Wednesday, May 23, 2018

PA Ed Policy Roundup May 23: None of PA’s cyber charters has ever achieved a passing school performance profile score of 70


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None of PA’s cyber charters has ever achieved a passing school performance profile score of 70



Media Advisory – PLANCON COMMITTEE TO RELEASE FINAL REPORT
PA Senate GOP Website Posted on May 23, 2018
WHAT:  The PA Public School Building Construction and Reconstruction Advisory Committee will meet tomorrow (May 23rd) to release its report to the general assembly related to the state’s reimbursement program for school districts for costs associated with construction and reconstruction and lease of public school buildings (commonly known as PlanCon). The Committee was established pursuant to Act 25 of 2016, to review and make recommendations to the Governor and the General Assembly.
WHO: PlanCon Committee, co-chaired by Senate Appropriations Committee Chairman Pat Browne, House Appropriations Committee Chairman Stan Saylor and Education Secretary Pedro Rivera.
WHEN: Wednesday, May 23 at 9:30 a.m.
WHERE: Senate Majority Caucus Room Harrisburg Capitol Building Harrisburg, PA 17120



"Across the country, virtual schools are costing taxpayers hundreds of millions of dollars each year, but providing little or no education to most of their students," said Greg Richmond, the president and CEO of the National Association of Charter School Authorizers, in a statement. "It's good for both kids and taxpayers that more states and authorizing agencies are holding those schools accountable. We hope more states have the courage to act in the future."
Cyber Charters in at Least 5 States Face Closure. What's Going On?
Education Week By Benjamin Herold on May 22, 2018 4:18 PM
After years of operating largely unfettered, the country's full-time online charter school sector appears to be undergoing a shift. Nowhere are the changes more evident than in Ohio, where the state's largest cyber charter, the Electronic Classroom of Tomorrow, is in the midst of auctioning off its assets following a startling midyear shutdown.   Cyber charters in Georgia, Indiana, Nevada, and New Mexico are also facing closure. The trend is notable, given how historically rare it has been for such schools to be shuttered, even when plagued by low achievement and financial scandal.  Supporters of full-time virtual charter schools still defend the sector, saying the schools provide a valuable option for students and families who have struggled in more traditional settings.  "It's important to recognize that online charter schools are often the only charter option available to families in many states," according to Jeff Kwitowski, a spokesman for K12 Inc., the country's largest for-profit operator of online charters, which has one school that will cease operations and another facing possible closure. "Without these school options, charter school access decreases," Kwitowski wrote in an email. "This is particularly true for families who live in rural areas and other communities with no brick-and-mortar charter schools."  But critics say that offering families "bad schools to choose from" isn't enough.
http://blogs.edweek.org/edweek/DigitalEducation/2018/05/cyber_charters_face_closure.html?qs=cyber

Not one of Pennsylvania’s cyber charters has achieved a passing SPP score of 70 in any of the five years that the SPP has been in effect.  All 500 school districts are required to send taxpayer dollars to these cyber charters, even though none of them voted to authorize cyber charter schools and most districts have their own inhouse cyber or blended learning programs.
School Performance Profile Scores for PA Cyber Charters 2013-2017
Source: PA Department of Education website
http://www.paschoolperformance.org/
A score of 70 is considered passing.
Total cyber charter tuition paid by PA taxpayers from 500 school districts for 2013, 2014 and 2015 was over $1.2 billion; $393.5 million, $398.8 million and $436.1 million respectively.
    Cohort
            
      Grad            Rate
Cyber Charter School Name
2013
2014
2015
2016
 2017
2017
21st Century CS
66.5
66.0
69.2
62.2
61.1
67.66
Achievement House CS
39.7
37.5
44.8
54.5
52.7
41.67
ACT Academy Cyber CS
30.6
28.9
36.1
40.7
36.5
15.79
Agora Cyber CS
48.3
42.4
46.4
37.6
47.9
41.18
ASPIRA Bilingual CS
29.0
39.0
38.4
41.9
37.4
23.33
Central PA Digital Learning Fdn CS
31.7
48.8
39.3
46.7
46.4
29.03
Commonwealth Connections Academy CS
54.6
52.2
48.8
47.5
45.5
65.76
Education Plus Academy Cyber CS
59.0
50.0

67.9


Esperanza Cyber CS
32.7
47.7
31.7
50.7
35.5
46.15
PA Cyber CS
59.4
55.5
65.3
51.0
49.9
54.59
PA Distance Learning CS
54.7
50.9
49.2
53.9
39.4
53.25
PA Leadership CS
64.7
59.3
54.7
57.5
57.0
71.39
PA Virtual CS
67.9
63.4
64.6
49.7
54.2
80.50
Solomon CS
36.9





Susq-Cyber CS
46.4
42.4
45.5
49.3
46.0
29.82


Senate Committee Roll Call Vote – Senate Bill 2, May 22, 2018
http://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/legis/RCC/PUBLIC/listVoteSummary.cfm?sYear=2017&sInd=0&chamber=S&cteeCde=23&theDate=05/22/2018&RollCallId=856

