Wednesday, September 14, 2016

PA Ed Policy Roundup Sept 14: Over 100 reporters are on our email list. How many have ever covered a public charter school board meeting?

Daily postings from the Keystone State Education Coalition now reach more than 3900 Pennsylvania education policymakers – school directors, administrators, legislators, legislative and congressional staffers, Governor's staff, current/former PA Secretaries of Education, Wolf education transition team members, Superintendents, PTO/PTA officers, parent advocates, teacher leaders, business leaders, faith-based organizations, labor organizations, 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

These daily emails are archived and searchable at http://keystonestateeducationcoalition.org
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Keystone State Education Coalition
PA Ed Policy Roundup September 14, 2016:
Over 100 reporters are on our email list.  How many have ever covered a public charter school board meeting?



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.



“Pennsylvania now has the widest disparities in the nation when examining spending among its wealthiest and poorest districts. This results in students who live in poverty and need the most getting the least, while students in wealthier districts are showered with amenities in school.  These disparities are largely driven by Pennsylvania’s high reliance on local property taxes to fund public schools, compared to most other states.”
State Supreme Court hears arguments that school funding is unfair
The plaintiffs urged the justices to intervene, saying the current system has led to large inequities. Attorneys for the state contend that school funding is "political" and that the judiciary has no role.
Newsworks by Dale Mezzacappa and Kevin McCorry September 13, 2016 — 5:22pm
Due to legislative failure, the system for funding schools in Pennsylvania has become so “irrational” and “arbitrary” that the judiciary must intervene, attorneys argued before the state Supreme Court on Tuesday.  Children in some districts have lavish swimming pools, while others graduate from schools not far away without ever having used a computer or seen a library, said attorney Brad Elias, representing several school districts, parents and civil rights groups.  This is wrong, he said, and violates the 140-year-old state constitution, which requires Pennsylvania to “provide for the maintenance and support of a thorough and efficient system of public education” for all students. It also violates the state’s “equal protection” clause, Elias said.  Legislatures and governors through the years “have fallen down terribly. They have not done their job,” said Elias, from the New York law firm of O’Melveny & Myers. He is working pro bono with the Education Law Center and the Public Interest Law Center, which brought the case two years ago.

Advocates encouraged by school funding hearings before state Supreme Court
PHILADELPHIA — Tracey Hughes is a regular at the podium during Wilkes-Barre Area School Board public comment periods, advocating for her own and other children. But on Tuesday, she joined hundreds from across Pennsylvania advocating for state Supreme Court intervention that could reshape education for students statewide.  “I was overwhelmed by the amount of people there,” Hughes said after returning from oral arguments presented to the court in a case pushing for a dramatic change in state school funding. Hughes had decided to join the lawsuit, filed in 2014 by advocacy groups, individuals and several school districts including Wilkes-Barre Area.  The suit contends Harrisburg has failed in its constitutional duty to “support and maintain” a thorough and efficient system of public education. It was dismissed by a lower court on the grounds it was a legislative issue, not a judicial one, something supporters say may have been true a decade or more ago, but no longer.  “To me, it’s a no-brainer,” Hughes said, adding that she felt the attorneys who presented the advocates’ arguments made a convincing case.

“Attorneys for the state and legislative leaders argued, as a lower court did, that the courts have no place in the matter, which belongs in the hands of lawmakers.
John Knorr, of the Pennsylvania Attorney General's office, said that all the constitution obligates districts to do is to open schools.”
High court hears education-funding case in Philly
by Kristen A. Graham, STAFF WRITER Updated: SEPTEMBER 13, 2016 — 1:35 PM EDT
Pennsylvania's system of funding schools is so flawed that its courts must step in to make things right, parents, school districts and advocacy groups told the state's highest court Tuesday. Leaving school-funding decisions to Pennsylvania's legislature has resulted in gross inequalities, said Brad Ellis, a lawyer for the plaintiffs. Some schools have cutting-edge facilities and others have no textbooks.  "This is unconscionable," Ellis said. "It's so far out of the range of reasonableness."  Attorneys on both sides faced tough questioning from the seven justices. The plaintiffs, including the William Penn School District in Delaware County and some Philadelphia parents, argued that the current funding situation violates the equal-protection provision of the state constitution, and that it also fails to provide a "thorough and efficient system of education" as dictated in the constitution.
http://www.philly.com/philly/education/20160914_High_court_hears_education-funding_case_in_Philly.html

