PA Ed Policy Roundup Sept 25: Everything Wrong With Education "Reform" Is In York, PA

Daily postings from the Keystone State Education Coalition now reach more than 3500 Pennsylvania education policymakers – school directors, administrators, legislators, legislative and congressional staffers, Governor's staff, current/former PA Secretaries of Education, PTO/PTA officers, parent advocates, teacher leaders, business leaders, education professors, members of the press and a broad array of P-16 regulatory agencies, professional associations and education advocacy organizations via emails, website, Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn

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PA Ed Policy Roundup for September 25, 2014:

Everything Wrong With Education "Reform" Is In York, PA

KEYSTONE EXAMS: Not Just Another Standardized Test

What You Need to Know About Pennsylvania’s NEW High School Graduation Requirement

Join the Radnor, Haverford, Chester County, Lower Merion & Narberth Leagues of Women Voters October 7 @ 7:00 pm in Radnor

http://lwvccpa.org/event/keystone-exams-not-just-another-standardized-test/

Charter operators face community questions in York City

Two companies appeared at a public meeting on Wednesday

York Daily Record By Angie Mason amason@ydr.com @angiemason1 on Twitter 09/25/2014 01:13:50 AM EDT

Two charter operators faced opposition before and during a meeting Wednesday where they discussed their proposals for running York City School District buildings starting next year.  York City is considering bringing in charter operators in 2015-16 to run district buildings, an option under the financial recovery plan if internal reform doesn't work. Chief recovery officer David Meckley has said that without new employee collective bargaining agreements that reflect concessions in the recovery plan, internal reform won't work financially.  The two operators being considered — Charter Schools USA and Mosaica Education — appeared at a Community Education Council meeting. Beforehand, community members marched at a rally organized by the York NAACP, a group of concerned clergy and district employees.

http://www.ydr.com/local/ci_26601034/charter-operators-face-community-questions-york-city

Charter schools defend plans despite public concern for York City schools

York Dispatch By NIKELLE SNADER 505-5431/@ydschools 09/24/2014 10:46:32 PM EDT

The two charter school operators vying to run York City schools next year answered questions for more than three hours at the district's community education council meeting Wednesday, talking with the community despite public concerns about converting the city district to charter schools.

Charter Schools USA and Mosaica Education gave brief overviews of their school systems and answered an hour's worth of prepared questions about how the schools would operate throughout the day, work with parents and improve academics, among other topics.

The meeting was set to the backdrop of a teacher protest an hour before the meeting began, with leaders of the York NAACP, National Education Association and other York groups speaking out against moving toward a charter school option.

http://www.yorkdispatch.com/breaking/ci_26601233/charter-schools-defend-plans-despite-public-concern-york

Democrat Tom Wolf says he's opposed to York charter school conversion

York Daily Record By Ed Mahon, Daily Record/Sunday News 09/25/2014 12:15:17 AM EDT

The Democratic candidate for governor says 'we need to take a different course'

Democratic gubernatorial candidate Tom Wolf said he's concerned about the possible conversion to charter schools for the York City School District.  "I disagree with my good friend Dave Meckley on that," Wolf said, referring to the district's state-appointed chief recovery officer.

The York City School District is considering converting all or some district-run schools into charter schools, to be managed by outside operators, by the 2015-16 school year, as part of a recovery plan overseen by Meckley. Wolf said if funding hadn't been taken from the district, leaders there would have other options.

http://www.ydr.com/pagov/ci_26593951/dem-nominee-wolf-makes-campaign-stop-york

"York, PA does not have a school effectiveness problem: it has an economic inequality problem. The schools are reflecting the reality of life for children in York, PA; anyone who argues otherwise is being willingly obtuse."

Everything Wrong With Education "Reform" Is In York, PA

Jersey Jazzman Blog Tuesday, September 23, 2014

When I was on Rick Smith's show the other day, kvetching about Chris Christie's education "policies" (it's the whole reason Rick has me on the show), he brought up a really good point:
As bad as Governor Chris Christie has been for New Jersey's schools, Governor Tom Corbett has been far, far worse for Pennsylvania's.  Under Corbett, "cyber charters" have proliferated, even though all the evidence shows they are little better than pits where taxpayers throw their money, enriching the operators and denying students proper educations.  Corbett brought us Vahan Gureghian, a school privatizing pirate who all but bankrupted the Chester-Uplands school district, thanks to Pennsylvania's insane special education funding policies. Now Gureghian has come to Camden on this side of the Delaware, thanks to the indifference of the South Jersey Democratic machine.

