Thursday, October 26, 2017

PA Ed Policy Roundup Oct. 26: “It’s only by their zip code. And that’s not right.”

Daily postings from the Keystone State Education Coalition now reach more than 4050 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, school solicitors, principals, 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, Instagram and LinkedIn

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Keystone State Education Coalition
PA Ed Policy Roundup Oct. 26, 2017:


Uncertainty swirls around Pa. property tax amendment that will soon go before voters
WHYY By Avi Wolfman-Arent October 25, 2017
On November 7, Pennsylvanians will vote on a proposed constitutional amendment that could lead to lower property taxes and radically remake how the commonwealth funds its schools. Or the amendment could pass and change nothing. It’s an odd juxtaposition: the proposed amendment might have drastic consequences, but is so laden with what-ifs that even political insiders and policy wonks don’t yet know what to make of it. “We don’t have a really strong position on this because we could see good things coming out of it and we could see bad things coming out of it,” said Marc Stier, director of the Pennsylvania Budget and Policy Center, a liberal-leaning think tank. Big picture, the amendment would give legislators unprecedented leeway to reduce or eliminate property taxes. The amendment does not, however, compel legislators to do anything. State lawmakers would have to pass a new law — or set of laws — to take advantage of the possibilities opened up by the proposed amendment.

Why it's not a good idea to end Pa.'s property tax | Editorial
The proposal would amount to a state takeover of public education funding.
by The Daily News Editorial Board Updated: OCTOBER 25, 2017 — 1:16 PM EDT
Citizens going into the voting booth on Nov. 7 will find a pleasant surprise. They will be asked to vote on a proposed constitutional amendment to do away with local property taxes. That’s not precisely the wording on the ballot — it talks about raising the homestead exemption on residential properties to 100 percent — but that is its effect. Naturally, most will have an irresistible urge to press the “Yes” button. After all, who likes to pay property taxes? But stop for a minute and consider the reality behind this simply worded question. No free lunch Property taxes are used to fund public schools. They cannot be abolished without replacing that money. There are bills in the state legislature today to increase the state income tax from 3.07 percent to 4.95 percent to partly fill in the hole. Another would increase the state sales tax from 6 percent to 7 percent (and from 8 percent to 9 percent in Philadelphia) and remove exemptions on such items as food, nonprescription drugs, and some clothing. Depending on your income and current property taxes, you could end up paying more.


“Nia Lartey, the senior class president at Penn Wood High School, recently visited a nearby district that’s worlds apart when it comes to property values, and thus, school funding. “I just went to Lower Merion High last week, and they have a pool. They don’t have to fight for a threadbare textbook,” said Lartey. “Their students are, I would say, very blessed …. Lower Merion, Upper Darby, even Springfield, their students are better funded than we are. It’s only by their zip code. And that’s not right.”
Pa. public school advocates meet in Delco, joyous to get their day in court
WHYY By Bill Hangley October 25, 2017
Public education advocates gathered Wednesday in Southeastern Pennsylvania to celebrate a recent state Supreme Court ruling that has cleared the way for a challenge to the state’s system of funding schools. “I’m excited for our students. I know this is just the first step in this process, and I hope we move quickly on this. We can’t afford to wait,” said Jane Harbert, superintendent of the William Penn School District, one of a group of districts statewide that joined a lawsuit alleging that the state is failing in its constitutional obligation to provide a “thorough and efficient” system of education. “What we raise on our taxes compared to a Radnor is very different,” Harbert said of her district, which serves a cluster of working class communities just beyond Philadelphia’s western border. “We’re raising $8,000 per child, and they’re raising $12,00 or $15,000.” The case, William Penn vs. Pennsylvania Department of Education, was first filed in 2014. Last month, the state’s highest court ruled that it could go forward, reversing previous court decisions that found that the issue was not justiciable.