“Elias said that Pennsylvania had the nation's largest funding gap between low- and high-income districts, given that parents in wealthier ZIP codes supplement the school budget with property taxes and other funds that dwarf what low-income communities could raise. The budget per student ranges from about $10,000 to $28,000 across the state, the plaintiffs said.
That means that students who need the most resources get the least, said Elias, who called the system “unconscionable.”
Education reformers press Pa. Supreme Court to act on funding inequities
Trib Live BY THE ASSOCIATED PRESS | Tuesday, Sept. 13, 2016, 2:51 p.m.
PHILADELPHIA — Education reformers asked Pennsylvania's high court Tuesday to make state lawmakers revamp an “unconscionable” school funding formula that leaves poor students to go home at night without textbooks and graduate from high school without ever using a computer. “(Lawmakers) have fallen down terribly. They have not done their jobs,” lawyer Brad Elias argued for a group of parents and school districts who want the funding plan declared unconstitutional. “The entire system is just arbitrary.”  Several justices appeared reluctant to “lean on” or “micromanage” lawmakers who divide more than $10 billion in annual aid to Pennsylvania's approximately 500 school districts, and already devote more than half that budget to the 125 poorest districts. But one wondered why reformers shouldn't at least get to air their grievances at trial. 
http://triblive.com/news/adminpage/11136995-74/funding-districts-elias

“The PILC points to the findings of the state’s own Basic Education Funding Commission, which determined Pennsylvania would need a minimum $3.2 billion increase in funding to give all students an equal shot at becoming proficient on state mandated exams.  “Even this would require funding increases of at least $400 million for eight years,” a summary of the report found. “If the state instead were to increase education funding by only $200 million each year, a toddler today would graduate high school in many districts without ever having attended an adequately funded school.”
Pa. Supreme Court hears arguments in Pa. education funding suit
By Alex Rose, Delaware County Daily Times POSTED: 09/14/16, 12:18 AM EDT
PHILADELPHIA >> The state Supreme Court heard oral arguments Tuesday on whether the Commonwealth Court should be allowed to hear a lawsuit alleging the Legislature has failed Pennsylvania’s students.  “(Lawmakers) have fallen down terribly. They have not done their jobs,” said Brad Elias, an attorney for the plaintiffs. “The entire system is just arbitrary.”  Elias, representing a group of parents, districts and organizations that want the state’s school funding plan declared unconstitutional, told the seven justices that Pennsylvania has the nation’s largest funding gap between rich and poor districts, with a range of per-pupil spending between about $10,000 and $28,000. The plaintiffs are seeking an order directing the Legislature to close that gap.  Jeffrey Sheridan, a spokesman for Democratic Gov. Tom Wolf, said the administration acknowledges the issue, but believes it is one that should be hashed out between the executive and legislative branches.  “There is no doubt that we need more funding for education and that we need to close the disparities that exist between the wealthiest districts and the poorest districts,” said Sheridan, who sat in on Tuesday’s hearing. “However, the governor does not believe it is the courts’ role to be involved in that process.”
http://www.delcotimes.com/20160914/pa-supreme-court-hears-arguments-in-pa-education-funding-suit

