Friday, September 20, 2019

PA Ed Policy Roundup Sept. 20: Test question: how many cyber students do you need to register in order to purchase a $300K twin engine airplane? How about a $933K Florida condo?


Started in November 2010, 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, charter school leaders, 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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PA Ed Policy Roundup Sept. 20, 2019



Test Question: If the average regular ed cyber tuition is $11K/student but it only costs $5K/student to provide the services, how many students do you need to register in order to purchase a $300K twin engine airplane?  How about a $933K Florida condo?



Editorial: There must be a better way to fund Pennsylvania charter schools
Bucks County Courier Times Editorial Posted at 5:20 AM September 20, 2019
In 1997, Pennsylvania passed Act 22, which allowed for charter schools, public educational institutions that offered students an alternative to enrolling in their traditional public school districts. The nonprofit charters — many run by for-profit management companies — get their funding from the school districts where their students live. Districts are obligated to educate the school-aged children in the towns they serve. For every student who attends a charter school, the home school district must pay the charter what it spent to educate the typical student the previous year. For special education students, the per-child payments are increased using a formula. During the 2018-19 school year, school districts in Bucks and Montgomery counties paid charter schools anywhere from $12,000 to $16,000 per student. Special education student payments mostly ranged from $30,000 to $35,000, according to data on the state department of education’s website. The numbers do add up. At Bensalem School District, for instance, the total is more than $15 million per year. Everyone from the governor to local school board members and charter officials seems to agree that Pennsylvania must change how charter and cyber charter schools are funded. School board members across the Commonwealth have decried how much money they’re sending to charters at a time when they’re also struggling with unfunded mandates from the state and contractual requirements. Many charter school officials, while arguing that districts have to shoulder the cost to educate those students either way and to do it at district schools could mean hiring teachers and building classrooms, nonetheless agree the current funding mechanisms are flawed.

‘More options and opportunities’: At Harrisburg Catholic school, DeVos pushes $5 billion program for private, religious school scholarships
PA Capital Star By  Stephen Caruso September 19, 2019
A few dozen Catholic school students learned about geographic coordinates and constellations Thursday with two special guests — U.S. Education Secretary Betsy DeVos and Pennsylvania House Speaker Mike Turzai, R-Allegheny. The two champions of school choice toured Harrisburg Catholic Elementary School, a stone’s throw from the Capitol building, before plugging a plan to get students out of the troubled city school district and into private schools. DeVos said the visit’s aim was to bring “focus to the need to provide more options and opportunities for students to find their right education future.”  Before joining the Trump administration, DeVos and her husband, Dick, founded the Great Lakes Education Project, which has pushed charter school expansion in Michigan. The couple’s foundation also supported private religious schools.  The visit was part of a nationwide tour by DeVos that has focused on private schools. She started the tour Monday in Milwaukee to honor a city program that provides taxpayer-funded scholarships to send kids to private or religious schools — the first such program in the U.S. 

Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos promotes school choice programs in Harrisburg school visit
Penn Live By Steve Marroni | smarroni@pennlive.com Updated 2:36 PM; Today 1:02 PM
HARRISBURG – U.S. Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos visited the Harrisburg Catholic Elementary School today as part of her back-to-school tour, promoting a proposed federal tax-credit program that would allow for scholarships for more underprivileged students to have a choice of schools. Her visit comes after Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Wolf vetoed a bill that, similarly, would have nearly doubled the amount of tax credits the state makes available to businesses and other donors who make gifts to scholarship funds for private, parochial and other schools. One of her hosts for the event, Pennsylvania Speaker of the House Mike Turzai, also informally introduced a new proposal to revitalize his vetoed efforts to increase the amount of available scholarship funds. If both the federal and state programs are passed, DeVos and Turzai said that could mean millions of dollars in scholarship funds and choice of schools for students in need, particularly in under-performing schools like the Harrisburg School District. “Why wouldn’t we try it?” he asked. But opponents say programs like those DeVos and Turzai are promoting only harm public schools.