Districts push case for more state education funding
Delco Times By Rick Kauffman, rkauffman@21st-centurymedia.com, @Kauffee_DT on Twitter
POSTED: 10/25/17, 8:13 PM EDT | UPDATED: 9 SECS AGO
LANSDOWNE >> There is one line in the Pennsylvania Constitution that has become the basis for a lawsuit challenging the distribution of public school funding in the state: “The General Assembly shall provide for the maintenance and support of a thorough and efficient system of public education to serve the needs of the commonwealth,” the constitution reads. Wednesday it was announced that in the ongoing lawsuit of William Penn School District vs. the Pennsylvania Department of Education, the plaintiffs will be granted the opportunity to prove their case against the state’s highest court. “Today we celebrate a victory for all children in Pennsylvania who go to school districts that know what services the children need, but don’t have enough money to provide those services,” said Tomea Sippio-Smith, the education policy director for Public Citizens for Children and Youth, outside Penn Wood High School.

The clock has run out on Pa.'s CHIP program (column)
York Daily Record Opinion by Robert J. Woods Published 3:24 p.m. ET Oct. 25, 2017
Robert J. Woods is executive director of the United Way of York County.
Funding for CHIP expired on Sept. 30 due to the failure of Congress to reauthorize funding for the program.  CHIP provides essential health services to children living in lower income working families that are not eligible for Medicaid.  In Pennsylvania’s 4th Congressional District, covering York County and surrounding communities, 30 percent of children receive healthcare services from CHIP or Medicaid.  We are calling on Congressman Perry and Senators Toomey and Casey to do the right thing and support Senate Bill 1837 that extends CHIP funding for five more years with no additional eligibility requirements or barriers to comprehensive coverage for children.

Pennsylvanians, a balanced budget is finally close at hand
Penn Live By Jan Murphy jmurphy@pennlive.com Updated on October 26, 2017 at 1:18 AM Posted on October 25, 2017 at 11:38 PM
It's nearly four full months overdue but the General Assembly finally appears to be close to bringing closure to the 2017-18 state budget saga. In a flurry of activity over the past few days, the House and Senate moved a series of bills to Gov. Tom Wolf to provide a deficit patch in the $32 billion general fund budget. The House is expected on Thursday morning to consider the final piece of that budget plan a a negotiated bill to expand legalized gambling that has been in the making over the past two years.  The Senate on Wednesday passed that bill that came together only hours before. It allows Internet games, authorizes a new set of casinos across the state, and permits legal games at highway truck stops, along with a few other new gambling options. It is hoped to raise $200 million this year and $90 million to $100 million next year.

Other issues addressed in this bill include:
·         Allowing multiple high-performing charter schools to consolidate into an organization overseen by a single board of trustees with the approval of the state Department of Education and the school district that granted a school's original charter. Ana Meyer, executive director of Pennsylvania Coalition of Public Charter Schools, said it's a way for charter schools to become more efficient and save taxpayers' dollars.
·         Requiring schools to provide meals to students regardless of whether they have money to pay for them unless their parent or guardian has given written permission to withhold the meal. It also prohibits schools from publicly identifying, stigmatizing, or assigning work chores to students who cannot pay or owe money for school meals.
·         $10 million more for the popular Educational Improvement Tax Credit program, which increases it funding from $125 million to $135 million. The added funds are earmarked for tax credits to companies that donate to scholarship organizations.
·         Requiring all newly elected or appointed school directors and charter school trustees to take at least four hours of training in the skills and knowledge necessary to serve in those positions. Those who are re-elected or reappointed would be required to take at least two hours of training. The training is to be at no cost.
·         Extending a moratorium on the acceptance or approval of new school construction or reconstruction project applications for partial state funding for the 2017-18 school year.
·         Requiring school board to take action to notify a superintendent or assistant superintendent whether his or her contract is going to be extended at least 90 days before its expiration. If no action is taken, the contract will be extended once for one year. 
·         Delaying the use of Keystone Exams as a state graduation requirement for an additional year, through 2019-2020.
School Code Bill HB178: Senate sends bill reforming teacher furlough system, banning lunch shaming and more to the governor
Legislation that would end Pennsylvania's seniority based teacher layoffs when budget-related furloughs are requested is going to Gov. Tom Wolf's desk. The bill, which is part of the budget-related bill package, also tackles a myriad of other education-related issues.
Penn Live By Jan Murphy jmurphy@pennlive.com Updated on October 25, 2017 at 4:09 PM Posted on October 25, 2017 at 4:08 PM
Legislation that would allow school districts to lay off teachers for budget-related reasons, combat lunch shaming, and charter school consolidations is making its way to Gov. Tom Wolf's desk. The Senate on Wednesday voted 35-15 to approve a House-passed version of a school code bill, which is part of a budget-related package of bills. This legislation covers a variety of topics but none are more controversial than the teacher furlough proposal that allows teachers to be laid off for economic reasons based on their performance rating instead of seniority. During the nearly 15 minute floor debate, Senate Democratic Leader Jay Costa of Allegheny County said there are some aspects of the bill he likes and other parts he doesn't like but he was supporting it because it is part of the overall legislative package that will bring closure to the protracted state budget process. "We don't have the benefit of selecting off a menu and for that reason, I will be casting an affirmative vote," he said. But some of his fellow Democrats said they couldn't bring themselves to support it because the performance evaluation system that will be used to determine which teachers would be furloughed is faulty because of its heavy reliance on student performance on state exams.