PENNSYLVANIA HIGH COURT HEARS SCHOOL FUNDING CHALLENGE
The Pennsylvania Supreme Court heard arguments on the fair education funding lawsuit Tuesday morning, but did not make a decision on the matter. (WPVI)
6ABC WPVI By MARYCLAIRE DALE
PHILADELPHIA -- Education reformers asked Pennsylvania's high court Tuesday to make state lawmakers revamp an "unconscionable" school funding formula that leaves poor students to go home at night without textbooks and graduate from high school without ever using a computer.  "(Lawmakers) have fallen down terribly. They have not done their jobs," lawyer Brad Elias argued for a group of parents and school districts who want the funding plan declared unconstitutional. "The entire system is just arbitrary."  Several justices appeared reluctant to "lean on" or "micromanage" lawmakers who divide more than $10 billion in annual aid to Pennsylvania's approximately 500 school districts, and already devote more than half that budget to the 125 poorest districts. But one wondered why reformers shouldn't at least get to air their grievances at trial.  Elias said that Pennsylvania had the nation's largest funding gap between low- and high-income districts, given that parents in wealthier zip codes supplement the school budget with property taxes and other funds that dwarf what low-income communities could raise. The budget per student ranges from about $10,000 to $28,000 across the state, the plaintiffs said.
http://6abc.com/education/pa-supreme-court-hears-arguments-for-fair-education-funding-lawsuit/1509726/

Agora Cyber Charter names new CEO
Inquirer by Martha Woodall, STAFF WRITER Updated: SEPTEMBER 13, 2016 — 6:26 PM EDT
After a troubled 2015-16 academic year, the Agora Cyber Charter School in King of Prussia has a new CEO.  The Agora board Monday named Michael Conti, the former head of the Pennsylvania Cyber Charter, to lead the school, which provides online instruction to 6,000 K-12 students across the state.  Conti had been Agora's interim CEO since early August. The board voted Monday to make the appointment permanent.  After serving for four years as CEO at Pennsylvania Cyber in Midland, Beaver County, Conti stepped down in July to take the helm at Agora.  "It was just time to take on a new challenge," Conti, 58, said in an interview Tuesday.  He said he was attracted by the chance to work at Agora while it is in a rebuilding period.  Agora experienced difficulties over the last year, including the rapid turnover of top administrators and financial problems that caused the school to eliminate 139 positions in February.
http://www.philly.com/philly/education/20160914_Agora_Cyber_Charter_names_new_CEO.html

Agora Cyber Charter Board Meetings
The Agora Board of Trustees retains ultimate responsibility for the full operation of the Agora Cyber Charter School. Board meetings will be held on the first Monday of each month unless otherwise noted. These meetings are open to the public. Individuals who are interested in attending a Board of Trustees meeting but are unable to do so in person may attend virtually by clicking the link below.
MONDAY, OCTOBER 10, 2016 AT 7:00PM
590 North Gulph Road King of Prussia, PA 19406
CLICK HERE TO ATTEND VIRTUALLY
http://www.agora.org/our-community-board-meetings

Blogger note: I could not find any info on public board meetings on the CCCS website.  This is the state’s largest brick and mortar public charter school, managed by GOP mega-donor Vahan Gureghian’s Charter School Mgmt. Co.
Chester Community Charter School
http://www.chestercommunitycharter.org/about/board-of-trustees.cfm

PENNSYLVANIA VIRTUAL CHARTER SCHOOL’S BOARD OF TRUSTEES
PA Virtual has a Board of Trustees (BOT) composed of parents and community members who are passionate about providing educational options to students in Pennsylvania. The BOT provides oversight for PA Virtual and acts in trust for the tax payers of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. The role of the Board of Trustees is to (1) develop policies to ensure the School operates in compliance with applicable local, state, and federal laws; (2) set goals for and monitor student achievement; (3) provide fiduciary oversight of the School’s administration and accounting of public funds; and (4) administer and monitor all contracts. The PA Virtual Board of Trustees holds regularly scheduled virtual meetings every other month. The BOT convenes special meetings as needed. In compliance with the Sunshine Law, Board meetings are advertised in a local newspaper, the School’s Academic Calendar, the PA Virtual website, and Blackboard. Board meetings are open to the public and members of the PA Virtual community are encouraged to attend. The minutes for Board meetings are available on this website in the About Us: Accountability and School Charter section or by writing the Administrative Office in King of Prussia.
2016-2017 Board of Trustees Meeting Schedule
  • September  26, 2016 at 6:30 pm*
  • November 21, 2016 at 6:30 pm
  • January 30, 2017 at 6:30 pm
  • March 27, 2017 at 6:30 pm
  • May 22, 2017 at 6:30 pm
  • You can join the meeting via Collaborate Link, or via phone (866-398-2885 Passcode: 252501).
    Draft Agenda
http://www.pavcsk12.org/about-us/governance/