- See more at: http://jerseyjazzman.blogspot.com/2014/09/everything-wrong-with-education-reform.html#sthash.AEkqDuEZ.dpuf

Education top priority for Pa. voters, poll shows

Trib Live By Brad Bumsted Thursday, Sept. 25, 2014, 12:01 a.m.
HARRISBURG — Candy Eslinger, a retired secretary and registered Democrat, isn't sure who will get her vote in the governor's race, but she leans toward businessman Tom Wolf, her party's nominee.  Yet she might vote for Republican Gov. Tom Corbett on Nov. 4, said Eslinger, 53, of Dauphin Borough.  “I want to know who's going to do the best job for the state,” she said. “You're hearing things they will do, but when it gets down to it, are they going to do it?”

She's among 520 registered Pennsylvania voters polled by Franklin & Marshall College in Lancaster for its latest survey, conducted Sept. 15-22. Education came in as the top issue affecting how people will vote for governor: 26 percent ranked it No. 1.

The poll, like others in recent months, found Wolf holding a substantial lead — 49 percent of registered voters to Corbett's 31 percent, with 19 percent undecided.

Read more: http://triblive.com/state/pennsylvania/6841556-74/corbett-wolf-voters#ixzz3EK9QV7o5

Franklin & Marshall poll shows gains for Corbett, but Wolf maintains lead in Pa. gubernatorial race

Penn Live By Christina Kauffman | ckauffman@pennlive.com  on September 25, 2014 at 3:37 AM, updated September 25, 2014 at 3:38 AM

A new Franklin & Marshall College poll released Thursday shows Gov. Tom Corbett picking up some undecided voters but is trailing Democratic challenger Tom Wolf by 18 percentage points among registered voters.  The poll shows Wolf leading 49 percent to 31 percent, with 19 percent still not knowing how they'll vote.  That's a gain for Corbett since the August poll, in which he was trailing by 25 percent.

http://www.pennlive.com/politics/index.ssf/2014/09/september_franklin_marshall_po.html

The Franklin & Marshall College Poll

The September 2014 Franklin & Marshall College Poll of Pennsylvania registered voters shows that Tom Wolf maintains a sizable lead over Republican incumbent Tom Corbett. The survey finds Governor Corbett continues to trail his Democratic challenger Tom Wolf, 49% to 31%. Wolf’s lead is similar among likely voters. As in prior surveys, a majority (60%) of registered voters continues to believe the state is “off on the wrong track” and only three in ten (30%) believe Governor Corbett has performed sufficiently well to deserve re-election. Most (84%) registered voters have seen advertising for the governor’s race, but only one in ten (10%) say a commercial has changed their gubernatorial preference.

View the latest Franklin & Marshall College Poll:

September 15 - 22, 2014 - Summary of Findings - Pennsylvanians (PDF)

"Sen. Anthony "Hardy" Williams, D-Philadelphia, the driving force behind the original cigarette tax proposal, said lawmakers should not be satisfied with the bill's final passage. The Legislature needs to pass a fair funding formula for all districts in Pennsylvania, he said."

Corbett signs Philly cigarette tax

By Steve Esack,Call Harrisburg Bureau September 24, 2014 8:58 pm

Philly smokers, stock up on cigarettes now; they are going up $2 in 5 days

Gov. Tom Corbett signs Philadelphia-only cigarette tax bill to raise money for city schools

Cigarettes going up 42 a pack in Philadelphia to fund city schools  HARRISBURG — Gov. Tom Corbett on Wednesday signed into law a bill adding a $2-per-pack tax on cigarettes sold in Philadelphia to help pay for the city's schools.  The tax takes effect Wednesday and will push to about $7.80 the price of a pack of cigarettes sold in Philadelphia.  At that rate, the state Budget Office estimates, smokers will raise an additional $55 million a year for the Philadelphia School District, state budget Secretary Charles Zogby said. City estimates are higher.

http://www.mcall.com/news/breaking/mc-pa-corbett-philly-cigarette-tax-20140924-story.html

Corbett signs Philadelphia cigarette tax legislation, calling it a step toward firmer funding for schools

Penn Live By Jan Murphy | jmurphy@pennlive.com  on September 24, 2014 at 12:49 PM, updated September 24, 2014 at 1:01 PM

Gov. Tom Corbett signed a law on Wednesday imposing a $2-per-pack tax on cigarettes and little cigars sold in Philadelphia to help fund the city's cash-strapped schools.

