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,
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These daily emails are archived and searchable at http://keystonestateeducationcoalition.org
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PA Ed Policy Roundup Sept. 20, 2019
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?
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"
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”
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
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
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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