Reach Cyber Charter (formerly Connections Academy) School Board
About the School Board: Welcome to the Reach Cyber Charter School (Reach Cyber) board's home page. We are the governing body of the Reach Cyber Charter School. To learn more, please visit the Our School page.  The school is operated by Reach Cyber Charter School. The school is governed by an independent Board of Directors and all meetings are open to the public.
School Board Meetings: The Reach Cyber school board adopts a regular meeting schedule. The meetings are open to the public and in compliance with Pennsylvania's open meeting laws. Meetings are generally held over telecommunications.  The meeting dates listed below have been scheduled, or have taken place, for the 2016–2017 school year. Additional meeting dates will be added as they are scheduled. The official posting location for Reach Cyber school board meeting notices is at the school offices. This website is not the official posting location for meeting notices. However, we will update these dates as new meetings are added.
Meeting Dates and Agendas 2016-17 Reach Cyber Board Meetings
http://www.connectionsacademy.com/reach-cyber-school/about/school-board

PA Cyber's Board of Trustees public meeting
PA Cyber's Board of Trustees public meeting is held on the third Monday of each month. The meeting starts at 6:00pm and is held at 652 Midland Avenue, Midland, PA 15059. For additional information, contact Roxanne Leone-Bovalino at roxanne.leone@pacyber.org.
http://www.pacyber.org/about/?Board-of-Trustees-2

Lehigh Valley Academy charter school wants permanent home
By Sara K. Satullo | For lehighvalleylive.com Email the author | Follow on Twitter on September 13, 2016 at 7:30 AM, updated September 13, 2016 at 8:29 AM
Lehigh Valley Academy's charter is up for renewal, and Bethlehem is subjecting it to a rigorous review.  The school's charter is issued by the Bethlehem Area School District, so it is up to the school board to determine whether the school deserves another five years.  Charter schools are public schools funded by taxpayer dollars funneled from an enrolled student's home district. The K-12 charter school is located in leased office space off of Valley Center Parkway in Hanover Township, Northampton County.
http://www.lehighvalleylive.com/bethlehem/index.ssf/2016/09/lehigh_valley_academy_charter.html

Lehigh Valley Academy Charter School up for renewal
Jacqueline Palochko Contact Reporter Of The Morning Call
A Valley charter school is up for renewal, but first Bethlehem school board members have questions
BETHLEHEM — The Lehigh Valley Academy Regional Charter School is seeking renewal of its charter from the Bethlehem Area School District but, first, school board members have a lot of questions.  After charter school CEO Susan Mauser gave the board a presentation at Monday'scurriculum committee meeting, board members questioned Mauser about the school, specifically: What makes the charter school different than the district's 22 schools?  Director Angela Sinkler pressed Mauser to say why the academy is better or even different than Bethlehem schools.  "I would like to know what specific programs make your school 'better,' " Sinkler said.  Jack Silva, the district's chief academic officer, also asked how some of the academy's curriculum is different than the project-based learning at Bethlehem's middle schools.
http://www.mcall.com/news/local/bethlehem/mc-bethlehem-school-board-0913-20160913-story.html

Lower Merion school board gets earful from taxpayers over disputed hike
Inquirer by Kathy Boccella, STAFF WRITER Updated: SEPTEMBER 13, 2016 — 12:41 PM EDT
Lower Merion Township residents clashed at the first school board meeting since a Montgomery County judge ruled the district had unnecessarily raised taxes by claiming it was short on funds, when it actually had tens of millions of dollars in reserve.  Of the approximately 200 people who showed up Monday night, most of those who addressed the board criticized it for overtaxing the community and not being transparent about its budget process. Others, however, praised the members for doing whatever it took - including spending more per pupil than any other district in the state - to provide a top-notch education for Lower Merion children.  On Aug. 29, Common Pleas Court Judge Joseph A. Smyth ordered the Main Line district to revoke the 4.4 percent increase it had imposed for 2016-17, saying it had for years exaggerated multimillion-dollar deficits in order to justify tax hikes. He found the district had increased taxes by more than 53.3 percent since 2006 to make up for budget gaps, yet it consistently had surpluses at each year's end.
http://www.philly.com/philly/news/20160914_Lower_Merion_school_board_gets_earful_from_taxpayers_over_disputed_hike.html