This new levy, which takes effect Oct. 1, is anticipated will generate $70 million to $90 million per year of recurring revenue to support the district.  In his and others remarks about the legislation that allows Philadelphia to enact the tax, it was emphasized that it was a bi-partisan effort that got this bill across the finish line that Sen. Anthony Williams, D-Philadelphia, began pushing for two years and created a lot of legislative drama along the way. 

"This was not a partisan issue. It was about the students of Philadelphia," Corbett said. "House Bill 1177 is another step in our mission to provide great education for every student in the commonwealth of Pennsylvania. It provides a steady funding source for the School District of Philadelphia and will support a safe and secure learning environment for the students there."

http://www.pennlive.com/politics/index.ssf/2014/09/corbett_signs_philadelphia_cig.html

"Sen. Anthony Williams, D-Philadelphia, said he's "grateful" the cigarette tax is finally law. But with Corbett on his left, Williams said education spending across the state remains a problem, with a funding formula and other reforms at its root."

Corbett signature makes Philly cigarette tax official

WHYY Newsworks BY MARY WILSON SEPTEMBER 24, 2014

Gov. Tom Corbett has signed a long-awaited measure to let Philadelphia levy a tax on cigarettes beginning next month to raise money for its schools.  Supporters heralded the bipartisan effort of Pennsylvania lawmakers to allow Philadelphia to levy a $2-per-pack tax on cigarettes. The tax, along with a city sales tax increase and borrowing, will help the school district bridge an $81 million deficit.  "We're thrilled and, for the first time while in Harrisburg, I'm actually smiling and celebrating," said district Superintendent William Hite at a bill-signing ceremony Wednesday. A lobbyist leading the effort to pass the proposal let out a happy whoop.  The measure also contains a change allowing city charter schools to go to the state to appeal rejected applications. House Republicans insisted on the provision, already wary of appearing to bail out Philadelphia schools by allowing higher taxes.

http://www.newsworks.org/index.php/homepage-feature/item/73166-corbett-signature-makesphilly-cigarette-tax-official?linktype=hp_impact

Corbett signs Phila. cigarette-tax bill

ANGELA COULOUMBIS, INQUIRER HARRISBURG BUREAU LAST UPDATED: Wednesday, September 24, 2014, 1:23 PM POSTED: Wednesday, September 24, 2014, 1:20 PM

HARRISBURG - Gov. Corbett Wednesday signed the bill that authorizes hiladelphia to impose a $2-a-pack tax on cigarettes to help raise money for the city's cash-starved schools.

"For the first time while in Harrisburg, I'm smiling," said city Schools Superintendent William Hite.

The bill signing follows months of wrangling in the GOP-controlled legislature, with some of its more conservative members resisting allowing the city to increase the levy.  Corbett, a Republican, said legislators in both parties came together to bridge those differences.

"This bill represents the best interests of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, putting partisan politics aside to come together for a good cause," the governor said.  Democrats in both chambers, who stood beside Corbett during the bill signing, echoed that sentiment, but said more work needs to be done to ensure that schools across the state are funded fairly.

Read more at http://www.philly.com/philly/education/20140925_Corbett_signs_cigarette-tax_bill.html#Pf8i3gYhkb6Yd8sA.99

"School boards in struggling eastern Delaware County municipalities have for years complained about what amounts to a built-in impediment, an unfair, unlevel playing field that penalizes students and families in towns such as Yeadon, Colwyn and Lansdowne for years.  It’s simple. Towns with a stronger tax base can raise a lot more money with an increase in their property taxes than those where the economy is still struggling."