Pa. House Speaker Mike Turzai: public schools are a monopoly and teachers are "special interest people" 
Pittsburgh CityPaper By Ryan Deto @RyanDeto September 19, 2019
In a video posted on Twitter today, Pennsylvania House Speaker Mike Turzai (R-Marshall) called two apparent public educators “special interest people” and said they “don’t really care about the kids.” The video was posted by advocacy group Pennsylvania Spotlight, a left-leaning nonprofit advocating for statewide issues. The incident occurred outside of a Catholic School in Harrisburg, where Turzai was attending an event for U.S. Education Secretary Betsy DeVos. In the video, Turzai praised charter schools, which receive government funding but operate independently of the public school system, saying that in charter schools. “you have to care about each child, not about the monopoly.” He then claimed that the public school advocates were part of a monopoly. “What you care about is a monopoly and special interests,” said Turzai, whose district encompasses the North Hills municipalities of McCandless, Pine, Marshall, Bradford Woods, and Franklin Park. One of the advocates then said, “I am little offended from that,” to which Turzai responded, pointing to the posters they were holding, “Oh, I am offended by your posters.” One poster read “I love public schools.” The other read “Public Money for Public Schools.”

PA HOUSE SPEAKER TO RETIRED TEACHER: “YOU DON’T REALLY CARE ABOUT THE KIDS”
PA Spotlight Video SEP 19, 2019 | FeaturedReleasesStories |
Pennsylvania House Speaker Rep. Mike Turzai, a close ally of the anti-union Commonwealth Foundation, attended a Harrisburg event with Education Secretary Betsy DeVos this morning. While there, he dismissed dedicated public educators as “special interest people” who don’t care about students. Watch for yourself below:
DeVos, whose family funds the Commonwealth Foundation through their national dark money network, the State Policy Network, was in town promoting a proposed federal tax-credit program similar to the one included in a bill vetoed by Gov. Wolf earlier this year. That bill would have massively expanded Pennsylvania’s Education Investment Tax Credit (EITC), one of the most generous tax giveaways in the country dressed up as education reform. Programs like the EITC allow corporations and the rich to profit at the expense of children in public schools. One of the biggest backers of this tax scheme? You guessed it — the Commonwealth Foundation.
Earlier this year we exposed the Commonwealth Foundation’s true intention behind their support for EITC expansion: through an LLC called Commonwealth Kids, the Commonwealth Foundation has finagled almost $3 million in tax write-offs to undisclosed entities or individuals. Not only are the Commonwealth Foundation and their supporters like Turzai and DeVos advocating for policies that intentionally defund public schools, the Commonwealth Foundation also offers their donors a way to profit off the backs of Pennsylvania’s kids.

Blogger note: Emily Skopov is running against Mike Turzai for the 28th district legislative seat in Allegheny County. Here’s a link to her education platform:
If a community cannot provide excellence in its public education, then it is failing not only the children of that community, but the future of that community. A strong education empowers students and equips them to be self-reliant, and to become the change-makers of tomorrow. I envision a Pennsylvania in which every single child can access the high quality public education that they deserve, regardless of their zip code. Through programs like EITC and OSTC, funding has been diverted to charter schools and private education at the expense of our public education system. Rather than repairing fundamental problems in too many of our districts, the current policies simply continue the neglect.   Programs that claim to provide families with choice but that actually move people from quality public education to less accountable for-profit schools both increase inequality and undermine the very premise of a commonwealth.  As a result of the House leadership’s programs, Pennsylvania’s funding gap between rich and poor school districts is higher than any other state in the nation. The state’s poorest school districts receive 33.5% fewer dollars per pupil than the richest districts — a figure made even more stark in comparison to the next worst state figures, Vermont’s gap of only (!) 18.1%.  We can do better for our children.

New Report: Cyber Charter Waste Grows to $290 Million in Taxpayer Money Annually
Education Voters PA Published by EDVOPA on September 16, 2019

State board sides with Philly charter in appeal of school district restrictions
Inquirer by Maddie Hanna, Updated: September 19, 2019- 1:29 PM
A state board has rejected conditions the Philadelphia School District placed on a new charter school’s approval, raising questions about how the district and others may handle charter applications and renewals in the future. In addition to reducing enrollment, the district’s conditions had included a requirement that likely would have made the Franklin Towne Charter Middle School student body more diverse than the charter operator’s other predominantly white schools. But the Charter Appeals Board voted 5-0 Tuesday to grant Franklin Towne’s appeal of those conditions, according to the state Department of Education. The applicants had argued that even though the former School Reform Commission voted to grant them a charter in April 2018, it didn’t actually act on their application. That’s because the conditions the SRC placed on the new school — including reducing its anticipated enrollment from 450 to 300 — “materially” altered its application, according to the appeal, which said the school wouldn’t be able to operate financially under the requirements.