Governor Wolf Opposes Voucher Plan That Would Cut Public School Funding
Governor Wolf’s Website May 22, 2018
Harrisburg, PA – Governor Tom Wolf today spoke out against Senate Bill 2, which would siphon scarce resources from public schools, according to the Pennsylvania School Boards Association, and direct those funds to private schools. Governor Wolf’s full statement: “I have fought to protect public education and restore the state funding cut from our public schools under the previous administration. Senate Bill 2 would take us backwards and could mean many millions of dollars being cut from public schools. We need to invest in Pennsylvania’s public schools and improve education for all students. Every child deserves a quality education, no matter where they live. “Senate Bill 2 would set up schools to fail and we cannot accept that as adequate for any of our children. I urge the full Senate to reject this measure and let’s focus on giving our schools, students, teachers, and administrators the tools and resources that they need to succeed.”
https://www.governor.pa.gov/governor-wolf-opposes-voucher-plan-cut-public-school-funding/

Fiercely contested school choice bill on the move in Harrisburg
WHYY By Avi Wolfman-Arent May 22, 2018
Legislation is on the move in Harrisburg that could give parents more school choices and siphon millions from traditional public schools. Imagine if your child lived in a neighborhood with a poorly-ranked school and so Pennsylvania gave you money to pay for private school or other educational expenses. That’s what Senate Bill 2 does. Proponents, most of them Republicans, say the measure gives needy kids in struggling schools a way out. “It clearly empowers parents in the most at-risk school districts to take control of their child’s education,” said State Senator John Disanto (R-Dauphin), the bill’s sponsor. Unlike a traditional voucher system, the state would put money in an education savings account (ESA) that parents could spend on private schools, tutors, or other items related to education. Students currently attending private schools would not be eligible. Only children entering the K-12 system or who attended public school in the preceding year could receive the money. The hotly debated proposal failed to escape the Senate Education Committee last year, but on Tuesday, the Republican majority voted the measure through in a 7-5 vote. Sen. Robert Tomlinson (R-Bucks) joined the four Democrats on the committee in dissent.
https://whyy.org/articles/fiercely-contested-school-choice-bill-on-the-move-in-harrisburg/

“Local school districts that have adopted resolutions opposing Education Savings Accounts include: Armstrong School District, Baldwin Whitehall, Bethel Park, Blairsville-Saltsburg, Charleroi, Connellsville, Cornell, Derry Area, Deer Lakes, East Allegheny, Elizabeth Forward, Greater Latrobe, Greensburg Salem, Hampton, Hempfield Area, Highlands, Jeannette, Kiski Area, Leechburg, Ligonier Valley, Mt. Lebanon, North Hills, Northgate, Pittsburgh Public, Quaker Valley, South Allegheny, South Fayette, Southmoreland, Steel Valley, Upper St. Clair, West Jefferson Hills, Wilkinsburg, Woodland Hills and Yough”
Local schools fight Pennsylvania bill that would divert public education money to private schools
Trib Live by DEBRA ERDLEY  | Tuesday, May 22, 2018, 6:15 p.m.
School districts across the region are lining up to fight a bill that would siphon state tax dollars from struggling public schools to pay for private school tuition. The Pennsylvania Senate Education Committee on Tuesday approved the measure, clearing the way for a full Senate vote. A similar bill fell one vote short of making it out of committee last year. Since then, more than 240 schools districts , including some in Allegheny, Armstrong and Westmoreland counties, have adopted resolutions opposing the bill. Critics, including school boards and school administrators, say the bill is an assault on the financial underpinnings of the state's public schools. Supporters insist otherwise. They say it is a way to give students in underperforming schools a route to a better education and to spur those schools to improve.
http://triblive.com/local/regional/13677832-74/local-schools-fight-pennsylvania-bill-that-would-divert-public-education-money-to

“All of Erie County’s 13 public school districts oppose the bill, according to a tally of school board resolutions that the Pennsylvania School Boards Association maintains. The PSBA said 238 of the state’s 500 school districts have passed resolutions opposing the bill.”
State school-choice bill survives key vote
GoErie By Ed Palattella  Posted May 22, 2018 at 2:56 PM Updated May 22, 2018 at 2:56 PM
The proposal would create education savings accounts and allow state money to pay for private school tuition of elementary and high school students in struggling public school districts. A vote on Tuesday in Harrisburg kept alive a school-choice bill that would reshape funding for public and private schools in Pennsylvania. The state Senate Education Committee moved along Senate Bill 2, which has generated opposition among school districts statewide, including in Erie County. The proposal would create education savings accounts and allow state money to pay for private school tuition of elementary and high school students in struggling public school districts. Senate Bill 2 passed the Education Committee in a 7-5 vote on Tuesday. The bill now heads to the full Senate and then the state House, both of which the GOP controls. Democratic Gov. Tom Wolf has indicated he would veto the bill if the General Assembly passes it. The four Democrats on the Education Committee opposed the bill along with Republican Sen. Robert Tomlinson, of Bucks County. The other seven Republicans on the committee voted for the bill.
http://www.goerie.com/news/20180522/state-school-choice-bill-survives-key-vote

