Monday, September 12, 2016

PA Ed Policy Roundup Sept 12: School funding lawsuit set for hearing Tuesday

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Keystone State Education Coalition
PA Ed Policy Roundup September 12, 2016:
School funding lawsuit set for hearing Tuesday



Southeastern PA Regional 2016 Legislative Roundtable: William Tennent High School (Bucks Co.) SEP 22, 2016 • 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Auditor General DePasquale slated to be Keynote Speaker
School Leaders from Northampton, Lehigh, Bucks, Montco, Chesco, Delco and Philadelphia Counties encouraged to attend.



“Toward that end, school board members Michael Faccinetto, Lawrence A. Feinberg and Mark B. Miller, along with Nathan Mains of PSBA, Jim Buckheit of PASA and Tina Viletto of MCIU, have put together a forum for that discussion on Thursday evening, Sept. 22, in Bucks Co. The meeting will be held at William Tennent High School in Centennial SD. Registration will open at 6:30 p.m. and allow an opportunity for networking. The forum will begin promptly at 7 p.m.  Among those leading the discussion will be PA Auditor General Eugene DePasquale (charter and public school accountability) and PA House Finance Chairman Bernie O’Neill (special education funding).”
Southeastern PA Regional 2016 Legislative Roundtable: William Tennent High School (Bucks Co.) SEP 22, 2016 • 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM
PSBA Email
Public education in Pennsylvania and across the nation is ever changing. We continually improve and modify as state law, social norms and educational theory change. Educational stakeholder groups believe the conversation of educational issues, particularly charter reform, should continue, rather than become an obstacle to finalizing state budgets.
Toward that end, school board members Michael Faccinetto, Lawrence A. Feinberg and Mark B. Miller, along with Nathan Mains of PSBA, Jim Buckheit of PASA and Tina Viletto of MCIU, have put together a forum for that discussion on Thursday evening, Sept. 22, in Bucks Co. The meeting will be held at William Tennent High School in Centennial SD. Registration will open at 6:30 p.m. and allow an opportunity for networking. The forum will begin promptly at 7 p.m.  Among those leading the discussion will be PA Auditor General Eugene DePasquale (charter and public school accountability) and PA House Finance Chairman Bernie O’Neill (special education funding). We have already received commitments to attend from several other area legislators and public education advocates who cover Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Lehigh, Montgomery, Northampton counties and Philadelphia. Other topics will include local control, ethics and overall funding issues.  To the extent possible, those who attend will be seated at a table together with the legislators from their areas to facilitate a dialogue about the impact of each topic on the participating school district(s) in particular. As always, local issues and impact may differ based on a number of factors.  Our format for the evening will be to have brief topic presentations by leaders in each category, followed by roundtable discussions with participants concerning local impact. After the roundtable session, legislators will have the opportunity to speak briefly to the group concerning what they learned and share their perspective.

Public school pays off for Philly family
Inquirer by Kristen A. Graham, Staff Writer Updated: SEPTEMBER 12, 2016 1:08 AM EDT
Choosing to send their older son to a city public school four years ago was a leap of faith for Jill and Mark Scott.  Like so many young families, the Scotts were devoted to Philadelphia but not fully sold on its school system; from Henry's infancy, people warned them that they would have to move or spend big on private school.  Henry attended a charter for kindergarten; he even won a coveted spot at Independence Charter School for first grade. But his community-minded parents wanted to believe in their neighborhood school, so they passed on Independence and gave E.M. Stanton a shot.  The result?  Their boy "has done as well as we could have hoped for him anywhere; the education has been fantastic," Mark Scott said. Henry just entered fifth grade at prestigious Masterman, a district magnet, and Rhett, his younger brother, starts kindergarten at Stanton this week.  "We have no regrets," said Jill Scott.  In the years they took a chance on public school, the Scotts have become evangelists for the cause. Don't assume your neighborhood public school isn't an option, they tell families like theirs who toy with the idea of leaving the city or considering private or charter schools. Consider neighborhood schools, and not just the names everyone knows.