“Gov. Tom Wolf, however, could veto the bill, also known as an education code bill, because it also contains language that would lessen the role of seniority in layoffs of public school teachers. Wolf in 2016 vetoed an education bill with the same language about teacher layoffs.”
Legislature approves state oversight of Erie schools
GoErie By Ed Palattella  Posted Oct 25, 2017 at 4:33 PM Updated Oct 25, 2017 at 6:12 PM
Creation of financial administrator tied to funding legislation that guarantees $14 million in additional recurring funding for the Erie School District.
The Erie School District, which got a $14 million state funding boost on Tuesday, learned on Wednesday that the increase will come with state oversight. The state Legislature on Wednesday approved a plan in which a state-appointed financial administrator will oversee the finances of the Erie School District as it receives $14 million in recurring additional state aid starting this fiscal year. The fate of the plan remains uncertain. It is included in an omnibus education bill that the state Senate approved on Wednesday following the House’s approval of the legislation, House Bill 178, a week ago. Gov. Tom Wolf, however, could veto the bill, also known as an education code bill, because it also contains language that would lessen the role of seniority in layoffs of public school teachers. Wolf in 2016 vetoed an education bill with the same language about teacher layoffs. Regarding House Bill 178, Wolf spokesman J.J. Abbott said the governor “will evaluate the entirety of the bill” once it is on his desk. The bill, among other things, also requires the state Department of Education to provide training for school board members and charter school trustees starting in 2018-19. Newly elected or appointed board members and trustees must complete four hours of training and re-elected and reappointed board members and trustees must complete two hours of training.

“But in the end, leaders of the Republican-controlled General Assembly have collectively chosen this path - and its potential social costs - as a better way to close a budget deficit than increasing or imposing any other taxes.”
Pennsylvania Senate approves major expansion of legal gambling
Penn Live By Charles Thompson cthompson@pennlive.com Updated on October 25, 2017 at 10:17 PM Posted on October 25, 2017 at 7:53 PM
This story was updated at 9:10 p.m. Wednesday with reaction from senators speaking after the Senate vote. The Pennsylvania Senate passed a far-reaching gambling expansion bill Wednesday that would legalize Internet games, authorize a new set of casinos across the state, and permit legal games at highway truck stops. The Senate vote was 31-19, with 18 Republicans and 13 Democrats voting in support. The bill now moves to the state House, which is expected to take it up later tonight. If enacted, Pennsylvania will - in a significant change from the gaming world it set up 13 years ago - for the first time sanction commercial gambling outside 12 original licensed casinos and racetracks. The new casinos could be in secondary, but potentially attractive, markets like State College, Gettysburg and the Lake Erie waterfront. And the Internet games will turn virtually any online device into a betting position.