Lowman S. Henry: The education establishment strikes back
Pottstown Mercury Opinion By Lowman S. Henry Columnist September 19, 2019
Let's begin by stating up front what public education policy in Pennsylvania today is not about: it is not about children, families, or proving a quality education to all students regardless of the zip code in which they live. Public education policy in Pennsylvania is about one thing and one thing only and that is protecting the wealth and power of the education establishment. That education establishment includes a powerful labor union, school boards — on which sit many union members who teach in other districts, the state Department of Education, and of course, elected officials who sup at the trough of union political dollars. First and foremost among those whose campaigns have been substantially financed by labor is Gov. Tom Wolf who recently repaid his benefactors by placing onerous new restrictions and fees on charter schools. Charter schools are like kryptonite to the education establishment. They are, however, a lifeline to many students who otherwise are trapped in failing schools, forced into a one-size-fits-all education system, or otherwise ill-served by public schools. Students in charter schools are disproportionately low income (62%), and minority (67%).

Amid concerns about dangerous building conditions, Philly school board approves charter renewals
Several of the approved charters had gone without agreements for years.
The notebook by Bill Hangley Jr. September 19 — 11:17 pm, 2019
As parents and staff shared their worries about toxic buildings, the Board of Education unanimously approved a cluster of long-delayed charter renewals for Mastery Charter Schools, with no indication of what caused the delays or whether any specific issues had been resolved. The board unanimously approved seven Mastery schools for renewal, including four that had been operating under expired agreements for several years, apparently ensnared in debate about the details of their renewal agreements. Exactly what those issues were, or if they were met, revised or dismissed, the board and District officials did not say. Board members asked no questions during the renewal votes, and District staff offered no details. “What changed? We don’t know, and you’re not telling us,” said Lynda Rubin of the advocate group Alliance for Philadelphia Public Schools, (APPS), in public testimony prior to the board’s vote.

WEEK 3:JASON KELCE’S EAGLES EDUCATION SEASON
Each week this season, the Super Bowl-winning offensive lineman compares Philly schools to those of our on-field competitors—and celebrates a local education innovation. This week, he looks at Detroit
Philadelphia Citizen BY JASON KELCE
Hey, Philly! As we prepare to play the Detroit Lions this weekend, my mind immediately thinks of Motown’s roots there, and the strong legacy of music in that city. This summer, Detroit public schools put a call out for people’s gently used instruments, with the intention of repairing them and getting them to students. As a lifelong music lover, I love hearing news like that. See, back when I was in high school, I not only loved football, I spent all four years playing baritone sax in the jazz ensemble and symphonic band! Music has always been a big part of my life. You may picture me spring-breaking in Daytona, but in reality I spent every spring break traveling to compete against other schools’ jazz bands. To this day, I still keep in touch with my music teacher, Mr. Baker. There is no doubt that I wouldn’t have been able to play baritone sax without the school providing my instrument, and that was the case for a large percentage of my classmates as well. And that’s why I was psyched to learn about some awesome work being done to bring music into the lives of Philly students.

Boomers take note: The kids are right about climate change | Opinion
Opinion by Mike Weilbacher, For the Inquirer Updated: September 20, 2019 - 5:00 AM
On Friday, hundreds — maybe even thousands — of Philadelphia-area high school and college students will purposefully not do the one thing adults ask them to do. They will not go to school. Instead, they will strike, kids protesting adult inaction on climate change, what some presidential candidates correctly call the “greatest existential threat of our time.” These millennials and Gen Zers will gather at City Hall, and will be joined by kids across the world at 2,500 events from more than 150 countries. The last time a student climate strike of this magnitude occurred, last March, 1.6 million kids in 125 countries, including 100,000 in Milan, 40,000 in Paris, 10,000 in New York, 150,000 in Australia, protested the devastating and woeful lack of action on this issue by us adults. This one promises to be bigger.