Harrisburg schools underfunded by state? District says proper funding could cut taxes, bring in millions
Penn Live By Steve Marroni smarroni@pennlive.com Updated May 22, 5:29 PM
HARRISBURG - The Harrisburg School District is facing an $8 million budget shortfall, to potentially be filled with staff cuts, tax hikes and depleting their fund balance.  But if the district was fully-funded by the state, Superintendent Sybil Knight-Burney said the school would be able to cut taxes in half and have $19 million to spend on the education of its children.  Harrisburg is not alone. Knight-Burney, along with the Pennsylvania Association of School Administrators and superintendents from urban districts across the state, visited the state Capitol today to share their stories with their legislators and ask for more equitable funding. Urban schools face problems that other school districts do not, yet they are held to the same academic standards, but are not properly funded by the state, they said today.  At the Harrisburg School District, Knight-Burney estimated they are underfunded by $35 million to $38 million annually. 
http://www.pennlive.com/news/2018/05/harrisburg_schools_underfunded.html

Pa. lawmakers advance redistricting reforms as June deadline looms
By Emily Previti, WITF May 22, 2018
Pennsylvania lawmakers have advanced a bill that would change the state’s constitution to put its congressional district map in the hands of an citizens’ commission, one whose 11 members would be chosen by elected officials. Originally, SB22 called for an independent citizens’ commission, modeled after the process used by states such as California, where individuals can apply to be a part of the deciding panel. That version also turned over mapmaking to a state Supreme Court advisor, in the event the commission cannot agree. But the bill was amended Tuesday to call for a commission selected by elected officials — comprised of four registered Democrats, four Republicans and three independents. Eight commissioners would be picked by party leadership in both chambers (two commissioners per leader) and the remaining three by the governor. The measure requires the commission to approve a map with at least seven votes; if not, the matter would go to legislature, which currently holds mapmaking authority. The state Senate Local Government Committee voted out the measure unanimously before a small meeting room overflowing with redistricting reform advocates. The measure would bar elected officials from the commission for five years after leaving office, and task the legislature with “considering” geographic, gender and racial diversity. Fair Districts PA Founder and Co-Chair Carol Kuniholm had wanted the bill to be more specific about who would be eligible for the commission and how they would be selected. But Kuniholm and committee chairman Sen. Mike Folmer (R-Lebanon) say they wanted to move the bill. It has to get through both chambers before July 6 in order to stay on track for a new process to be in place by the next time Pennsylvania redraws its congressional districts in 2021.
https://whyy.org/articles/pa-lawmakers-advance-redistricting-reforms-as-june-deadline-looms/

Excellent Schools PA Issues Statement on the Senate Education Committee’s Passage of SB2
Excellent Schools PA Website Posted 05.22.2018
The following is a statement from Steve DeMaura, Executive Director of Excellent Schools PA, on the passage of SB2 out of the Senate Education Committee earlier today.
“Over the past five years PA taxpayers have funneled nearly $15 billion into the state’s lowest achieving schools (the bottom 15 percent of schools based on PSSA and Keystone Exam results) and yet, despite the investment, little improvement has been made to improve the quality of these schools. This has left thousands of students stranded in failing schools and their families struggling to find a better alternative for their children. Today, the Senate Education Committee took a step towards providing a life-line to the 215,000+ students currently trapped in PA’s failing schools by passing SB2 (which would establish Education Savings Accounts to students in the lowest achieving 15 percent of district schools). The quality of a student’s education should never be determined by zip code or financial constraints, which is why increasing high-quality school choice options and ensuring families can access those options is so important.”
https://excellentschoolspa.org/2018/05/22/excellent-schools-pa-issues-statement-senate-education-committees-passage-sb2/

School safety, gun bill take center stage at state Capitol
WGAL News 8 by Katelyn Smith  Reporter Updated: 6:52 AM EDT May 22, 2018
Pennsylvania officials say they want to get guns out of the hands of dangerous people and secure schools. They will take up at least one bill today to pursue those goals. Gov. Tom Wolf said he is frustrated that three months after the Parkland Florida school shooting and fresh on the heels of the Sante Fe, Texas, shooting, the state has not passed gun safety measures. Wolf is pushing for the passage of Senate Bill 501, which he says would keep guns out of the hands of domestic abusers. That bill was passed by the Senate two months ago. Wolf also says the fact that people gun by an AR 15 or any long gun through private sale without a background check is a loophole in the law that needs to be closed. Today, senators are the attorney general will try to gain support for Senate Bill 1142. That bill would create a school threat monitoring system where tips about threats could be anonymously reported. It would be similar to a system put in place in Colorado following the Columbine shooting.
http://www.wgal.com/article/school-safety-gun-bill-take-center-stage-at-state-capitol/20869618

