Friday, January 24, 2020

PA Ed Policy Roundup for Jan. 24, 2020 HB1897 is one more sign that legislators understand more and more that cyber-charters have a huge funding and accountability problem.


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PA Ed Policy Roundup for Jan. 24, 2020
HB1897 is one more sign that legislators understand more and more that cyber-charters have a huge funding and accountability problem.


“Clairton, where 80% of students are nonwhite, has a student poverty rate of 40% and a median household income of $31,112, according to the report. Neighboring West Jefferson Hills, by contrast, has a 5% student poverty rate, and a median income of $75,694. Enrollment of nonwhite students is 7%.”
Clairton and West Jefferson Hills school districts among nation’s starkest economic divides
Trib Live TEGHAN SIMONTON   | Thursday, January 23, 2020 5:50 p.m.
Three school districts in Western Pennsylvania were identified on a national report showing stark economic differences between neighboring districts. ”Fault Lines,” released Thursday by the nonprofit EdBuild, named America’s 50 “most segregating school district borders” — defined as neighboring districts with strong differences in student poverty rates and resources allocated to students. The Allegheny County districts of Clairton City and West Jefferson Hills represent the country’s ninth-greatest school district divide. In Beaver County, the divide between Aliquippa and Hopewell Area ranked 42nd. In Cambria County, Greater Johnstown was compared to Conemaugh Township Area, Westmont Hilltop and Richland, ranking 20th, 27th and 41st, respectively.
https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-allegheny/clairton-and-west-jefferson-hills-school-districts-among-nations-starkest-economic-divides/

“Mike Turzai has been much more of a bulldog in favor of funds for private schools, religious education, charter schools and cyber charter schools than his predecessors,” said Donna Cooper, executive director of the nonprofit Public Citizens for Children and Youth and a former education advisor to Democratic Gov. Ed Rendell. But Cooper felt Turzai’s focus on choice came at the expense of investment, drawing money out of traditional school districts in a way that undermined their stability. “He wanted to hold people accountable without the resources,” Cooper said. “I think it’s a sorry track record.”
With Turzai departure, private and charter schools lose a major ally in the capital
His legacy on education policy boils down to two words: school choice.
WITF by Avi Wolfman-Arent/Keystone Crossroads JANUARY 24, 2020 | 5:24 AM
(Pittsburgh) — Pennsylvania Speaker of the House Mike Turzai’s legacy on education policy boils down to two words: school choice. The Allegheny County Republican — who announced Thursday he won’t seek re-election after eight years in top leadership roles in the House — influenced nearly every piece of education-related legislation during his tenure. But when it came to sponsoring legislation or using the bully pulpit, Turzai — who was elected in 2001, became majority leader in 2012 and speaker in 2015 — often circled back to policy ideas favored by school-choice advocates. Turzai, 60, leveraged his power over the state’s purse strings to seed charter expansion in urban school districts. And he repeatedly pushed to expand a tax-credit program that steers donations toward private schools.
https://www.witf.org/2020/01/24/with-turzai-departure-private-and-charter-schools-lose-a-major-ally-in-the-capital/

“Democrats suggested that Turzai is fleeing a tough reelection campaign and the prospect of losing the speaker’s job next year when Democrats take control. In the 2018 election, Democrats picked up 11 seats and are nine short of a majority in the 203-seat chamber. The Pennsylvania House Democratic Campaign Committee said it raised over $1.2 million last year, setting an off-year fundraising record. “Mike Turzai called it quits today for one main reason — he knows his tenure as speaker is on borrowed time,” Delaware County Rep. Leanne Krueger, the HDCC’s chairwoman, said in a statement. Turzai’s district itself backed Republican Donald Trump in 2016′s presidential election by 9 percentage points. But top-of-the-ticket Democrats — Gov. Tom Wolf and U.S. Sen. Bob Casey — each won the district in 2018, Wolf by 10 percentage points and Casey by 6 percentage points, according to figures provided by Democrats.”
Pennsylvania’s GOP House speaker to retire after three terms
AP By RAMESH SANTANAM and MARC LEVY yesterday
PITTSBURGH (AP) — Pennsylvania House Speaker Mike Turzai will not run for reelection, the Republican announced Thursday, ending the career of a conservative force in state government in a critical year when Democrats are aiming to take control of the chamber. Turzai, 60, made the announcement at a news conference at in his suburban Pittsburgh district office with his wife and youngest son and a couple dozen supporters, occasionally tearing up when describing his decision to leave a job he said he still loves. However, he also described the long hours away from home and on the road, saying that the job has been the privilege of a lifetime, but that it is time to pass the torch. Suggesting that his family felt it was time for him to hang it up, Turzai described a conversation he had with his baseball-playing son who told him how, one day, he will inevitably have to pitch his last game, no matter how sad it will be. “I’ve made this decision knowing that I’ve left it all on the field,” Turzai said.
https://apnews.com/0cffef1a0e13b58e67b96d965854825b