After years of debate, top Mass. lawmakers unveil school funding plan
Boston Globe By Matt Stout and James Vaznis Globe Staff September 19, 2019, an hour ago
House and Senate leaders on Thursday unveiled long-awaited legislation they say will overhaul the state’s antiquated school-funding formula by funneling $1.4 billion more in state aid toward cities and towns over seven years, and committing more money to districts serving high numbers of low-income students. The sweeping bill — jointly announced by House Speaker Robert A. DeLeo, Senate President Karen E. Spilka, and other legislative leaders — also gradually kicks in tens of millions more in special education funding, and provides up to $10 million annually in grants for school improvement efforts. It also will increase the annual spending cap on what the state reimburses for school construction projects. Lawmakers also said they’d make a renewed commitment to fully fund what the state reimburses districts for students who attend charter schools. The state Senate is expected to first debate the bill in early October, followed by the House. DeLeo told reporters that even in increasing school aid, the legislation will not rely on any new taxes. Instead, lawmakers “plan to stay within the present confines of our budget,” said DeLeo, a Winthrop Democrat. Matt Stout can be reached at matt.stout@globe.com. James Vaznis can be reached at james.vaznis@globe.com

Colt suspends production of AR-15 for civilian market
AP Wire September 19, 2019
WEST HARTFORD, Conn. (AP) — Gunmaker Colt says it is suspending its production of rifles for the civilian market including the popular AR-15. Colt’s chief executive officer, Dennis Veilleux, says it is not permanently ending production but believes there is already an adequate supply of sporting rifles on the market. He said in a statement Thursday the company will concentrate on fulfilling military and law enforcement contracts with its rifle manufacturing. The West Hartford, Connecticut-based company has received some criticism from gun rights advocates for moving away from the civilian market. Veilleux said in the statement the company remains committed to the Second Amendment and is adapting to consumer demand. A national gun control debate has focused on access to AR-15s and other assault-style rifles because of their use in mass shootings.


Information about the education sessions for the 2019 @PasaSupts @PSBA School Leadership Conference are now live on our website! We hope to see you there! #PASLC2019

What: Informal discussion on cyber charter schools
When: 9 a.m. refreshments, 9:30 a.m. panel, Oct. 7
Where: Central Pennsylvania Convention and Visitor’s Bureau, 800 E. Park Ave., State College
AAUW State College Branch invites you to attend an informational panel discussion to learn more about background and issues connected with cyber charter schools. Join us on Oct. 7, at the Central Pennsylvania Convention and Visitors Bureau, 800 E. Park Ave., State College (visitor center off Porter Road). Refreshments, 9 a.m.; panel discussion, 9:30 a.m.
The American Association of University Women State College Branch is part of a nationwide network of about 1,000 branches that are dedicated to advancing equity for women and girls.

Adolescent Health and School Start Times:  Science, Strategies, Tactics, & Logistics  Workshop Nov 13, Exton
Join school administrators and staff, including superintendents, transportation directors, principals, athletic directors, teachers, counselors, nurses, and school board members, parents, guardians, health professionals and other concerned community members for an interactive and solutions-oriented workshop on  Wednesday, November 13, 2019 9:30 am to 3:00 pm 
Clarion Hotel in Exton, PA
The science is clear. Many middle and high school days in Pennsylvania, and across the nation, start too early in the morning. The American Medical Association, Centers for Disease Control, American Academy of Pediatrics, and many other major health and education leaders agree and have issued policy statements recommending that secondary schools start no earlier than 8:30 am to allow for sleep, health, and learning. Implementing these recommendations, however, can seem daunting.  Discussions will include the science of sleep and its connection to school start times, as well as proven strategies for successfully making change--how to generate optimum community support and work through implementation challenges such as bus routes, athletics, and more.   Register for the workshop here: 
https://ssl-workshop-pa.eventbrite.com Thanks to our generous sponsors, we are able to offer early bird registration for $25, which includes a box-lunch and coffee service. Seating is limited and early bird registration ends on Friday, September 13.
For more information visit the workshop website 
www.startschoollater.net/workshop---pa  or email contact@startschoollater.net

“Each member 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. 23 – Oct. 11, 2019).”
PSBA Officer Elections: Slate of Candidates
PSBA members seeking election to office for the association were required to submit a nomination form no later than June 1, 2019, 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 15th 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 (*).

WHERE: Hershey Lodge and Convention Center 325 University Drive, Hershey, PA
WHEN: Wednesday, October 16 to Friday, October 18, 201
Registration is now open!
Growth from knowledge acquired. Vision inspired by innovation. Impact created by a synergized leadership community. You are called upon to be the drivers of a thriving public education system. It’s a complex and challenging role. Expand your skillset and give yourself the tools needed for the challenge. Packed into two and a half daysꟷꟷgain access to top-notch education and insights, dynamic speakers, peer learning opportunities and the latest product and service innovations. Come to the PASA-PSBA School Leadership Conference to grow!

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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