“The district is expecting the expense of tuition payments to non-district schools – mostly cyber charter and brick-and-mortar charter schools -- to rise from $4.1 million to $4.8 million in 2018-2019. The expense includes student placements in some private residential rehabilitative institutes or approved private schools. It does not include the cost of transporting students to charters inside and outside the district. Parkland pays $24,974 in tuition for a special education student to attend a charter or cyber charter school, and $12,399 for each non-special education student to attend such schools, according to the district.”
Parkland expects 1.92 percent tax hike
Margie Peterson Special to The Morning Call May 22, 2018
Parkland School District is looking at a property tax hike of 1.92 percent to pay for its 2018-2019 spending plan that includes costs related to building a new elementary school and increased staff. The school board Tuesday approved a proposed budget of $179.3 million that includes a .29 mill increase, which would put the new rate at 15.42 mills. At that rate, a homeowner with property assessed at the district average of $226,989 would pay $3,500 in real estate taxes or about $66 more than last year. The vote was unanimous, with school directors Marie Maritch, Carol Facchiano and Robert Cohen absent. Adoption of a final budget is slated for June. John Vignone, director of business administration, said the increase reflects the addition of about 11 new teachers, including some who will be staffing the new elementary school being constructed in Upper Macungie Township. The district’s costs related to staff pensions in the Public School Employees’ Retirement System have been a longtime contributor to school district budget woes, but better returns on system investments might be helping the picture a bit, Vignone said.
http://www.mcall.com/news/local/parkland/mc-nws-parkland-schools-20180522-story.html

G-A budget numbers presented to board
Echo Pilot By Shawn Hardy Posted May 22, 2018 at 9:00 AM
The Greencastle-Antrim School Board approved a preliminary 2018-19 budget earlier this month that does not include a tax increase — or any additional staff positions. Dr. Jolinda “JC” Wilson presented an overview of the numbers at Thursday’s work session and said she may offer several versions of the budget for the board to consider for final approval on June 7. The preliminary budget shows projected revenues of $39,451,360 — $339,721 lower than expenditures of $39,791,081. In addition, Wilson proposes transferring $745,960 to the capital reserve fund for future projects. That is the same amount that the district’s debt service is expected to drop next year. The transfer would put the deficit in the working budget at $1,085,681. The figures do not include a reading specialist, $100,000; middle school assistant principal, $30,000; or raises for the 107 members of the support staff, $100,000. Those additional expenses total $230,000, slightly higher than the $200,000 generated by 1 mill in property taxes. The last two years, the district has raised the mill rate by the maximum amount allowed by the state, for a total increase of $156 for the average property owner whose home has a market value of $178,000. This year, the index level is 3.4 mills and the tax rate currently is 109.84 mills.
http://www.echo-pilot.com/news/20180522/g-a-budget-numbers-presented-to-board

South Middleton School Board gives preliminary approval to budget, tax increase
By Joseph Cress The Sentinel May 22, 2018
South Middleton School District has managed to change a $1.4 million deficit into an almost $114,000 surplus under its proposed final budget for 2018-19. School board members Tuesday voted 7-1 to approve the budget for public inspection leading to final adoption scheduled for June 18. Denise MacIvor cast the only no vote. Michael Berk was absent. The budget uses a combination of revenue increases, personnel cost cuts and a reduction in money set aside for capital projects to whittle away $1,397,214 in red ink. The result is a projected $113,558 surplus. The most controversial proposal to surface during the budget cycle was the recommendation by district administrators to outsource all instructional aides and custodians to Mission One, a private contractor. The administration estimated that  would generate savings in pension and health insurance costs of almost $500,000 in 2018-19 alone. Almost 30 local residents spoke out against the proposal over the course of a two-hour public comment period during the May 7 planning meeting. Residents were concerned the outsourcing would backfire on the district and result in higher staff turnover, greater long-term costs and a severe disruption in the education of special needs students. In response to the outcry, administrators revised the proposal. 
http://cumberlink.com/news/local/communities/boiling_springs/south-middleton-school-board-gives-preliminary-approval-to-budget-tax/article_b51ac413-8ef3-5246-830a-672da3ea775e.html

$107M OJR school budget will raise taxes by 2.4 percent
Daily Local By Evan Brandt, ebrandt@21st-centurymedia.com, @PottstownNews on Twitter POSTED: 05/22/18, 6:42 PM EDT | UPDATED: 7 HRS AGO
SOUTH COVENTRY >> The Owen J. Roberts School Board unanimously approved a $107 million budget for the 2018-2019 school year Monday night that will raise property taxes by 2.4 percent. The exact amount budgeted for spending is $106,878,490 and includes a $10 million capital budget and $7.1 million of debt. Chief Financial Officer Jaclin Krumrine said the tax hike is “at the index,” or the maximum allowed by the state’s inflation-based tax cap, also known as Act 1. She also said the district did make use of any of the “exceptions” which state law allows districts to exceed their index, for things like construction costs of special education. The tax hike is down slightly from the 2.55 percent proposed in the draft budget in February. The board also unanimously adopted the millage rate of 31.2366 mills. The current millage is 30.505 mills. Krumrine said the median property assessment in the Owen J. Roberts School District is $184,154 and so the tax increase will add $134 to the tax bill for a property with that assessment.
http://www.dailylocal.com/general-news/20180522/107m-ojr-school-budget-will-raise-taxes-by-24-percent