“We know firsthand the grave disparities that exist between poor and wealthy schools in Pennsylvania. We moved into the William Penn School District a few years ago to buy a home to accommodate our growing family. Before that, we lived in Upper Moreland, an affluent township in Montgomery County with a larger tax base. According to the latest available data, which is for the 2014-15 school year, the Upper Moreland School District has $2,600 more available per year to spend on each student than William Penn, despite the fact that William Penn's student population needs more resources, not less. In our daughter's middle school, 75 percent of students are economically disadvantaged, compared with 30 percent of students in the middle school she would have attended in Upper Moreland.”
Commentary: Why we sued over our daughter's education
Inquirer Letter by Jamella and Bryant Miller Updated: SEPTEMBER 12, 2016 3:01 AM EDT
OUR 13-YEAR-OLD daughter is just starting eighth grade at Penn Wood Middle School in the William Penn School District near our home in Delaware County. Her favorite subjects are science and math. But her school cannot support 21st-century science and math programs. In past school years, there were no textbooks for students to take home, so she would bring home worksheets that were not very challenging. There were no fancy robotics or technology programs. And the average size of her classes ranged from 28 to 35 students. She and our two other children, along with 5,000 other students in the district, have missed out on important curriculum because Pennsylvania's Legislature is severely underfunding our schools.  As parents, we will do what we can to try to ensure our kids have a bright future. That's why we joined with families, school districts and advocacy groups from across Pennsylvania in 2014 to file a lawsuit against the state for failing to uphold our state constitution, which requires the legislature to provide a "thorough and efficient system of public education."  Soon, our children will move one step closer to having their day in court. On Tuesday, in Philadelphia's City Hall, the Pennsylvania Supreme Court will hear oral argument to determine whether our case will get a full trial. We want a trial, so that we can show just how deeply our schools are plagued by the state's broken school funding methods. We want the court to step in, hold state officials accountable, and protect the fundamental right all Pennsylvania children have to a high-quality education.

School funding lawsuit set for hearing Tuesday
The justices will be asked to determine if they should intervene. Gov. Wolf says no.
The notebook by Dale Mezzacappa September 9, 2016 — 5:12pm
A two-year-old lawsuit that seeks to revamp how schools are funded in Pennsylvania will come to the state Supreme Court on Tuesday, with the justices hearing clashing arguments on whether they have the authority – and the obligation – to inject themselves into what is a critically important but politically explosive issue.  The six school districts, seven parents, and two advocacy organizations bringing the case say that the justices have a legal and moral duty to take action. Represented by the Education Law Center and the Public Interest Law Center, the plaintiffs argue that if they don't, the court is allowing the General Assembly and Governor to evade their constitutional responsibility to guarantee a “thorough and efficient” education for all of Pennsylvania’s schoolchildren.  The state counters that school funding is a legislative responsibility and that the courts have no jurisdiction in the matter. Last year Commonwealth Court dismissed the suit on those grounds, and the plaintiffs are appealing that ruling.  Along with a wide array of supporters from the civic and religious communities, the plaintiffs, which include rural, suburban and urban districts, cite vast disparities in available resources among Pennsylvania’s schools and persistent achievement gaps among students of different ethnic groups and socio-economic status.

State Supreme Court to hear school funding lawsuit
Morning Call by Steve Esack Contact Reporter Call Harrisburg Bureau September 11, 2016
Pa State Supreme Court to hear school funding lawsuit on Tuesday
HARRISBURG — In the 2012 election he won to become governor, Tom Wolfcampaigned on a promise to increase education funding far beyond that of his predecessor.  Now, just 21 months into his first term Wolf is heading to court to defend his education spending record.  On Tuesday, Wolf's Democratic administration and the Republican-controlled Legislature will try to persuade the Pennsylvania Supreme Court to reject a lawsuit that would compel the state to provide more money to public schools.  The lawsuit, which Wolf inherited from GOP Gov. Tom Corbett, claims the governor and lawmakers fail in their constitutional requirement to properly fund public schools while forcing them to abide by various academic and graduation standards.  Filed by seven parents and six school districts, the lawsuit was previously dismissed by Commonwealth Court. Tuesday's oral arguments before the Supreme Court is an appeal of the dismissal and seeks a trial on the case.
http://www.mcall.com/news/nationworld/pennsylvania/mc-pa-supreme-court-school-funding-lawsuit-20160911-story.html