“He has also been a prolific fund-raiser for Republican legislative candidates across the state, a role he was widely expected to step into again in this critical election year. Democrats need to capture nine GOP seats to to take the House majority, and many of this year’s legislative races are expected to be bare-knuckled and expensive.”
Pennsylvania House Speaker Mike Turzai will not seek reelection
Spotlight PA by Angela Couloumbis and Cynthia Fernandez, Updated: January 23, 2020- 4:10 PM
Capitol Notebook by Spotlight PA provides updates on important news and notes from the halls of power in Harrisburg. Sign up for our weekly newsletter.
House Speaker Mike Turzai (R., Allegheny), one of Pennsylvania’s most powerful conservative leaders, said Thursday morning that he will not seek reelection and will instead pursue a job in the private sector. The announcement, which Turzai made from his suburban Pittsburgh office surrounded by family, confidantes, and supporters, immediately raised questions about whether he intends to stay in office until his term ends later this year — and, if he does, whether his search for a private-sector position could pose a conflict with his role as speaker, which gives him the power to decide which bills go to the floor for a vote. During a news conference, Turzai said little about his plans, only noting that, contrary to speculation in the Capitol, he does not have a job offer or specific position.
https://www.inquirer.com/news/pennsylvania/spl/mike-turzai-pennsylvania-house-speaker-retiring-20200123.html

“Turzai has been the leading proponent among current legislative leaders for expanded school choice programs. But in a post-Turzai world - at least while Wolf, a strong public education proponent, is in power - it might be all school choice proponents can do simply to retain the tax credit-for-tuition scholarships program that Turzai has pushed and pulled into an annual $240 million revenue hit in the near term future.”
What could a post-Turzai world, whenever it arrives, look like at the Pa. State Capitol?
Penn Live By Charles Thompson | cthompson@pennlive.com Today 5:00 AM
No one knows for sure when Pennsylvania’s Speaker of the House Speaker Mike Turzai, who said Thursday he will not seek a new term in office, will actually leave his seat. Turzai, a 60-year-old Republican from Allegheny County, left open the possibility of leaving before his term expires in November, saying he would assess new career opportunities as they present themselves to him this year. Or, he could stay on through the end of session. But we do know this: At some point within the next year, there will be a new Speaker, and because Turzai operates so differently than most of the other majority Republican leaders in place right now, that could spark some interesting, albeit nuanced, changes in both what and how things get done under the Capitol Dome in Harrisburg.
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2020/01/what-could-a-post-turzai-world-whenever-it-arrives-look-like-at-the-pa-state-capitol.html

“Will this be the bill that finally does something about cyber-charters in Pennsylvania? Maybe, maybe not. It is one more sign that legislators are understanding more and more that cyber-charters have a huge funding and accountability problem. Let's see what they come up with next.”
HB1897: PA: Another Bill To Take Down, Sort Of, Cyber Charters
Curmuducation blog by Peter Greene Wednesday, January 22, 2020
Rep. Curt Sonney is a GOP top dog in the Pennsylvania Education Committee, and he's never been known as a close friend of public schools. But he represents Erie, a district that has been absolutely gutted by school choice, so maybe that's why he has spent the last couple of years nipping at the heels of Pennsylvania's thriving cyber charter industry. Harrisburg just had hearings on his latest proposal, a bill that he first announced last October and which has something for virtually everyone to hate. Pennsylvania cyber schools are an absolute mess, barely covered by laws that never anticipated such a thing and protected by a massive pile of money thrown both at lobbying and campaign contributions. The cybers do offer a service that is useful for some students (I personally know of one such case). But they also provide a quick exit for parents who don't want to deal with truancy issues or other disciplinary problems. Their results are generally very poor (none have ever been ranked proficient on the Big Standardized Test), and state oversight is so lousy that many were allowed to continue operating for years without ever having renewed their charters.
https://curmudgucation.blogspot.com/2020/01/pa-another-bill-to-take-down-sort-of.html?spref=tw