More borrowing, more gambling: How they're breaking budget impasse in Harrisburg
Inquirer by Angela Couloumbis & Liz Navratil, HARRISBURG BUREAUS Updated: OCTOBER 25, 2017 — 10:22 PM EDT
HARRISBURG — More borrowing, more casinos, and a few more taxes.
That is the solution the Republican-controlled legislature has devised to balance Pennsylvania’s budget and break a stubborn stalemate that has hurt the state’s financial standing and tested political alliances. Lawmakers in both chambers worked late into the night Wednesday to approve key pieces of a long-overdue revenue package to fund the state’s $32 billion spending plan and close a more than $2 billion deficit. The overall deal relies heavily on borrowing and siphoning money from various state funds reserved for special programs. It also includes a still-to-be-approved plan for a major expansion of gambling in Pennsylvania, including legalizing online gambling, authorizing 10 new “mini-casinos” around the state, and permitting so-called video-gaming terminals at truck stops. Late Wednesday, the Senate had passed the gambling bill and the House had started debating it, with most of the discussion centered on whether to postpone a vote on the matter so members could have more time to read the 939-page bill. The debate was expected to continue Thursday morning. Gov. Wolf has not endorsed the revenue deal and late Wednesday would say only that he would review it.

Massive borrowing, gambling bills advance in state budget scramble
Trib Live by THE ASSOCIATED PRESS | Wednesday, Oct. 25, 2017, 9:18 p.m.
The last cinderblocks in a four-month stalemate over how to fix Pennsylvania's deficit-riddled finances began falling Wednesday as Pennsylvania lawmakers worked into the night to advance massive borrowing and casino gambling measures. Hundreds of pages of legislation — including a 470-page gambling bill first unveiled Wednesday evening — moved through the Legislature as top lawmakers bowed to concessions they had resisted since mid-summer. The Senate voted 31-19 to approve its just-unveiled, far-reaching gambling expansion plan after months of talks as part of a wider budget agreement. Efforts to win its quick passage in the House ran late into Wednesday night, and debate was to continue Thursday morning.

Parkland School Board OKs settlement in anti-abortion club suit
The Parkland School Board has approved an out-of-court settlement with a high school graduate and a senior who sued the district over its denial of their request to start an anti-abortion club.
By Daryl Nerl Special to The Morning Call October 25, 2017
The Parkland School Board approved an out-of-court settlement with a high school graduate and a senior who sued the district over its denial of their request to start an anti-abortion club. The group, Trojans for Life, has already begun activities as an official high school club, district Superintendent Richard Sniscak said. The school board unanimously approved the settlement by voice vote and without discussion Tuesday night. “They’re going to be afforded same opportunities and rights that all other groups there have,” Sniscak said Thursday of the group.
Beyond that, the superintendent said he could not elaborate on the specifics of the agreement because it was not yet finalized by the court. That included what, if any, changes were made to the proposed club activities proposed by the group — a point of contention when it was first pitched to district leaders.

Haverford introduces policy to protect transgender students
Delco Times By Lois Puglionesi, Times Correspondent POSTED: 10/25/17, 8:11 PM EDT
HAVERFORD >> A proposed school district policy that will for the first time address needs of gender expansive and transgender students was introduced at a packed school board meeting last week. In attendance were members of the grassroots Havertown Community Action Network, which last spring urged officials to consider adopting a formal district-wide policy to protect gender expansive and transgender students. Read aloud at the meeting and currently posted on the district’s website, Policy 259, “Ensuring Equity and Nondiscrimination for Gender Expansive and Transgender Students,” states that Haverford is “committed to providing a safe, supportive and inclusive learning environment for all students and employees. The district is also dedicated to ensuring that every student has equal access to educational programs and activities … This policy reflects the board’s support in ensuring that gender expansive and transgender students are provided such equal opportunity and access to programs, services and activities.” In order to ensure these rights, the policy states that the school board “authorizes the superintendent or designee to develop and promulgate regulations designed to ensure the safety, comfort, and healthy development of gender expansive and transgender students, while maximizing such students’ social integration with other students and minimizing stigmatization and isolation.”