Editorial: Struggling school districts still awaiting tax fix

Delco TImes POSTED: 09/24/14, 11:18 PM EDT

Better late than never.

Unless, of course, you happen to be a smoker who resides in Philadelphia.

Or live in the William Penn School District, or any of the many other struggling districts that have the geographic misfortune of sitting outside the city of Philadelphia.  That massive sigh of relief you heard was executives at the cash-strapped Philadelphia School District after the Pennsylvania Senate put its seal of approval on a measure that would allow an increase in the cigarette tax in Philadelphia. Gov. Tom Corbett signed the measure into law Wednesday morning. 

http://www.delcotimes.com/opinion/20140924/editorial-struggling-school-districts-still-awaiting-tax-fix

Fitch slaps PA with another debt downgrade as pensions, bad budgeting continue to wreck state’s finances

PA Independent September 24, 2014 | By Eric Boehm | Posted in WatchBlog

If three times is a trend, we’ll have to find another word to describe the fact Pennsylvania’s credit rating has been downgraded for a fourth time in just a little over two years.  One thing it isn’t: surprising.  WE’RE GOING DOWN: Fitch Ratings slapped Pennsylvania with a second credit rating downgrade in 14 months on Tuesday.

Fitch Ratings dropped Pennsylvania’s credit rating to AA- from AA on Tuesday, citing the state’s reliance on $2 billion in one-time revenue in this year’s $29 billion budget and a refusal to take on the long-term budget-busted pension costs that will continue to drive costs higher for the rest of the decade.  “The ‘AA-’ rating is sensitive to the commonwealth’s continued ability to address increasing fixed-cost pressures, particularly for pensions,” Fitch said in a statement announcing the downgrade. “Given the magnitude of Pennsylvania’s structural budget gap, Fitch anticipates some continued use of non-recurring items in upcoming budgets, but at a declining rate. Failure to make progress toward structural balance could trigger negative rating action.”

A lower credit rating makes it more expensive for the state to borrow money, but also serves as a gauge of fiscal health.

http://paindependent.com/2014/09/fitch-slaps-pa-with-another-debt-downgrade-as-pensions-bad-budgeting-continue-to-wreck-states-finances/

Philly PSSA scores stay flat; Hite encouraged by results

the notebook By Dale Mezzacappa on Sep 24, 2014 06:09 PM

Less than half of Philadelphia students in District schools read and do math proficiently, but the rates stayed essentially flat this year despite severe funding cutbacks.

Superintendent William Hite called the results good news.

Reading proficiency rates fell by 0.3 percentage points to 42 percent, while math dropped from 46.9 to 45.2 percent proficient, according to data released by the District. The state has yet to release statewide or school-by-school scores, but has sent results to districts.

"These numbers represent the fact that we have a very long way to go," Hite said in an interview. "But I'm quite frankly surprised we didn't see a more significant decline considering how we started the year and went almost two months" with shortages of essential personnel like counselors and some teachers due to budget cuts.

"We started adding people back in November, and essentially had three months before [students] had to take assessments," he said.

http://thenotebook.org/blog/147742/district-2014-pssa-scores-flat-hite-encouraged-results

Spring-Ford teachers agree to new contact

Philly.com by Kathy Bocella LAST UPDATED: Thursday, September 25, 2014, 1:08 AM

ROYERSFORD Spring-Ford Area teachers have a new four-year contract that includes small pay raises for those at the top of the salary scale. Teachers will also pay a greater share of their benefits costs.  The 600 members of the Spring-Ford Area Education Association had been working without a new contract for more than a year. The school board approved the agreement, which is retroactive to last year, this week.  The contract calls for $750 increases for teachers reaching the maximum salary step this year and again in 2016-17. There were no other cost of living or wage raises.  Moreover, teachers will pay for 7 percent of their base health plan and 8 percent in the final year of the contract, up from 5 percent now.