“The plaintiffs include the Pennsylvania Association of Rural and Small Schools, the NAACP Pennsylvania State Conference, six school districts (William Penn, Panther Valley, Lancaster, Greater Johnstown, Wilkes-Barre Area and Shenandoah Valley) and seven parents. The Philadelphia School District is not part of the suit, however two of parents in the case have children who attend Philadelphia schools.”
State Supreme Court to hear school funding lawsuit
Philly Trib by Ryanne Persinger Tribune Staff Writer Posted: September 10, 2016 12:00 am
The state Supreme Court will hear oral arguments regarding fair funding of public schools in Pennsylvania on Tuesday at City Hall.  Attorneys for plaintiffs in the 2014 case of William Penn School District vs. Pennsylvania Department of Education, which was dismissed in 2015, will present their arguments at the 9 a.m. hearing.  The plaintiffs, represented by the Public Interest Law Center of Philadelphia and the Education Law Center-PA, are requesting that the court’s decision be reversed. In doing so, they said it would allow them to present evidence showing how the General Assembly had violated the Pennsylvania Constitution.  They filed the lawsuit two years ago against then-Republican Gov. Tom Corbett and other legislative leaders, alleging that for decades the General Assembly has failed to provide schoolchildren the resources needed for a quality education. 

Gov. Wolf: School funding better but still more to do
Inquirer Opinion by Governor Tom Wolf Updated: SEPTEMBER 11, 2016 — 3:01 AM EDT
With a brand-new school year underway for the vast majority of Pennsylvania students, it's important to recognize that the way the commonwealth funds its schools has changed significantly - and for the better.  In June, I signed Act 35 into law. It established a fair funding formula for the commonwealth's 500 school districts, and allocates funds in two ways: Schools first receive the same amount received in the previous year, then additional funding is distributed via student-specific factors.  At the same time, the new formula distributes all additional basic education funding dollars through dynamic student and district-based factors, including local tax revenue capacity, student population size and density, and the number of students living in poverty.  Act 35 is also unique in that it requires the funding formula to be continually implemented in coming school years, as no previous funding plans under previous administrations could accomplish.  I understand that many Pennsylvania school districts are still hurting from massive layoffs and program cuts that occurred in 2011 under the previous administration. Among them is the William Penn School District in Delaware County, which filed a court case in 2014 against several parties, including the state Department of Education, the General Assembly, and then-Gov. Tom Corbett.

PA NAACP: Close the opportunity gap in Pennsylvania
The state Supreme Court must hear the voices of children who are being denied the education they deserve
Post Gazette Opinion By Joan Duvall Flynn September 11, 2016 12:00 AM
Joan Duvall Flynn is president of the Pennsylvania conference of the NAACP.
The future of public education in Pennsylvania has reached a day of reckoning. For far too long, far too many of Pennsylvania’s children have been forced to live with insufficient schooling due to insufficient funding. While the damage done cannot be reversed, it is time to create a more just and beneficial system. It is time to provide all students with sustained, long-term investments and to give them the high-quality education they deserve.  On Tuesday, together with parents, school districts and advocates from across the state, the NAACP of Pennsylvania will go before the Pennsylvania Supreme Court with a critical request: Let our children have their day in court to fight for their fundamental right to a high-quality public education.  The Pennsylvania Constitution requires that the state provide a “thorough and efficient system of public education” to serve schoolchildren across our commonwealth. Despite this clear directive, many schools cannot offer curriculum and support services mandated by law and needed to give our children a first-rate education.

Erie schools leader supports lawsuit seeking funding reform
ERIE TIMES-NEWS By Valerie Myers  814-878-1913  etnmyers September 11, 2016 02:01 AM
Erie schools Superintendent Jay Badams hopes a lawsuit before the Pennsylvania Supreme Court may one day result in increased funding for Erie schools and others statewide.  The lawsuit asks the judiciary to fix the state's "inequitable" education funding system. The court will hear oral arguments in the case Tuesday in Philadelphia.  Badams and a small contingent from Erie plan to be in the courtroom or in an overflow area provided for the public.  "I certainly am very interested in the arguments themselves, but I definitely also want to show support," Badams said.  Erie School District has been faced with huge annual operating deficits. Officials balanced the 2016-17 schools budget with a $3.3 million increase in state basic education funding and a $4 million emergency allocation not yet received. The district anticipates an $8 million to $10 million deficit in 2017-18.  District officials already are looking at massive program cuts and the possibility of closing Erie's four public high schools to reduce costs next school year.

