Money Isn’t Working In School Board Elections

Pa. boy, 12, dies after fight at school

The NJ doesn't print the details of the fight, it was simply called a 1:1 altercation.  But, the message is clear - our educational teams within all of our school, from the custodians to the principal and staff in every capacity in between, in charter, traditional, and private, must be ever vigilant to ensure that schools succeed in being sacred institutions of education and for many a second (or first) home.  Yes, it's common sense.  But, these days, it seems common sense needs oft repeating. 

Condolences to the family who has lost their child forever.

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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.

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

 

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.