Lawmakers push 'Safe2Say' anonymous reporting program after school shootings
Lancaster Online by SAM JANESCH | Staff Writer May 22, 2018
HARRISBURG — Pennsylvania officials — hoping to prevent mass-shooting tragedies like those routinely surfacing at schools across the country — are proposing a new method for students, parents and school staff to anonymously report violent activities and potential threats. Similar to “see something, say something,” the Safe2Say program would allow anyone to submit a tip by phone or online directly to the state attorney general’s office. The office would coordinate with local — and if necessary, federal — law enforcement to investigate. The idea is one of the dozens of new Pennsylvania bills aimed at increasing school safety and introduced in the aftermath of the Parkland, Florida, school shooting that left 17 dead in February. Several more school shootings have roiled communities since Parkland, including one last week when a 17-year-old student fatally shot eight students and two teachers in Santa Fe, Texas. “In the hours and the days and the weeks after any of these tragedies, information comes to light — things that were missed, signs that were shown, Facebook pages making various types of threats or pictures of weapons or explosives. All too often we ask ourselves, ‘Why was this missed?’ ” said state Sen. Scott Martin, R-Martic Township, at a press conference Tuesday at the Capitol.
https://lancasteronline.com/news/politics/lawmakers-push-safe-say-anonymous-reporting-program-after-school-shootings/article_21adad4c-5e03-11e8-b0dd-eb2f943cecd9.html

Don't hold your breath expecting gun law changes after Texas school shooting | Editorial
by The Inquirer Editorial Board Updated: MAY 22, 2018 — 4:12 PM EDT
Quiet. Hear that? Not if you’re listening for the sound of gun laws being changed so children will not be shot to death in America’s schools. School massacres have become so frequent that there was a noticeable absence of the strong reactions expected after 10 students and adults were killed by a 17-year-old shooter last week in Santa Fe, Texas. Even newspaper editorial pages that typically rage after such tragedies were mostly silent, as if they too are tired of repeating the same calls for reform to no avail. Celebrities who in an earlier time might not speak their mind have become more outspoken in the age of Twitter.
http://www.philly.com/philly/opinion/editorials/santa-fe-texas-school-shooting-gun-laws-nra-editorial-20180522.html

Erie schools set up email tip line
GoErie By Ed Palattella Posted May 22, 2018 at 5:31 PMUpdated May 22, 2018 at 5:31 PM
District to introduce an updated website, smartphone app for 2018-19.
The Erie School District has launched an anonymous tip line to improve safety at its 15 school buildings. The tip line, for now, consists of an email address — erietipline@eriesd.org. By the start of the 2018-19 school year, the district plans to replace the email address with tip lines accessible through an updated website and a smartphone app. The 11,500-student school district wants students, parents and residents to use the platforms to report bullying and other dangerous or suspicious activity, officials said. Erie schools Superintendent Brian Polito pledged in April that the district would introduce the email tip line by the end of this school year and said the website and app would be in place by the time the next school year starts on Aug. 27. The district undertook the changes as part of its effort to improve the social climate at its schools and to address local concerns in light of recent fatal school shootings nationwide. The district also updated its safety procedures and posted the revised policies online at eriesd.org. “We want to be proactive,” district spokeswoman Daria Devlin said. “We don’t want to wait to take action.”
http://www.goerie.com/news/20180522/erie-schools-set-up-email-tip-line

Without $700M, Philly might not be able to fix crumbling schools, Hite and Kenney say
Inquirer by Kristen A. Graham & Barbara Laker - Staff Writers Updated: MAY 22, 2018  12:28 PM
Philadelphia needs to fix its aging, in some cases environmentally troubled, schools, and Mayor Kenney on Tuesday laid the responsibility for a new round of repairs and upgrades squarely on City Council’s shoulders. Superintendent William R. Hite Jr. said the Philadelphia School District needs to spend $150 million on repairs to its 300 buildings, including money for an expansion of a lead paint abatement program. To do so, the district is banking on almost $700 million in additional funding from the city proposed in Kenney’s budget. Council, however, has publicly expressed qualms about fulfilling the mayor’s full request for schools, which would almost certainly be tied to a property-tax hike. The mayor was clear at a news conference at Logan School, which has 330 students in kindergarten through fifth grade on Lindley Avenue near Ogontz Avenue. “It’s up to elected adults to take care of our kids,” said Kenney, adding that both Harrisburg and Washington have made it known they are not coming to the rescue. “Right now, only Philadelphia can secure this needed funding.”
http://www.philly.com/philly/education/mayor-kenney-william-hite-philly-crumbling-schools-lead-paint-repair-20180522.html