NYT Editorial: A Holistic Ruling on Broken Schools
New York Times Editorial By THE EDITORIAL BOARDSEPT. 12, 2016
Over the last four decades, courts in many states have ruled that school funding formulas violate their state constitutions by denying children in poor communities the opportunity to receive an effective education.  These rulings have focused mainly on money. But a sweeping opinion issued last week by a state judge in Connecticut went beyond criticizing funding policies. He ordered the state to revamp major aspects of the system — including special education services, teacher evaluations and hollow requirements that “in some places have nearly destroyed the meaning of high school graduation and left children rising from elementary school to high school without knowing how to read, write and do math well enough to move up.” The blistering ruling should shame lawmakers, who have for decades looked away from the problem of educational inequality.  The ruling, by Judge Thomas Moukawsher of State Superior Court in Hartford, came in response to a lawsuit filed more than a decade ago by a group claiming that the state school funding system was unconstitutional and unfair to poor communities. The judge agreed, but he left it to legislators to determine how much money should be spent on education statewide. He nevertheless criticized the way the Legislature amended the 2016 budget and cut funding to several poor districts, like Bridgeport and Hartford, while preserving increases to wealthier towns — without explanation or reference to a formula.

This District May Close All Of Its High Schools, But It's About Much More Than Money
NPR Heard on All Things Considered by KEVIN MCCORRY September 11, 20164:05 PM ET
In northwest Pennsylvania, along the edge of Lake Erie, you'll find the city of Erie.
There, the superintendent of the more than 12,000 student district has forwarded a plan that's causing a stir — calling for leaders to consider shutting down all of the district's high schools and sending students to the wealthier, whiter, suburban districts.  Why?
Superintendent Jay Badams says it's a "matter of fairness."  Erie's schools have been pushed to the brink after six years of deep budget cuts, and he believes the children in the city's district — which predominantly serves students of color — are being systematically shortchanged.  That's in part because urban school districts in Pennsylvania face a particularly brutal logic.  They serve the poorest, most needy students. Yet, when it comes to state funding per pupil, most of them don't make the top of the list.  Even though Erie is one of the most impoverished districts in the state, and has one of the highest percentages of English language learners, the district currently receives less per-pupil funding from the state than hundreds of other districts.

Erie schools get early start to fix budget
09 Sep 2016 — Erie Times-News ed.palattella@timesnews.com
The Erie School District will gets lots of early help as it tries to avoid a financial crisis in its 2017-18 budget, due July 1.  Area superintendents and legislators who met Thursday over the district's problems plan to convene as often as once a month to work on solutions, said Erie County Executive Kathy Dahlkemper, who organized the closed meeting.  "There are no easy answers," she said afterward.  Dahlkemper said about 40 officials attended the two-and-one-half-hour session, at the county's public safety building in Summit Township. She said one of the group's main goals will be to push for changes to charter school funding.  Erie schools Superintendent Jay Badams has identified charter school costs - about $23 million in 2016-17 - as a primary reason for the district's budget deficit, which he predicted could be $8 million to $10 million in 2017-18, without major cuts or an increase in state funding.  Lawmakers need to address charter school reform "on a statewide level," Dahlkemper said.

Acting to change in face of bullying that targets Asian-American, Pacific Islander kids
WHYY Newsworks BY ANNE HOFFMAN SEPTEMBER 12, 2016
After a White House task force found Asian-American and Pacific Islander kids are targeted by bullies, it has offered recommendations to students, teachers and communities on ways to defuse that harassment.  The findings resonate in the Delaware Valley because of race-based attacks on Asian students attending South Philadelphia High School in 2009.  The task force convened, in part, because community groups were reporting a high number of bullying incidents, but the national data looked different, said actor and task force member Maulik Pancholy.  "We had all this information and yet, on the national level, the information we had in terms of percentages being reported were that Asian students reported being bullied at a rate of about 9.2 percent," he said. "Something didn't add up."  Through 29 listening sessions — including one at South Philadelphia High School — the task force found kids could be reticent when it came to talking about the issue with parents or faculty. They were afraid adults wouldn't understand, or that parents had too much on their plates already.