Read more at http://www.philly.com/philly/news/local/20140925_Spring-Ford_teachers_agree_to_new_contact.html#YSA5FFTawPCUL2Xy.99

Judge denies Palmer charter's request for more funds; school's future uncertain

the notebook By Dale Mezzacappa on Sep 24, 2014 04:23 PM

A Common Pleas Court judge refused Wednesday to order the Philadelphia School District to immediately pay Walter D. Palmer Leadership Learning Partners Charter nearly $1.4 million in disputed funds, endangering the school's ability to stay open.  In denying the charter's emergency petition for the funds, Judge Nina Wright Padilla cited a May 27 state Supreme Court decision saying that the District was not compelled to pay the school for students above the 675-student enrollment cap contained in its charter. Palmer, long contending that the cap violates the state charter law, has enrolled nearly 1,300 students.  The School District is moving to close the school due to financial irregularities and poor academics. This week, the District sent notices to students' families alerting them of how to enroll in other schools.  The school is appealing the move to revoke its charter, a process that could take more than a year.

http://thenotebook.org/blog/147737/judge-denies-palmer-charter-request-additional-funds-future-school-uncertain

Palmer charter school in Philadelphia denied $1.4 million needed to stay open

MARTHA WOODALL, INQUIRER STAFF WRITER LAST UPDATED: Wednesday, September 24, 2014, 2:42 PM POSTED: Wednesday, September 24, 2014, 12:45 PM

A Common Pleas Court judge on Wednesday denied a request by Walter D. Palmer Leadership Learning Partners Charter School for an immediate $1.4 million payment from the Philadelphia School District.  It wasn't immediately clear whether the school's closure was imminent, but in court documents, Palmer officials said that without the payment, they would be forced to close this month.  Judge Nina Padilla ordered the district, Superintendent William R. Hite Jr. and the School Reform Commission to do everything in their power to ensure a smooth, quick transition for the school's 1,290 students.  Padilla said that a Supreme Court ruling in late May had made it clear that the district was not obligated to pay the school for students above the 675 contained in its 2005 signed charter.

http://www.philly.com/philly/education/20140925_Palmer_charter_school_in_Philadelphia_denied_needed__1_4_million_to_stay_open.html#pjFzSTqrcFlqVqXL.99

In Pennsylvania, 'snow day' an endangered species

Education Week by AP Published Online: September 24, 2014

PHILADELPHIA (AP) — Pennsylvania has redefined the concept of the snow day, announcing that schools can offer "cyber days" when kids can't make it into the classrooms.

In other words, some students can kiss snow days goodbye.

For up to five days a year, the "Flexible Instructional Days" pilot program will allow schools in all 501 school districts, including Philadelphia, to use nontraditional instruction methods, such as cyber school, when bad weather or other emergencies shut down school buildings.

After last winter froze out schools for seven or more days and extended some school calendars into July, some educators welcomed this week's news from the state Department of Education.

"Having been a superintendent through this past winter, this is greatly appreciated," said William E. Harner, superintendent of the Quakertown Community School District.

http://www.edweek.org/ew/articles/2014/09/24/in-pennsylvania-snow-day-an-endangered_ap.html

‘Test reform’ movement picking up steam

Washington Post Answer Sheet Blog By Valerie Strauss September 24 at 4:00 PM  

We’ve had years and years of “school reform” that has mostly resulted in creating an untenable culture of high-stakes tests– and now, there is a growing “test reform” movement that is pushing back against the culture of high-stakes testing that has taken over public education.

Every week, an organization called the National Center for Fair and Open Testing, or FairTest, publishes a list of education news from around the country that highlights efforts to reduce federal and state mandates for high-stakes testing. The newest list is particularly interesting, showing growing awareness by educators and parents in more than 15 states about the problem of over-testing as well as new steps to curb the number and importance of tests. In the last week, we’ve seen new legislation introduced in Congress to reduce federal testing mandates, school board resolutions calling for a suspension of high-stakes testing, more education leaders calling for testing reform, and more.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/answer-sheet/wp/2014/09/24/test-reform-movement-picking-up-steam/

Testing Resistance & Reform News: September 17 - 23, 2014

National Center for Fair and Open Testing September 23, 2014 - 12:27pm 

Another incredible week for the assessment reform movement -- school boards adopting strong resolutions calling for a suspension of high-stakes testing, candidates speaking out against standardized overkill, new Congressional legislation to reduce federal mandates and many excellent commentaries at the same time parents, teachers and community organizers continue to speak out!  Keep the heat on.