BAEO: The Only National Black School Choice Advocacy Group Is Folding
By Arianna Prothero on October 25, 2017 3:38 PM | No comments
The Black Alliance for Educational Options is shutting down for good at the end of the year, the group announced on its website Wednesday. Founded by school choice pioneer Howard Fuller, BAEO is the only group at the national level focused exclusively on expanding school choice for low-income and working class African-American families—both through charter schools and school vouchers. But the school choice advocacy world has become increasingly crowded in the 18 years since BAEO's founding, said Fuller who sits on the group's board, and that's meant more competition for visibility and funding. "Some organizations, and ours is one of them, have a shelf-life," he said. "And we just reached a point where we had done great work but didn't see the ability to continue to do that work going forward." The writing has been on the wall. A year and a half ago, BAEO started shedding some of its state chapters and launched a national competition to reimagine and redesign the organization. But that fizzled out, said Fuller, when the effort didn't yield ideas that were "transformative" enough.


Save the Date: Pitt Johnstown to host Funding Lawsuit Panel at Murtha Center on campus November 15th at 7:00 pm

School Leader Advocacy Training
PASA, PASBO, PSBA, the Pennsylvania Principals Association, the PARSS and PAIU are offering five, full-day School Leader Advocacy Training sessions at the following locations:
Monday, November 6 – Capital Area I.U. 15 (Summerdale)
Tuesday, November 7 – Luzerne I.U. 18 (Kingston)
Wednesday, November 15 – Berks County I.U. 14 (Reading)
Thursday, November 16 – Midwestern I.U. 4 (Grove City)
Friday, November 17 – Westmoreland I.U. 7 (Greensburg)
Take advantage of this great opportunity – at NO cost to you!
REGISTER TODAY at https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/SchoolLeaderTraining. 


Webinar: Get the Facts on the Proposed Constitutional Amendment
OCT 31, 2017 • 12:00 PM - 1:30 PM Registration Required
Recently passed through the General Assembly as House Bill 1285, Joint Resolution 1 proposes to amend the constitution by authorizing the General Assembly to enact legislation allowing local taxing authorities (counties, municipalities and school districts) to exclude from property taxation up to the full assessed value of each homestead/farmstead property within the taxing jurisdiction. If approved, what does this change mean for schools in PA? In this complimentary webinar, learn about the legislative history, facts and implications of the amendment so you can make the decision that is right for you on Nov. 7.
Presenters include:
·         Nathan Mains, PA School Boards Association;
·         Hannah Barrick,  PA Association of School Business Officials
·         Jim Vaughan,  PA State Education Association
·         Mark DiRocco, PA Association of School Administrators
None of the organizations sponsoring this webinar have a position on the ballot question. The objective of the webinar is purely information based and to separate fact from fiction.
Register online here:  GoToWebinar.com
https://www.psba.org/event/webinar-proposed-constitutional-amendment/

Cyber Charter School Application; Public Hearing November 20
Pennsylvania Bulletin Saturday, October 14, 2017 NOTICES - DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION
The Department of Education (Department) has scheduled one date for a public hearing regarding a cyber charter school application that was received on or before October 2, 2017. The hearing will be held on November 20, 2017, in Heritage Room A on the lobby level of 333 Market Street, Harrisburg, PA 17126 at 9 a.m. The hearing pertains to the applicant seeking to operate a cyber charter school beginning in the 2018-2019 school year. The purpose of the hearing is to gather information from the applicant about the proposed cyber charter school as well as receive comments from interested individuals regarding the application. The name of the applicant, copies of the application and a listing of the date and time scheduled for the hearing on the application can be viewed on the Department's web site at www.education.pa.gov. Individuals who wish to provide comments on the application during the hearing must provide a copy of their written comments to the Department and the applicant on or before November 6, 2017. Comments provided by this deadline and presented at the hearing will become part of the certified record. For questions regarding this hearing, contact the Division of Charter Schools, (717) 787-9744, charterschools@pa.gov.

Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Department of Education Cyber Charter School Application for Commonwealth Education Connections Cyber Charter School 2017
Charter School Application Submitted: September 27, 2017

Seventh Annual Pennsylvania Arts and Education Symposium, November 2, 2017 Camp Hill
The 2017 Pennsylvania Arts and Education will be held on Thursday, November 2, 2017 at the Radisson Hotel Harrisburg Convention Center in Camp Hill.  See the agenda here.
Early Bird Registration ends September 30.
https://www.eplc.org/pennsylvania-arts-education-network/


Support the Notebook and see Springsteen on Broadway
The notebook October 2, 2017 — 10:57am
Donate $50 or more until Nov. 10, enter to win – and have your donation doubled!
"This music is forever for me. It's the stage thing, that rush moment that you live for. It never lasts, but that's what you live for." – Bruce Springsteen
You can be a part of a unique Bruce Springsteen show in his career – and support local, nonprofit education journalism!  Donate $50 or more to the Notebook through Nov. 10, and your donation will be doubled, up to $1,000, through the Knight News Match. Plus, you will be automatically entered to win a pair of prime tickets to see Springsteen on Broadway!  One winner will receive two tickets to the 8 p.m. Friday, Nov. 24, show at the Walter Kerr Theatre. These are amazing orchestra section seats to this incredible sold-out solo performance. Don't miss out on your chance to see the Boss in his Broadway debut. Donate to the Notebook today online or by mail at 699 Ranstead St., 3rd Floor, Philadelphia, PA 19106.
http://thenotebook.org/articles/2017/10/02/springsteen-on-broadway

Registration now open for the 67th Annual PASCD Conference  Nov. 12-13 Harrisburg: Sparking Innovation: Personalized Learning, STEM, 4C's
This year's conference will begin on Sunday, November 12th and end on Monday, November 13th. There will also be a free pre-conference on Saturday, November 11th.  You can register for this year's conference online with a credit card payment or have an invoice sent to you.  Click here to register for the conference.
http://myemail.constantcontact.com/PASCD-Conference-Registration-is-Now-Open.html?soid=1101415141682&aid=5F-ceLtbZDs

Register for New School Director Training in December and January
PSBA Website October 2017
You’ve started a challenging and exciting new role as a school director. Let us help you narrow the learning curve! PSBA’s New School Director Training provides school directors with foundational knowledge about their role, responsibilities and ethical obligations. At this live workshop, participants will learn about key laws, policies, and processes that guide school board governance and leadership, and develop skills for becoming strong advocates in their community. Get the tools you need from experts during this visually engaging and interactive event.
Choose from any of these 10 locations and dates (note: all sessions are held 8 a.m.-4 p.m., unless specified otherwise.):
·         Dec. 8, Bedford CTC
·         Dec. 8, Montoursville Area High School
·         Dec. 9, Upper St. Clair High School
·         Dec. 9, West Side CTC
·         Dec. 15, Crawford County CTC
·         Dec. 15, Upper Merion MS (8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m)
·         Dec. 16, PSBA Mechanicsburg
·         Dec. 16, Seneca Highlands IU 9
·         Jan. 13, A W Beattie Career Center
·         Jan. 13, Parkland HS
Fees: Complimentary to All-Access members or $170 per person for standard membership. All registrations will be billed to the listed district, IU or CTC. To request billing to an individual, please contact Michelle Kunkel at michelle.kunkel@psba.org. Registration also includes a box lunch on site and printed resources.

Save the Date! NSBA 2018 Advocacy Institute February 4-6, 2018 Marriott Marquis, Washington D.C.
Registration Opens Tuesday, September 26, 2017


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