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Keystone State Education Coalition
PA Ed Policy Roundup for March
16, 2015:
Schwank introduces bill
proposing 25-person Public Pensions Review Commission to study PA’s retirement
systems
Education Voters of PA will hold a forum
about public school funding in Lancaster County Tuesday, March 17, at 7:00 pm
at Millersville University
More info/registration: http://www.educationvoterspa.org/index.php/site/news/2015-events/
"State Sen. Judith Schwank, R-Berks,
introduced a bill this week proposing a 25-person Public Pensions Review
Commission to study the Commonwealth’s retirement systems for judges, police,
firefighters, public school teachers and other state and municipal officials
and employees."
Capitol recap: million-dollar
fix for (multi)billion-dollar pension problem?
Keystone Crossroads BY EMILY PREVITI, WITF MARCH 13, 2015
Pennsylvania’s multibillion-dollar pensions obligation has been
spurring hand-wringing and
bickering at
the Capitol and city
halls across the Commonwealth for
years. Its
two statewide retirement systems for teachers and state workers are the
second-worst funded in the country.
And that doesn’t even get into the nearly $8 billion collective
liability faced at
the local level in Pennsylvania, home to no less than one quarter of the
nation’s municipal pension funds – more than half of which are tracked at the
state level using a paper-based reporting system. Despite all this, state legislators haven’t
studied the issue closely, at least not formally.
http://crossroads.newsworks.org/index.php/keystone-crossroads/item/79487-capitol-recap-million-dollar-fix-for-multibillion-dollar-pension-problem
http://crossroads.newsworks.org/index.php/keystone-crossroads/item/79487-capitol-recap-million-dollar-fix-for-multibillion-dollar-pension-problem
"So when you see the billboards go up
and the television ads begin in opposition to this bill, remember the facts.
This is not a "tuition-free public education" as claimed; your tax
dollars are being spent on an education that is underperforming. After all, the
marketing and lobbying budget for cyber-charters is pretty hefty, so one is
sure to know by what means those billboards and television ads will be paid,
but it will be by you and by me."
SB128 - How to change
cyber-charters in Pa.
Sen. Sean Wiley, of Millcreek
Township
Schools that teach. That is one of the themes in Gov. Tom Wolf's
budget. It's a very basic concept, yet one that has more complicated layers
than the average person may imagine, with one layer costing about $407 million
annually. In early March, the governor
unveiled a $1 billion investment in early, basic and higher education funding
as well as a four-year commitment to invest $2 billion in new money in basic
education, special education and pre-K. The governor focused on schools that
teach "because for our children to succeed tomorrow, every child must have
access to a great education, and teachers must have the resources they need to
deliver a great education." Students
and families have the choice of the type of education they want to pursue:
traditional public school, tuition-based school, charter school, cyber-charter
school or a hybrid. Let's be clear. I am absolutely an avid supporter of public
education and mechanisms to educate each student in the way that is best for
that child; I am not proposing the abolition of any of these methods, rather
holding all educational providers to the standards of accountability and
equity. I feel that's only fair as taxpayers' dollars are at issue.
Did you catch our weekend postings?
PA Ed Policy Roundup March 14: PA school districts
have the most inequitable spending for poor students in the nation, according
to US Dept of Education.
If you’re concerned about
school funding, join the conversation
Martin J. Hudacs, Ed.D, is the former superintendent of the Solanco School district
There is a conversation occurring that should be of great
interest to all taxpayers because the outcome could easily impact public
education for decades. The conversation
focuses on a broken school funding system that, in its present form, wreaks
havoc on school districts every year. The system —or lack thereof — and the
total level of funding available for our public schools are jeopardizing the
overall quality of education that all public school students receive in our
county and state. It is vital that every
taxpayer and every parent understand that they have a stake in this debate and
they all have an opportunity to be heard.
Rev. Gregory Edwards: Gov.
Tom Wolf's education budget still falls short of what's needed
The Rev. Gregory Edwards
is senior pastor at Resurrected Life Community
Church , Allentown
A week out from Gov. Wolf's budget address, we're seeing
reactions from all sides to the governor's proposal — some celebratory and some
critical. As people of faith committed
to a prophetic critique of the world as it is, we must speak truth about what
is being left unsaid — that when it comes to the funding of our schools,
economic inequality and educational inequality in Pennsylvania are inextricably intertwined
and we are not moving fast enough to fix it.
Gov. Wolf has taken an important first step toward prioritizing
public education by asking for a dramatic increase in school funding. But his
proposal is far from the Promised Land.