http://www.fairtest.org/testing-resistance-reform-news-september-17-23-201

LWV Panel:KEYSTONE EXAMS Not Just Another Standardized Test Oct 7th Radnor

What You Need to Know About Pennsylvania’s NEW High School Graduation Requirement

Join the Radnor, Haverford, Chester County, Lower Merion & Narberth Leagues of Women Voters October 7 @ 7:00 pm in Radnor

In partnership with your area schools’ Parent Organizations and supported by your area School Districts

Moderator: Susan Carty, President, League of Women Voters of PA
Panelists Will Include:
Pennsylvania State Senator, Andy Dinniman
Lower Merion School District Board of Directors Member, Lori Actman
Conestoga High School Principal, Dr. Amy Meisinger
Education Lawyer, Josh Kershenbaum, Esq.
Additional Panelists To Be Announced

Tuesday, Oct. 7, 2014 at 7:00 PM Radnor Municipal Building, 301 Iven Ave., Radnor
Questions? Please Call 610-446-8383 or e-mail katederiel@verizon.net

http://lwvccpa.org/event/keystone-exams-not-just-another-standardized-test/

What About the Schools? A Community Forum on the Next Governor's Education Agenda Oct. 15 7:00 pm WHYY Philly

Pennsylvania's public schools, especially in Philadelphia, are in dire straits. Many hope that the upcoming gubernatorial election will help shine a light on the state's education issues. But how will Harrisburg politics and financial realities limit the next governor’s agenda for education?

Join Research for Action, WHYY, and the United Way of Greater Philadelphia and Southern New Jersey for an interactive community forum designed to suggest an education agenda for the next administration—and to assess the politics of achieving it.  Hear from local educators about what they see as priorities for the schools, and from seasoned policy practitioners on the political realities of Harrisburg.  Then, make your voice heard. Discuss your thoughts and perspectives with other event guests and interact with the panelists. You’ll come away from this spirited discussion with a more nuanced view of the politics of education in both Philadelphia and at the state level.

Admission

This event is FREE and open to the public, but registration is required.

When

Wednesday, October 15, 2014 from 7:00 – 9:00 p.m. Doors open at 6:30 p.m.

Where

WHYY, Independence Mall West, 150 N. 6th Street, Philadelphia, Pa 19106

Contact

Questions? Call 215-351-0511 during regular business hours, Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

https://www.whyy.org/events/nw_education.php

Save the date: Bob Herbert book event! Pittsburgh October 9th

Yinzercation Blog September 17, 2014

Save the date – you don’t want to miss this! We are hosting the national launch of Bob Herbert’s new book, Losing Our Way: An Intimate Portrait of a Troubled America. You might remember Mr. Herbert as the award winning and longtime columnist for the New York Times. This book is especially exciting for us because Bob came to Pittsburgh several times to interview parents and teachers in our local grassroots movement and wound up writing three chapters on our fight for public education!

Date:    Thursday, October 9, 2014  Time:    5:30 – 6:30PM, moderated discussion and Q&A.
Doors will open at 5 with student performances.  Followed by book signing.

Location:    McConomy Auditorium, Carnegie Mellon University, 5000 Forbes Ave., Pittsburgh 15213.  Free parking in the garage.

Hosted by:    Yinzercation (we are profiled in the book!)

Moderator:    Tony Norman, columnist and associate editor,Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

http://yinzercation.wordpress.com/2014/09/17/save-the-date-bob-herbert-book-event/

PUBLIC Education Nation October 11
The Network for Public Education will hold a historic event in one month's time.  

PUBLIC Education Nation will deliver the conversation the country has been waiting for. Rather than featuring billionaires and pop singers, this event will be built around intense conversations featuring leading educators, parents, students and community activists. We have waited too long for that seat at someone else's table. This time, the tables are turned, and we are the ones setting the agenda.   This event will be livestreamed on the web on the afternoon of Saturday, October 11, from the auditorium of Brooklyn New School, a public school. There will be four panels focusing on the most critical issues we face in our schools. The event will conclude with a conversation between Diane Ravitch and Jitu Brown.  

http://campaign.r20.constantcontact.com/render?ca=45305347-7561-4ca1-b463-479b98e9d39b&c=a95c1760-7e38-11e3-8fc6-d4ae52724810&ch=aa33d9c0-7e38-11e3-9025-d4ae52724810

Please join us for a symposium on:

“Funding Pennsylvania's Public Schools: A Look Ahead”

This event is co-sponsored by the University of Pittsburgh Institute of Politics and the Temple University Center on Regional Politics.