Philadelphia Futures' head stepping down after 16 years and 500-plus college graduates
Inquirer by Susan Snyder, STAFF WRITER Updated: SEPTEMBER 13, 2016 — 4:07 PM EDT
Joan Mazzotti's always got a story about a student who has faced tough circumstances but has persevered to get to and through college - with her organization's help.   In Mazzotti's more than 16 years at the helm of Philadelphia Futures, the non-profit organization has shepherded more than 500 students through the cash-strapped, under resourced city school district high schools and on to college.  Among them were two Haitian-born orphans whom she and her husband mentored.  Now, Mazzotti, herself, is preparing to take that culminating step.  Through tears, Mazzotti, 66, told staff Tuesday that she intends to step down by Jan. 8 or after a successor is found.  "One good thing a good leader can do is know when it's time to step aside and pass the mantle," she said. "It's time for me and for Philadelphia Futures. We need to be starting a new strategic plan in the next year and the person who will have the honor to implement the plan should be the one designing it."
http://www.philly.com/philly/education/20160914_Philadelphia_Futures__head_stepping_down_after_16_years_and_500-plus_college_graduates.html

The way you start and finish your education has a huge impact on future success: Thomas P. Foley
PennLive Op-Ed  By Thomas P. Foley on September 13, 2016 at 2:00 PM, updated September 13, 2016 at 6:34 PM
Thomas P. Foley is the president of Mount Aloysius College in Cresson, Pa.
Almost 50 years ago, a Harvard University president said that "if you think education is expensive, try ignorance."  Most of us would agree. "Hitting the books" is important and education has intrinsic value.   It is hard to find anything else about education where public opinion is either uniform or unanimous.   The legion of laments seems limitless—Google "education problems" and more than 86 million articles appear in under a second.     While there is no question that problems persist at every level of education in this country, there are two truisms that we ought to keep in mind as political campaigns confront the conundrum of education over these next two months.   Preschool and post-secondary education—often viewed as "optional" steps on the education continuum--yield lifelong benefits to individual learners, and provide important benefits to society at large.   
http://www.pennlive.com/opinion/2016/09/the_way_you_start_and_finish_y.html#incart_river_index

“There is a lesson here beyond the fortunes of for-profit schools. For all the worship of capitalism in the American psyche, the simple truth is that the profit motive doesn't work everywhere.  While the drive to make money can spark innovation, spur economic growth and fuel general prosperity, it can also corrupt entire enterprises. Not every sector of the economy ought to be privatized.  Higher education provides as good an example as any of the corrupting potential of capitalism.”
ITT collapse is a reminder that capitalism and education are incompatible partners: Cynthia Tucker
PennLive Op-Ed  By Cynthia Tucker on September 13, 2016 at 10:00 AM, updated September 13, 2016 at 10:06 AM
As wrenching as the closure is, though, it should have happened sooner. Like Corinthian Colleges, a for-profit chain that collapsed last year, ITT Tech was forced to the brink because the Obama administration has cracked down on an industry that thrived on shady practices.
Those colleges have made their money by recruiting desperate and vulnerable students of modest means and charging overly high tuition rates.  For-profit colleges deliver very little of what they promise. You've no doubt heard some of their ads pledging lucrative careers in a growing field of endeavor -- health care or technology, perhaps.  The truth is that workers who attend for-profit colleges often end up earning less than they did before they pursued a degree, according to a study by the National Bureau of Economic Research.
http://www.pennlive.com/opinion/2016/09/itt_collapse_is_a_reminder_tha.html#incart_river_index