While we applaud any boost to education, the $400 million
increase he wants for basic education spending is not nearly enough for
districts statewide to restore reasonable class sizes, art, music, nurses,
libraries and other essentials for our children that many districts have either
cut back or done away with completely. The recommendations for spending in
individual districts, publicly available on the state government's website,
also do little to correct racial inequities in how funds are distributed. Fifty
years since Brown v. Board of Education, this is unacceptable.
First Lady Frances Wolf leads
school funding discussion in East Norriton
Times-Herald By Carl Rotenberg, The Times Herald POSTED: 03/13/15,
2:44 PM EDT |
EAST NORRITON >> Pennsylvania first lady Frances Wolf
came to the Paul V. Fly Elementary School Friday to participate in a roundtable
discussion with Norristown Area School District principals and educators about
Gov. Tom Wolf’s plan to boost state education funding by $400 million in the
new school year. More than two dozen
district teachers and administrators gathered in the school library for the
one-hour discussion led by Superintendent Janet Samuels and Principal Jason
Smith. After the discussion, Wolf went
to teacher Claire Hawkins’ first-grade classroom to read “Are you my Mother?”
to the children, Smith said.
To kill or to cut? Wolf's
property tax plan has competition
Philly.com by MARC LEVY, THE ASSOCIATED PRESS Saturday, March 14, 2015, 8:44 AM
How you can take Gov. Wolf
with you this weekend: Keystone Q&A
By Wallace McKelvey
| WMckelvey@pennlive.com Email the author | Follow on Twitter
on March 14, 2015 at 8:30 AM, updated March 14, 2015 at 9:06 AM
Gov. Tom Wolf will probably
do some quiet reading at home this weekend, but there's no reason
you can't take him out for a spin. If
you're like most Harrisburg-area denizens, including us, you'll probably
be hiking wooded trails, running on treadmills and, yes, driving with the
windows down.
While you're out and about, give our Keystone
Q&A podcast a listen. Each week, we'll deliver unique views on the
news and compelling stories straight to your computer or mobile
device.
This week, we sat down for a half-hour interview with Gov.
Tom Wolf. He talked education, property taxes and even gave a few book
recommendations, if you're so inclined.
How do you listen to PostScript, you ask?
US Education Secretary: Pa.
PHILADELPHIA (AP) — U.S. Education Secretary Arne Duncan says Pennsylvania has the largest spending gap
between rich and poor school districts — and that must change.
Data from the National
Center
In Pennsylvania , that
difference was 33 percent — much larger than the next-closest state, Vermont , which had a
spending difference of 18 percent between the top and bottom groups. Three
others — Illinois , Missouri
and Virginia
— had gaps of 17 percent.
"The children who need the most seem to be getting less
and less, and the children who need the least are getting more and more," Duncan said on a
conference call with reporters Friday as he urged lawmakers to see that schools
in poor districts get more resources as Congress weighs reauthorization of the
Elementary and Secondary Education Act.
Centre County school
districts cautiously optimistic about Gov. Wolf’s budget proposal
Centre Daily Times BY BRITNEY MILAZZO bmilazzo@centredaily.com March 15,
2015
Gov. Tom Wolf’s 2015-16 state budget proposal includes millions
of dollars more in education funding, of which some could come from a tax
imposed on natural gas drilling. Local
school district officials said the public school system will benefit — as long
as the governor sticks to his vow to boost education funding. “The governor’s budget is a very positive
sign for education, but it has a long way to go until a budget is approved,”
said Ken Bean, director of fiscal affairs at the Bellefonte
Area School District. “It is hard to say what the final outcome will be at
this stage. Hopefully, the district will see some funding increases from the
state when all is said and done. Obviously, any kind of increase would be
welcome especially to assist in offsetting the PSERS (Public School Employees’
Retirement System) increase.”
Read more here: http://www.centredaily.com/2015/03/15/4651776_centre-county-school-districts.html?rh=1#storylink=cpy
Some say it's about
time, but others defend the 'outstanding' job he did trying to plan for city
schools' future
Even those with differing opinions on the departure of the York City
School District
By ERIN JAMES and SEAN
PHILIP COTTER The York
Dispatch POSTED: 03/15/2015 09:50:32 PM EDT
After the resignation of York City
How area schools fare under
Gov. Tom Wolf budget plan
By Evan Brandt, The Mercury POSTED: 03/15/15,
8:53 AM EDT |
Gov. Tom Wolf budget proposal
sounds good to Pottsgrove
School
By Evan Brandt, The Mercury POSTED: 03/15/15,
12:01 AM EDT | UPDATED: 2 HRS AGO
Teacher strike threats remain
in Western Pennsylvania
TribLive By Bobby
Kerlik Saturday, March 14, 2015, 5:32 p.m.