Commentary: Philadelphia Virtual Academy exemplifies the District’s double standard on renewal applications
At Philadelphia Virtual Academy, the District’s own cyber school, the SRC has done nothing to hold itself accountable for a school that, by any rational measure, fails miserably to educate its students.
The notebook Commentary by David Hardy May 22 — 11:48 am, 2018
David Hardy is the founder and former CEO of Boys’ Latin of Philadelphia Charter School, and he serves as a senior adviser to Excellent Schools PA.
Locked into negotiations with charter schools over quality standards and renewal requirements, the School Reform Commission ignores this inconvenient truth: At Philadelphia Virtual Academy, the District’s own cyber school, the SRC has done nothing to hold itself accountable for a school that, by any rational measure, fails miserably to educate its students. If PVA were a charter school, it would be up for renewal this year.  And if it were judged by the same rigorous standards that the SRC sets for charters, PVA would have a very difficult time earning a renewal. Launched by the School District in the 2013-14 school year, PVA utterly fails to meet the academic, organizational and fiscal goals that the District routinely demands for charter renewals. Look at the evidence: On the state’s accountability system, known as the School Performance Profile (SPP), PVA earned a score of 34.5 out of 100.  Only 10 District schools of any kind have a lower SPP score.
http://thenotebook.org/articles/2018/05/22/commentary-philadelphia-virtual-academy-exemplifies-the-school-districts-double-standard-on-renewal-applications/

Federal Judge in Gavin Grimm Case Backs Transgender Student Rights
Education Week By Mark Walsh on May 22, 2018 9:00 PM
A federal district judge ruled on Tuesday that Title IX and the 14th Amendment's equal-protection clause protect transgender students from discrimination and that the lawsuit by transgender student Gavin Grimm may proceed against his former Virginia school district. "This court joins [other federal district and appellate courts] in concluding that claims of discrimination on the basis of transgender status are per se actionable under a gender stereotyping theory under Title IX" of the Education Amendments of 1972, says the decision by U.S. District Judge Arenda L. Wright Allen of Norfolk, Va. Grimm is the student who was at the forefront of the transgender rights movement when the U.S. Supreme Court agreed in 2016 to take up an appeal by the Gloucester County School District of a lower court ruling in Grimm's favor. Grimm challenged the school district's policy that barred him from using restrooms corresponding with his gender identity. 
http://blogs.edweek.org/edweek/school_law/2018/05/federal_judge_in_gavin_grimm_c.html?cmp=soc-tw-shr

Democrats in Congress try to woo back teachers with $100 billion plan
Washington Post Answer Sheet Blog By Valerie Strauss May 22 at 7:53 PM Email the author
Remember when leaders of the two major teachers unions were furious at the Democratic Obama administration for education policies they believed unfairly targeted their profession? And remember when President Barack Obama’s education secretary, Arne Duncan, was so unpopular in the education world that the National Education Association called for his resignation (in 2014), and the American Federation of Teachers came close to doing the same? Well, on Tuesday, Democrats in Congress made nice with the leaders of teachers union. They sought to win over educators with a plan that would spend $100 billion in federal money to improve schools and teacher pay and would take steps to ensure that teachers could bargain collectively for contracts.
https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/answer-sheet/wp/2018/05/22/democrats-in-congress-try-to-woo-back-teachers-with-100-billion-plan/?utm_term=.af3c0bf06982

DeVos Defends Civil Rights Record, Backs Better Pay for 'Great Teachers' at House Hearing
Education Week Politics K12 Blog By Andrew Ujifusa on May 22, 2018 5:48 PM
Washington - House Democrats and Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos sparred over civil rights, the Every Student Succeeds Act, and teachers' salaries at a hearing Tuesday, but lawmakers from both parties largely avoided controversial questions about school safety in the aftermath of a Texas high school shooting last week that left 10 students and staff dead. Appearing before the House education committee, DeVos emphasized that the federal school safety commission she leads is working quickly, and that its ultimate goal is to ensure that schools "have the tools to be able to make the right decisions to protect their own buildings and their own communities." She said the commission was developing a timeline for its work, but also said that she planned to have the commission report its findings by year's end.  "We are looking forward to [hearing from] every interest group, every constituency, particularly teachers, parents, and law enforcement and school leadership," DeVos told lawmakers, later adding that, "We seek to look at models across the country." The commission has only met once since it was created in March after the deadly school shooting in Parkland, Fla., although the secretary met last week with school safety researchers, as well as parents of children killed in school shootings. Its other members are Secretary of Health and Human Services Alex Azar, Secretary of Homeland Security Kirstjen Nielsen, and Attorney General Jeff Sessions. DeVos previously has said that schools should be able to decide if they want to provide staff with firearms to improve safety, but did not share detailed personal opinions on school safety in general with the committee.
http://blogs.edweek.org/edweek/campaign-k-12/2018/05/betsy_devos_school_safety_house_hearing_teacher_pay.html