Click here to view the program agenda.

When: Friday, October 3, 2014, 8:30 am to 12 pm

Where: Doubletree Hotel Pittsburgh in Green Tree, PA

Session I:  "Forecasting the Fiscal Future of Pennsylvania's Public Schools"

A panel of legislators and public officials will respond to a presentation by Penn State Professor William Hartman and Tim Shrom projecting the fiscal trajectory of Pennsylvania’s 500 school districts over the next five years and by University of Pittsburgh Professor Maureen McClure discussing the implications for school finance of an aging tax base.

Session II: "Why Smart Investments in Public Schools Are Critical to Pennsylvania's Economic Future"

Following an address by Eva Tansky Blum, Chairwoman and President of the PNC Foundation, a panel of business and labor leaders will discuss the importance of public school funding reform to the competitiveness of regional and state economies. 

We look forward to your participation!

Register Here

Pennsylvania Arts Education Network 2014 Arts and Education Symposium

The 2014 Arts and Education Symposium will be held on Thursday, October 2 at the State Museum of Pennsylvania in Harrisburg, PA.  Join us for a daylong convening of arts education policy leaders and practitioners for lively discussions about the latest news from the field.

The Symposium registration fee is $45 per person. To register, click here or follow the prompts at the bottom of the page.  The Symposium will include the following:

http://www.artseducationpa.org/2014-arts-and-education-symposium/

Register Now – 2014 PAESSP State Conference – October 19-21, 2014

Please join us for the 2014 PAESSP State Conference, “PRINCIPAL EFFECTIVENESS: Leading Schools in a New Age of Accountability,” to be held October 19-21 at the Sheraton Station Square Hotel, Pittsburgh, Pa.  Featuring Keynote Speakers: Alan November, Michael Fullan & Dr. Ray Jorgensen.  This year’s conference will provided PIL Act 45 hours, numerous workshops, exhibits, multiple resources and an opportunity to network with fellow principals from across the state.

Click Here to Register Now!

PASA-PSBA School Leadership Conference (Oct. 21-24) registration forms now available online
PSBA Website

Make plans today to attend the most talked about education conference of the year. This year's PASA-PSBA School Leadership Conference promises to be one of the best with new ideas, innovations, networking opportunities and dynamic speakers. More details are being added every day. Online registration will be available in the next few weeks. If you just can't wait, registration forms are available online now. Other important links are available with more details on:

·         Hotel registration (reservation deadline extended to Sept. 26)

·         Educational Publications Contest (deadline Aug. 6)

·         Student Celebration Showcase (deadline Sept. 19)

·         Poster and Essay Contest (deadline Sept. 19)

Voting for PSBA officers and at-large representatives opens Sept. 9

PSBA Website 9/8/2014

The slate of candidates for 2015 PSBA officer and at-large representatives is available online. Photos, bios and videos also have been posted for candidates. According to recent PSBA Bylaws changes, each member school entity casts one vote per office. Voting will again take place online through a secure, third-party website -- Simply Voting. Voting will open Sept. 9 and closes Oct. 6. One person from the school entity (usually the board secretary) is authorized to register the vote on behalf of the member school entity and each board will need to put on its agenda discussion and voting at one of its meetings in September. Each person authorized to cast the school entity's votes received an email on Aug. 13 and a test ballot was sent to them on Aug. 28. In addition, a memo from PSBA President Richard Frerichs will be mailed in the coming days to all board secretaries and copied to school board presidents and chief school administrators.

- See more at: http://www.psba.org/news-publications/headlines/details.asp?id=8465#sthash.faopm8Xr.dpuf

EduCon 2.7

January 23rd–25th, 2015 at The Science Leadership Academy, Philadelphia

EduCon is both a conversation and a conference.

It is an innovation conference where we can come together, both in person and virtually, to discuss the future of schools. Every session will be an opportunity to discuss and debate ideas — from the very practical to the big dreams.

http://2015.educonphilly.org/