripts from two public hearings and other submitted comments and documents before recommending to the board that it revoke the charter. In his recommendation, Murphy noted that Pencader has no detailed plan to attract strong leaders to the school and failed to establish student performance goals, expectations and educational outcomes.
The board voted 6-0 to revoke the charter.
“Charter schools are granted autonomy in exchange for accountability, and we will continue to hold all charter schools accountable for results to ensure they offer all students a high-quality education and an equal opportunity to succeed,” said State Board Vice President Jorge Melendez, who chaired the meeting in State Board President Dr. Teri Quinn Gray’s absence.
 Murphy acknowledged the concerns of Pencader families and other supporters who will be losing a school they regard. Many spoke at two public hearings earlier this month.
“Our priority in the coming weeks will be to work with families and accepting districts and charter schools as Pencader students and their parents determine their best educational options for next year,” Murphy said. “We know this is a tough time, and we will work to facilitate the transition as much as possible.”
In addition to their district feeder pattern schools, the students also may apply for schools through the state’s Choice program. While the Choice application deadline was in January, the closure of their school is considered “good cause” under the law to allow the students to participate.
State officials will set up a meeting with Pencader families for within a week to explain next steps in choosing and enrolling in another school. Representatives from district high schools will be invited to attend as well. The state expects full support from the accepting districts and will work together with their leadership to do what is best for these students. The state also will be setting up a designated email address and hotline for help. The state will announce the details as soon as they are finalized.
Formal Review Process Timeline

• Place on formal review: September 25, 2012
• Initial CSAC meetings: Oct. 17, 2012
• Preliminary CSAC meeting: Nov. 26, 2012
• Preliminary CSAC report: Dec. 6, 2012
• School response: Dec. 20, 2012
• Final CSAC meeting: January 4, 2013
• Final CSAC report: January 11, 2013
• Public hearings: February 11 and 13, 2013
• State Board of Education decision: February 21, 2013
• School closure: June 2013

Troubled Pencader Charter High School will close at the end of this school year.
The State Board of Education voted unanimously Thursday afternoon to revoke the school’s charter.
The vote by the board comes after Department of Education’s Charter School Accountability Committee recommended in January that Pencader be shut down.
Pencader has been placed on “formal review” by the Department of Education four times since it opened in 2006, primarily for management and financial issues. It was most recently placed under review again last September.
Pencader’s board, staff, students and parents sought a reprieve from closure at two public meetings last week. They argued the installation of a reconstituted board of directors in November and other changes put the school on the right track.

Confirmed by NJ Reporter Nichole Dobo:

Nichole Dobo ‏@nicholedobo