Balancing Act: School districts and the problems with PSERS
The Almanac By Harry Funk Published: August 19, 2016 - Updated: August 26, 2016 4:48 pm
As the end of August approaches, so does the deadline for paying your school taxes at a discount.  Still, that’s going to be one large number on the check, thanks to the large numbers it takes to run a school district these days.  “Any increases in the operations and cost of education are borne largely by the taxpayer,” Jeannine French said. “And we have a responsibility to make sure that the people in our community can continue to afford to live in our community and are not unduly burdened.”  The Peters Township School District superintendent summed up one aspect of the balancing act that administrators and elected officials face throughout Pennsylvania each year: how to cover perpetually increasing expenditures using relatively scarce resources, all within the parameters set by state legislation.  One particular piece of legislation, although formulated with the best of intentions, started the ball rolling toward what has become a financial nightmare for school districts.

PPG Letter: Charter schools are not free; they are paid for by local school districts
Post Gazette Letter by OLIVER J. DRUMHELLER Monroeville September 11, 2016 12:00 AM
The writer is a former Gateway School Board member.
The letter from Ira Weiss (“Pa.’s Law on Charter Schools Needs to Be Changed,” Sept. 6) is spot on. All his points are correct and reflect his public school expertise.  Charter schools do use scarce tax dollars to advertise, calling themselves “tuition-free public schools” and “free public schools.” These are untruthful statements and are misleading to the taxpayers. Examples are readily available in the media, websites, print and banners in public spaces.  These practices need to be investigated by the Pennsylvania Department of Education’s newly established Division of Charter Schools and other state agencies.  Note that charter schools are not free; they are public schools (having unelected corporate boards) and are paid for by local school districts. These payments are made per student from the child’s home school district. If charters and cyber-charters were free, why would public schools be required to pay for them? These payments are made from funds collected primarily from local property taxpayers. This raises a serious question of honesty and ethics: If you falsely advertise about being tuition-free, how can you be entrusted with children’s education and to responsibly use our public funding?  I strongly support investigation and correction of these wrongful practices as soon as possible!

The fuzzy math used in school budgets is getting necessary attention
Lancaster Online The LNP Editorial Board September12, 2016
THE ISSUE: A suburban Philadelphia judge rolled back a tax increase two weeks ago in a move that has school officials statewide wondering if their districts might be next. Montgomery County Judge Joseph A. Smyth ordered the Lower Merion School District to revoke a 4.4 percent tax hike because, he said, the district misled taxpayers by projecting large budget deficits to justify tax increases.  Good luck trying to convince taxpayers, especially in Lancaster County, that rolling back a tax increase is a bad thing.  Fifteen of 16 county districts increased taxes, again, in 2016-17. In fact, some school officials are worried that the wheels already are turning in the minds of county taxpayers.  “If they are successful down there,” said Superintendent Bob Hollister of the Eastern Lancaster County School District, “I’m willing to bet at least one taxpayer in every school district would be willing to launch a challenge.”

MAP: How experienced are the teachers in your school district?
By Eugene Tauber The Morning Call September 12, 2016
The Pennsylvania Department of Education reports on the average number of years that teachers have spent in the classroom. Numbers are included for all teaching experience and for experience in the current district. The average classroom teacher statewide has been in his or her district for 11.8 years, and 13.2 years teaching in any district.  The table under the map shows that teaching experience has increased in most of the 17 Lehigh Valley school districts over the past five years. Many districts have faced budget pressures that have resulted in reductions in staff, mostly from the less-experienced personnel. In addition, many districts have seen a decline in enrollment as Pennsylvania’s school age population stagnates. Reduction in enrollment has also caused staff reductions.  Other districts have seen a spike in retirements which lowers the average as the most experienced teachers are replaced by less-experienced or neophyte teachers. The table is sorted by local district experience.