Five basic things Education Secretary Betsy DeVos wouldn’t — or couldn’t — answer at House hearing
Washington Post Answer Sheet Blog By Valerie Strauss May 22 at 5:24 PM Email the author
Education Secretary Betsy DeVos appeared before the House education committee on Tuesday to discuss the policies and priorities of the department she leads, but there were some things she just wouldn’t — or couldn’t — say. DeVos has been running the department for a little more than a year, and the controversy that marked the start of her tenure — her Senate confirmation was secured only after Mike Pence became the first vice president in history to break a tie for a Cabinet nominee — has not dissipated. There’s more than one reason for this: Critics see her lack of experience with public education as a problem. They also point to her attitude about government — she once said “government sucks” — and about her avid support for programs that support privatizing public education. She was more prepared for Tuesday’s oversight hearing than she was for her somewhat disastrous confirmation hearing in January 2017 — when she revealed ignorance on basic education issues. But there were still basic matters she declined to directly address. Here are five of them.
https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/answer-sheet/wp/2018/05/22/five-basic-things-education-secretary-betsy-devos-wouldnt-or-couldnt-answer-at-house-hearing/?utm_term=.004711e0ec06


Join with EdVotersPA and PCCY for Capitol Caravan Days and fight for our public schools! When: 9:00-3:00 on June 12 or June 20 (your choice!)
Where: The Harrisburg Capitol
Why: To show state lawmakers that their constituents expect them to support public school students in the '18-19 budget
Education Voters of PA joining together with Pennsylvania Citizens for Children and Youth (PCCY) for a lobby day in Harrisburg. Join a team and meet with your state legislators and legislative leaders to talk about how the state can support K-12 students in the state budget.
Register Here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdrk24gH61bp7Zjy_JFpIELPYcEvXx05Ld4-_CPltQYyqLSPw/viewform

POWER 100% SCHOOL FUNDING Day of Action Wednesday, June 20th at 1 PM at the PA Capitol
On Wednesday, June 20th at 1 PM, students, parents, community activists, and faith leaders from different traditions will gather on the steps of the State Capitol Main Rotunda for POWER’s 100% SCHOOL FUNDING Day of Action to demand support for legislation to put 100% of the Commonwealth's Basic Education Budget through PA's Fair Funding Formula. We ask you to join us as we stand in solidarity with one another and continue demanding fair and fully funded education for Pennsylvania’s public school students. In addition to a large rally, we will march to Governor Tom Wolfe's office to pray for his support for 100% through the Formula. Join us as we hold meetings that day with our legislators asking each one to speak out in favor of POWER's 100% plan.
Register here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/100-school-funding-day-of-action-tickets-46143414194?utm-medium=discovery&utm-campaign=social&utm-content=attendeeshare&aff=esfb&utm-source=fb&utm-term=listing

EquityFirst #CivilFundingWar Meeting on Education Funding
EquityFirst and The Citizens for Fair School Funding
Harrisburg, PA Monday, June 4, 2018 from 7:00 PM to 8:00 PM (EDT)
PENNSYLVANIA KNOWINGLY UNDERFUNDS POOR, MINORITY SCHOOL DISTRICTS BY MILLIONS
Harrisburg School District is underfunded by $31.77 million $38 million! Every Year in Basic and Special Education Funding
JOIN US FOR A PUBLIC MEETING TO LEARN ABOUT HOW WE CAN FIX THIS!
Monday, June 4, 2018 7:00 pm - 8:00 pm Meeting Light Refreshments will be served.
Living Water Community Church 206 Oakleigh Avenue, Harrisburg, PA
For more information contact: Shelly@SupportEquityFirst.org or 717.623.0909 or visit www.SupportEquityFirst.org.
Register Here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/equityfirst-civilfundingwar-meeting-on-education-funding-tickets-46197055637

Nominations for PSBA’s Allwein Advocacy Award
PSBA Website May 14, 2018
The Timothy M. Allwein Advocacy Award was established in 2011 by the Pennsylvania School Boards Association and may be presented annually to the individual school director or entire school board to recognize outstanding leadership in legislative advocacy efforts on behalf of public education and students that are consistent with the positions in PSBA’s Legislative Platform. In addition to being a highly respected lobbyist, Timothy Allwein served to help our members be effective advocates in their own right. Many have said that Tim inspired them to become active in our Legislative Action Program and to develop personal working relationships with their legislators. The 2018 Allwein Award nomination process will begin on Monday, May 14, 2018. The application due date is July 16, 2018 in the honor of Tim’s birth date of July 16.
Download the Application
https://www.psba.org/2018/05/nominations-allwein-advocacy-award/