The threat of a teachers' strike inSteel
Valley is over, but several school
districts in Western Pennsylvania do not have
contracts in place. Teachers in Sto-Rox,
Derry Area, Belle Vernon, South Butler , California Area, Chartiers-Houston, Monessen,
Beth-Center, Butler County Vo-Tech and the Allegheny Intermediate Unit are all
working with expired contracts, but the most heated battle may be in East Allegheny . Teachers
there have been without a contract since June 2012 and went on strike for 16
days in September. Union officials left open the possibility of another strike
before the end of the school year.
The threat of a teachers' strike in
Guest Column: Charter schools
are not the answer
Delco Times By David
W. Hornbeck, Delco Times Guest Columnist 03/13/15, 10:06 PM
EDT |
David W. Hornbeck was Maryland State
As Philadelphia ’s
Superintendent of Schools, I recommended the approval of more than 30 charter
schools because I thought it would improve educational opportunity for our
215,000 students. The last 20 years make
it clear, I was wrong.
Those advocating change in Maryland ’s charter law through proposed
legislation are equally committed to educational improvement. They are equally
wrong. New policy should not build on current inequities and flawed assumptions,
as the proposed charter law changes would do. Mixed academic results: Charters, on the whole, do not result
in significant improvement in student performance. It’s mixed at best. In some
evaluations, charter schools overall actually underperform regular public
schools. Funding and unequal
opportunity: Charter funding is also negatively affecting regular public
schools. Charter advocates rely on the premise that as money flows from a
regular school to a charter school, the costs of the regular school go down
proportionately. Sounds good; it’s just not true. Costs in schools sending
students to charters cannot shift as fast as students and revenue leave.
"Exactly how many New Jersey Cherry Hill , more than 2,000
students refused to take the tests. Similar stories have been reported in Newark , Delran, and Princeton ."
As students refuse to take NJ
exams, school leaders argue against opting out
By Bill Hangley Jr. for NewsWorks on Mar 13, 2015 12:40 PM
Nearly 1,000 students opted out of PAARC testing at Cherry Hill
High School East. Hundreds more refused to take the tests at Cherry Hill High
School West. New Jersey education officials are pushing
back against a growing wave of opposition to the state's new standardized
tests, telling lawmakers that the "opt out" movement could cost the
state millions and deprive schools of essential data. "Parents are being misled that there are
no consequences to schools for their non-participation," said Bari
Erlichson, chief performance officer for the New Jersey Department of
Education, at a Senate Education Committee hearing Thursday in Trenton .
Among the issues she cited is a provision of the No Child Left
Behind law that allows the government to withhold federal aid from schools that
don't get 95 percent participation in the assessment tests. State Education
Commissioner David Hespe told the committee that at least $300 million in Title
I funds and as much as a billion dollars of federal aid could be at stake. But critics of the high-stakes tests say that's just a scare
tactic, and they want to make opting out even easier. "The federal government, the U.S.
Department of Education, has never, ever taken money away from a school for
falling under 95 percent participation," said Julia Rubin of the volunteer
parent group Save Our Schools.
For this event, sponsored by Public Citizens for Children and
Youth (PCCY), local dentists will provide free screenings and cleanings for
children. Give Kids a Smile Day is especially for children who do not
have health insurance or who have not had a dental exam in the last six months.
Appointments are necessary, so please call PCCY at 215-563-5848 x32 to
schedule one starting Monday, March 16th. Volunteers will be
on hand to answer calls. Smile Day information can also be found on the school
district website and on PCCY’s website - http://www.pccy.org/resource/give-kids-a-smile-day/.
PCCY Spring Training:
Hit a School Funding Home Run for Kids Advocacy Training Workshop
March 18 or 21
This year we have an unprecedented opportunity to make public
education funding more fair and to get more of it for schools across
Pennsylvania. Voters spoke in November when an incumbent governor—widely perceived
to be responsible for drastic education cuts, was unseated while his opponent
ran on the promise to increase school funding. A funding commission has been
established to research and develop recommendations for a new funding formula.
Now is our time to let our elected officials know we take investment in
education seriously.
Please join Public Citizens for Children and Youth (PCCY) for
our annual advocacy training to learn how you can win fair and increased
funding for our students.
By participating, you’ll be joining a statewide movement. PCCY
is a part of a statewide coalition of 50 (and growing) organizations committed
to getting a fair funding formula passed by 2016.