State Capitol newsroom loses a veteran
Morning Call by Steve Esack Contact Reporter Call Harrisburg Bureau September 10, 2016
If you visit the 110-year-old state Capitol and walk up the grand marble Rotunda steps you will see a darkened room labeled “Newspaper Correspondents.”  The sign is a little dated for the 21st century. But it points to the partitioned offices of print, television and online reporters who cover state government and work under the quasi-cooperative moniker of the Pennsylvania Legislative Correspondents' Association.  On Friday, our association said goodbye to one its most senior reporters, Brad Bumsted of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review. Bumsted, 65, packed up after taking a financial buyout package offered by his company, Trib Total Media.


Restorative justice: A new approach to discipline
Schools facing dilemmas over disparities in discipline policies are turning to an approach known as restorative practices, focusing on how to repair harm done.
American Public Media Reports August 25, 2016 | by Laurie Stern
Last year, sophomore Noah Peña brought his new brass knuckles to school. He didn't feel threatened; he just thought they were cool. But they fell out of his pocket and Noah got sent to the principal's office.  He could have been expelled. But because he goes to high school in Denver, the principal took a different approach — he met with Noah and his dad. Noah agreed to reflect on his poor judgment and write down his thoughts. He also promised to work harder in school so he could get into AP biology.  "It kind of gave me the chance to be welcomed back into my community," Noah said.  Many schools and districts across the country are struggling to reform their discipline policies, and Denver was among the earliest to adopt what are called restorative practices districtwide. Research shows zero tolerance doesn't work and exacerbates racial disparities. Denver gave up zero tolerance in 2008, and it has tightened its racial discipline gap since then.  The specifics of restorative practices vary but they center on the idea of repairing the harm that someone's actions have caused.

Money, Race and Success: How Your School District Compares
New York Times By MOTOKO RICH, AMANDA COX and MATTHEW BLOCH APRIL 29, 2016
Sixth graders in the richest school districts are four grade levels ahead of children in the poorest districts.
We’ve long known of the persistent and troublesome academic gap between white students and their black and Hispanic peers in public schools.  We’ve long understood the primary reason, too: A higher proportion of black and Hispanic children come from poor families. A new analysis of reading and math test score data from across the country confirms just how much socioeconomic conditions matter.  Children in the school districts with the highest concentrations of poverty score an average of more than four grade levels below children in the richest districts. (Reliable estimates were not available for Asian-Americans.)  Even more sobering, the analysis shows that the largest gaps between white children and their minority classmates emerge in some of the wealthiest communities, such as Berkeley, Calif.; Chapel Hill, N.C.; and Evanston, Ill.  The study, by Sean F. Reardon, Demetra Kalogrides and Kenneth Shores of Stanford, also reveals large academic gaps in places like Atlanta, which has a high level of segregation in the public schools.

‘If this guy is elected, you can kiss public schools goodbye’
Washington Post Answer Sheet Blog By Valerie Strauss September 10 at 5:00 PM 
 “There is no failed policy more in need of urgent change than our government-run education monopoly.”
With that line from his big education policy speech on Thursday, Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump placed himself firmly in the camp of school “reformers” who want to break up the public education system in America.  Trump declared his intent to use public funds for students to attend private schools and to promote the growth of charter schools, employing the language of Republicans who refuse to call public schools public schools and instead refer to them as “government-run education monopolies.” (Former Florida governor Jeb Bush is a leader in this, often calling public schools “government-run monopolies run by unions.” Let’s ignore the irony of Trump using the same language as Bush, whom Trump mocked during the GOP primaries.)  Trump said he would take $20 billion in federal funding — though he didn’t make clear where he would get it from — to establish block grants that states can use to help children in low-income families enroll at private and charter schools. In a somewhat mixed message, he said that although states would be able to use the money as they saw fit, he would push them to use it for school choice. He didn’t say how he would push.