Arkansas Residents Jim And Alice Walton Pony Up $1,835,000 To Raise Charter Cap In Massachusetts
HUFFINGTON Post by Mercedes Schneider  Public school teacher, education activist, PhD 09/11/2016 09:16 pm ET
According to the September 09, 2016, filing of the Massachusetts ballot committee, Yes on 2, billionaire Arkansas resident Alice Walton is one of two individuals providing the $710,100 in funding to promote MA Question 2, raising the charter school cap.  Alice Walton provided $710,000.  A second contributor, Massachusetts resident Frank Perullo provided $100 in order to establish the committee.  And then, the Alice Walton cash was moved to another Question 2 ballot committee: $703,770.29 of Alice Walton’s Yes on 2 committee money was expended to fund Question 2 ballot committee, Campaign for Fair Access to Quality Public Schools, where it was combined with billionaire Arkansas resident Jim Walton’s contribution of $1,125,000, thus making the total Walton contribution to the two committees $1,835,000 (and total Walton contribution to the latter committee, $1,828,770.29).  The Campaign for Fair Access total on its Sept 09, 2016, filing was $2,292,183 for 43 contributors– with 79 percent of that money ($1,828,770 / $2,292183) arriving from two out-of-state billionaires.  In other words, 95 percent of contributors (41 out of 43) provided only 21 percent of the total funding on the Campaign for Fair Access Sept 2016 report.
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/arkansas-residents-jim-and-alice-walton-pony-up-1835000_us_57d5f948e4b0f831f7072294?ir=Education&utm_hp_ref=education&utm_content=bufferc28f1&utm_medium=social&utm_source=twitter.com&utm_campaign=buffer

Presidential Nominees Positions on Education
National School Boards Action Center
https://cdn-files.nsbac.org/s3fs-public/2016-Presidential-Nominees-Positions-8.16.2016.pdf

Comparing Trump and Clinton's Child Care Plans
NBC by LEIGH ANN CALDWELL September 13, 2016
Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump Tuesday unveiled his new proposal to help families with the high cost of child care expenses.  It's a policy issue he has not focused on throughout his long career (although he has inaccurately said a child care program offered for guests of his resorts is available for his employees' child care needs). He also repeatedly said in the past that it's up to women to take the lead in child care.  The issue is, however, important to his daughter, Ivanka Trump, a working mom of three, who previewed the idea during her convention speech in July. He told a rally in Iowa earlier in the day she said, "Daddy, daddy, we have to do this."  In need of the women's vote, two months later - and less than two months before Election Day - Trump has unveiled his plan. Polls consistently show that he is losing to Clinton among women voters and he is making a direct appeal to them by releasing a plan tailored for middle and upper middle-class women in suburban Philadelphia, where many of those voters reside in a critical battleground state.
http://www.nbcnews.com/politics/2016-election/comparing-trump-clinton-s-child-care-plans-n647711

Let's talk about birds: barfing blue jays
Post Gazette By Robert Mulvihill, National Aviary ornithologist September 14, 2016 12:00 AM
This is one of a series presented by the National Aviary, which works to inspire respect for nature through an appreciation of birds.
We’ve all seen a fortunate butterfly missing a small bird beak-shaped piece of its wing. But, we almost never see a monarch butterfly in that condition, and with good reason. Monarch butterflies lay their eggs on milkweed plants, many of which have chemical defenses against being browsed by plant-eating animals such as rabbits and deer. Monarch caterpillars, however, are immune to the effects of these chemicals, called cardiac glycosides. As they feed on milkweed, monarch caterpillars actually incorporate glycosides into their tissues, and the chemical provides them, and the butterflies they will become, with protection from insect-eating predators, such as birds.
http://www.post-gazette.com/life/my-generation/2016/09/14/Let-s-talk-about-birds-Barfing-blue-jays/stories/201609140115?utm_medium=Social&utm_campaign=Echobox&utm_source=Twitter&utm_term=Autofeed#link_time=1473826514


SAVE THE DATE LWVPA Convention 2017 June 1-4, 2017
Join the League of Women Voters of PA for our 2017 Biennial Convention at the beautiful Inn at Pocono Manor!
http://myemail.constantcontact.com/SAVE-THE-DATE--LWVPA-Convention-June-1-4--2017.html?soid=1102026610927&aid=sie1JiXCxws

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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