Attend our training to:
·
Learn
o
Why education funding in PA is broken and how a
funding formula can fix it
o
Best practices for amplifying your voice for PA
kids
o
How to develop an advocacy plan tailored to fit
your schedule and strengths
·
Connect with
·
Others throughout our region who are as
passionate about public education as you are
·
Leave
·
Inspired and ready to take action for PA
Workshop Details:
When: The same workshop will be offered on two different
days for your convenience.
Wednesday, March 18th, 6:00-8:00pm or Saturday,
March 21st, 9 am - Noon
Where: United Way Building, 1709 Benjamin Franklin
Pkwy., Philadelphia, 19103
For additional information, email info@pccy.org.
This event is free and open to the public. Registration is
requested. Children are welcome.
Click here to sign up:
Public Interest Law Center of
Philadelphia offering two special education seminars in March
Leaving Gifted Kids Behind Tuesday, March 24, 2015 1:00
-- 4:00 P.M.
In this session, participants will learn how Pennsylvania law affects and supports gifted children, as well as practical tips for ensuring gifted services. We will also discuss race and gifted services.
In this session, participants will learn how Pennsylvania law affects and supports gifted children, as well as practical tips for ensuring gifted services. We will also discuss race and gifted services.
This session is co-sponsored by the University of Pennsylvania
School of Policy and Practice, a Pre-approved Provider of Continuing Education
for Pennsylvania
licensed social workers.
Children with Emotional Problems: Avoiding the Juvenile Justice
System, and What Does Real Help Look Like? Friday, March 27, 2015 1:00
-- 4:00 P.M.
This session will focus on giving you the tools you need to
support children with emotional problems, including those in the foster care
system or those in the juvenile court system.
Note: This session was originally scheduled for February 17,
but had to be rescheduled due to inclement weather. Tickets purchased for the
original date still apply.
United Way Building 1709 Benjamin Franklin Parkway,
Philadelphia, 19103
Tickets: Attorneys $200
General Public $100 Webinar $50
Pay What You Can" tickets are also available
2015 Pennsylvania Budget
Summit
Wednesday, March 25, 2015 Hilton Hotel, Harrisburg
Pennsylvania
PA Budget and Policy Center
The Pennsylvania Budget and Policy Center will host its Annual
Budget Summit on Wednesday, March 25, 2015 at the Hilton Harrisburg. Join us
for an in-depth look at the Governor's 2015-16 budget proposal, including what
it means for education, health and human services, and local communities. The
Summit will focus on the leading issues facing the commonwealth in 2015, with
workshops, lunch, a legislative panel discussion, and a keynote speech.
Space is limited, so fill out the form below to reserve your
spot at the Budget Summit.
The State of Public Education
Funding in Pennsylvania
Public Interest Law Center of Philadelphia Tuesday, March
17, 2015 8:30 AM to 10:00 AM
United
Way Building, 1709 Benjamin Franklin Pkwy, Philadelphia, PA
Register here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-state-of-public-education-funding-in-pennsylvania-tickets-15816877707
Education Voters of PA will
hold a forum about public school funding in York :
Wednesday, March 25th, 6:30pm to 8pm at the York Learning
Center 300 E. 7th Avenue , York
More info/registration: http://www.educationvoterspa.org/index.php/site/news/2015-events/
More info/registration: http://www.educationvoterspa.org/index.php/site/news/2015-events/
Education Voters of PA will
hold a forum about public school funding in Cumberland County: Wednesday, April
1, 7:00 pm at the Grace Milliman Pollock Performing Arts Center, 340 North 21st
Street, Camp Hill.
More info/registration: http://www.educationvoterspa.org/index.php/site/news/2015-events/
More info/registration: http://www.educationvoterspa.org/index.php/site/news/2015-events/
PSBA 2015 Advocacy Forum
APR 19, 2015 • 8:00
AM - APR 20, 2015 • 5:00 PM
Join PSBA for the second annual Advocacy Forum on April 19-20,
2015. Hear from legislative experts on hot topics and issues regarding public
education on Sunday, April 19, at PSBA headquarters in Mechanicsburg. The next
day you and fellow advocates will meet with legislators at the state capitol.
This is your chance to learn how to successfully advocate on behalf of public
education and make your voice heard on the Hill.
Agenda/Speakers: https://www.psba.org/event/advocacy-forum-day-hill-2015/
Sign-up for weekly email updates from the
Campaign
The Campaign for Fair
Education Funding website
PA Basic Education Funding
Commission website
Thorough and Efficient: Pennsylvania
Education Funding Lawsuit website
Arguing that our state has failed to ensure that essential
resources are available for all of our public school students to meet state
academic standards.
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