Electing PSBA Officers:  Applications Due by June 1st
Do you have strong communication and leadership skills and a vision for PSBA? Members interested in becoming the next leaders of PSBA are encouraged to submit an Application for Nomination no later than June 1, 11:59 p.m., to PSBA's Leadership Development Committee (LDC). The nomination process
All persons seeking nomination for elected positions of the Association shall send applications to the attention of the chair of the Leadership Development Committee, during the months of April and May an Application for Nomination to be provided by the Association expressing interest in the office sought. “The Application for nomination shall be marked received at PSBA Headquarters or mailed first class and postmarked by June 1 to be considered and timely filed.” (PSBA Bylaws, Article IV, Section 5.E.).
Open positions are:
In addition to the application form, PSBA Governing Board Policy 302 asks that all candidates furnish with their application a recent, print quality photograph and letters of application. The application form specifies no less than three letters of recommendation and no more than four, and are specifically requested as follows:
https://www.psba.org/2018/03/electing-psba-officers/

the notebook Annual Celebration - June 5, 2018 - New Location!
Please join us on June 5, 2018, at the National Museum of American Jewish History in Philadelphia! Please note the new location!
Buy your tickets today!
Every June, 400 public school supporters gather in celebration at the end of the school year. This festive event features awards for outstanding high school journalism, talented local musicians, a silent auction, and the opportunity to speak with the most influential voices in the local education community. This year, the Notebook staff and board of directors would like to honor public education advocates who are committed to our mission of advancing quality and equity in our city’s schools.
Our Honorees:
Debra Weiner - A longtime advocate for public education at a variety of nonprofit organizations and higher education institutions, and a member of the Notebook’s editorial advisory board
Mary Goldman - Former 27th Ward Leader and advocate for children and public schools
Our City Our Schools - A coalition of local grassroots organizations that campaigned to return the school board to local control
The event will be held from 4:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Tuesday, June 5, at the National Museum of American Jewish History.
http://thenotebook.org/annual-fundraiser

BRIEFING: PUBLIC EDUCATION FUNDING IN PENNSYLVANIA
IN PHILLY, WEDNESDAY, JUNE 13, 2018, 8:30-10:00 A.M.
Join Law Center attorneys Michael Churchill, Jennifer Clarke, and Dan Urevick-Ackelsberg for a free briefing on the state of education funding in Pennsylvania. They’ll cover the basics of education funding, our fair school funding lawsuit, the property tax elimination bill, the 2018-2019 state budget, and more! RSVP online here. The briefing will be held on Wednesday, June 13th at 8:30 a.m. at 1709 Benjamin Franklin Parkway, Philadelphia, PA 19103.
Download a flyer for this event.
https://www.pubintlaw.org/events/briefing-public-education-funding-in-pennsylvania-2/


MAKE YOUR VOICE HEARD! Join the PA Principals Association, the PA Association of School Administrators and the PA Association of Rural and Small Schools for PA Education Leaders Advocacy Day at 9 a.m. on Tuesday, June 19, 2018, at the Capitol in Harrisburg, PA.  
A rally in support of public education and important education issues will be held on the Main Rotunda Steps from 1 p.m. - 2 p.m.
Visits with legislators will be conducted earlier in the day. More information will be sent via email, shared in our publications and posted on our website closer to the event.
To register, send an email to Dr. Joseph Clapper at clapper@paprincipals.org before Friday, June 8, 2018.
Click here to view the PA Education Leaders Advocacy Day 2018 Save The Date Flyer (INCLUDES EVENT SCHEDULE AND IMPORTANT ISSUES.) 

SAVE THE DATE for the 2018 PA Educational Leadership Summit - July 29-31 - State College, PA sponsored by the PA Principals Association, PASA, PAMLE and PASCD.  
This year's Summit will be held from July 29-31, 2018 at the Penn Stater Conference Center Hotel, State College, PA.

Save the Dates PASA/PSBA School Leadership Conference – Hershey, Oct. 17-19, 2018 
Mark your calendar! The Delegate Assembly will take place Friday, Oct. 19, 2018, at 2:30 p.m.
Housing now open!

Our Public Schools Our Democracy: Our Fight for the Future
NPE / NPE Action 5th Annual National Conference
October 20th - 21st, 2018 Indianapolis, Indiana
We are delighted to let you know that you can purchase your discounted Early Bird ticket to register for our annual conference starting today. Purchase your ticket here.
Early Bird tickets will be on sale until May 30 or until all are sold out, so don't wait.  These tickets are a great price--$135. Not only do they offer conference admission, they also include breakfast and lunch on Saturday, and brunch on Sunday. Please don't forget to register for your hotel room. We have secured discounted rates on a limited basis. You can find that link here. Finally, if you require additional financial support to attend, we do offer some scholarships based on need. Go here and fill in an application. We will get back to you as soon as we can. Please join us in Indianapolis as we fight for the public schools that our children and communities deserve. Don't forget to get your Early Bird ticket here. We can't wait to see you.


Any comments contained herein are my comments, alone, and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of any other person or organization that I may be affiliated with.

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