PA Supreme Court sets Sept. 13 argument date for fair education funding lawsuit in Philly
Thorough and Efficient Blog JUNE 16, 2016 BARBGRIMALDI LEAVE A COMMENT
https://edfundinglawsuit.wordpress.com/2016/06/16/pa-supreme-court-sets-argument-date-for-fair-education-funding-lawsuit/

Education Law Center: Join us September 19: UC-Berkeley economist Rucker Johnson in Philadelphia
September 19: Please join us at 4:30 PM in the Mayor’s Reception Room in Philadelphia City Hall where economist and UC-Berkeley professor Dr. Rucker Johnson will discuss his recent national research which finds that sustained investment in education produces long-term economic benefits for communities. Mayor Kenney and Dr. Hite will also make brief remarks. This event is sponsored by the Education Law Center, The Mayor’s Office of Education, and Council President Darrell Clarke. Please spread the word and join us on the 19th! RSVP to Caitlyn Boyle: Caitlyn.Boyle@Phila.gov
To download the full invitation to the event, please click here.

Southeastern PA Regional 2016 Legislative Roundtable: William Tennent High School (Bucks Co.) SEP 22, 2016 • 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM
PSBA website August 25, 2016
Take a more active role in public education advocacy by joining our Legislative Roundtable
This is your opportunity for a seat at the table (literally) with fellow public education advocates to take an active role in educating each other and policymakers.  Auditor General Eugene DePasquale, along with regional legislators, will be in attendance to work with you to support public education in Pennsylvania.  Use the form below to send your registration information!

EDUCATION LAW CENTER invites you to our ANNUAL CELEBRATION
Thursday, September 29, 2016 at 5:30 PM
The Crystal Tea Room, The Wanamaker Building
100 Penn Square East, Philadelphia, PA
Honoring: Pepper Hamilton LLP, Signe Wilkinson, Dr. Monique W. Morris
And presenting the ELC PRO BONO AWARD  to Paul Saint-Antoine & Chanda Miller
of Drinker Biddle & Reath LLP

Registration for the PASA-PSBA School Leadership Conference Oct. 13-15 is now open
The conference is your opportunity to learn, network and be inspired by peers and experts.
TO REGISTER: See https://www.psba.org/members-area/store-registration/   (you must be logged in to the Members Area to register). You can read more on How to Register for a PSBA Event here.   CONFERENCE WEBSITE: For all other program details, schedules, exhibits, etc., see the conference website:www.paschoolleaders.org.

The Sixth Annual Arts and Education Symposium – October 27, 2016
The 2016 Arts and Education Symposium will be held on October 27 at the Radisson Hotel Harrisburg Convention Center.  Sponsored by the Pennsylvania Arts Education network and EPLC, the Symposium is a Unique Networking and Learning Opportunity for:
·         Arts Educators
·         School Leaders
·         Artists
·         Arts and Culture Community Leaders
·         Arts-related Business Leaders
·         Arts Education Faculty and Administrators in Higher Education
·         Advocates
·         State and Local Policy Leaders
Act 48 Credit is available.
Program and registration information are available here.

REGISTER NOW for the 2016 PA Principals Association State Conference, October 30 - November 1, at The Penn Stater Conference Center Hotel in State College.
PA Principals Association website Tuesday, August 2, 2016 10:43 AM
To receive the Early Bird Discount, you must be registered by August 31, 2016:
Members: $300  Non-Members: $400
Featuring Three National Keynote Speakers: Eric Sheninger, Jill Jackson & Salome Thomas-EL

PSBA Officer Elections Aug. 15-Oct. 3, 2016: Slate of Candidates
PSBA members seeking election to office for the association were required to submit a nomination form no later than April 30, 2016, to be considered. All candidates who properly completed applications by the deadline are included on the slate of candidates below. In addition, the Leadership Development Committee met on June 24 at PSBA headquarters in Mechanicsburg to interview candidates. According to bylaws, the Leadership Development Committee may determine candidates highly qualified for the office they seek. This is noted next to each person’s name with an asterisk (*).  Each school entity will have one vote for each officer. This will require boards of the various school entities to come to a consensus on each candidate and cast their vote electronically during the open voting period (Aug. 15-Oct. 3, 2016). Voting will be accomplished through a secure third-party, web-based voting site that will require a password login. One person from each member school entity will be authorized as the official person to cast the vote on behalf of his or her school entity. In the case of school districts, it will be the board secretary who will cast votes on behalf of the school board.
Special note: Boards should be sure to include discussion and voting on candidates to its agenda during one of its meetings in September.

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