HB1897: Bill would eliminate choice
Williamsport Sun-Gazette OPINION by JAMES HANAK JAN 24, 2020
Dr. James Hanak is president of The Public Cyber Charter School Association (PCCSA) and CEO of PA Leadership Charter School, West Chester.
Pennsylvania House Bill 1897 has been introduced in Harrisburg. It would force school districts to have a Cyber School Program and for all 14 public cyber charter schools to close. The main points of this legislation are: All Pennsylvania cyber charter schools must cease operations after next year (2020-21). This means approximately 34,000 students would have about 20 months to figure out what school — besides their preferred choice — they can attend. Since 87 percent of districts have no brick and mortar charter schools, cyber charter schools are the only public schooling alternative for many students. Eliminating cyber charters would force students who can’t afford private school back into a district that wasn’t meeting their needs. All districts will be required to develop their own — or contract with another district, intermediate unit, or third party — full-time cyber program and provide two additional cyber programs via a third-party vendor. School districts must provide or reimburse for all technology and internet service. Upon liquidation, PA cyber charter school assets would revert back to school districts based on each district’s enrollment in each cyber school. Any leftover liabilities would not be covered by the district or the commonwealth, leaving lenders or vendors responsible for the debt. Only after the cyber charter school is depleted of its assets (but not its debt) can these same cyber charter schools then offer services to the traditional school districts.
https://www.sungazette.com/opinion/other-commentaries/2020/01/bill-would-eliminate-choice/

“Gabler is one of 11 House Republicans to announce their retirement, and was the 15th total when he announced on Wednesday. He was joined by Speaker Mike Turzai, R-Allegheny, on Thursday, raising the total to 16 lawmakers.”
Pa. Rep. Matt Gabler retires after 11 years in Harrisburg
PA Capital Star By  Stephen Caruso January 23, 2020
A six-term state lawmaker from Clearfield County is the latest member of the state House to decide against running for re-election in November. State Rep. Matt Gabler, a Republican who’s represented the 75th House District since 2008, said Wednesday that he wants to spend more time with his family. “I promised myself, my family and my constituents that I would not spend an entire career as a state representative,” Gabler said in a statement. “As a husband and a father to two young children, I recognize now is the right time to pursue new opportunities.”
https://www.penncapital-star.com/blog/pa-rep-matt-gabler-retires-after-11-years-in-harrisburg/

“The two were among 55 districts across the state that received letters from the Harrisburg-based Independence Law Center, an organization that often targets what it considers to be legal violations related to preventing Christians from practicing free religious speech.”
Two York County school districts accused of violating religious freedom
Lindsay C VanAsdalan, York Dispatch Published 3:31 p.m. ET Jan. 23, 2020 | Updated 6:42 p.m. ET Jan. 23, 2020
Spring Grove Area and Eastern York school districts are violating First Amendment rights of students to speak freely about religion in schools, a conservative not-for-profit alleged Tuesday in a letter to the districts.  The two were among 55 districts across the state that received letters from the Harrisburg-based Independence Law Center, an organization that often targets what it considers to be legal violations related to preventing Christians from practicing free religious speech. The letters state the organization will file a federal lawsuit if the districts don't cease what the center considers constitutional violations by April 1.
“Instead of equal treatment, many schools have treated students’ religious speech like dangerous asbestos — to be cordoned off and eliminated from our schools,” stated Jeremy Samek, senior counsel for the law center, in a news release.
https://www.yorkdispatch.com/story/news/education/2020/01/23/two-york-county-school-districts-accused-violating-religious-freedom/4553743002/  


Lancaster County students speak more than 70 different languages; what are they?
Lancaster Online by ALEX GELI | Staff Writer January 24, 2020
To realize how much of a melting pot Lancaster County is, look no further than its schools.
Lancaster’s 17 school districts are home to more than 3,600 students who speak a language other than English. Together, they speak over 70 different languages. While some schools pride themselves on their diversity, more students not speaking English means more money spent on language support services such as English language learner programs. LNP | LancasterOnline recently analyzed ELL data from the Pennsylvania Department of Education to find out more about the languages students here speak. Here’s what we found.
https://lancasteronline.com/news/local/lancaster-county-students-speak-more-than-different-languages-what-are/article_ec43c972-3d6a-11ea-9eaa-ff61fd3744a7.html

“Increasing technology costs for the rollout of a 1-to-1 iPad initiative and debt incurred from construction projects, as well as continually rising special education and pension costs and significant personnel costs, are among the reasons for the deficit, the district said.”
An 8% tax increase in Lancaster? It probably won't happen.
Lancaster Online by ALEX GELI | Staff Writer January 24, 2020
School District of Lancaster’s preliminary budget approved this week calls for an 8.24% tax increase. But school officials say the actual tax increase will be much smaller. “It definitely won’t be that high for a number of reasons,” school board President Edith Gallagher said. “However, it’s still a tough year, and we’re starting the budget season $10 million in the hole, and we’re going to have to raise taxes.” The school board Tuesday unanimously approved its 2020-21 preliminary budget. The $232 million spending plan raises the millage rate from 21.8734 to 23.6758, an 8.24% increase, to reduce a projected $10.3 million deficit. Still, the preliminary budget’s expenditures outweigh revenues by about $4 million. Some context: For an average assessed home value of $162,652, an 8.24 tax increase would increase the annual property tax bill by $293, from about $3,558 to $3,851.
https://lancasteronline.com/news/local/an-tax-increase-in-lancaster-it-probably-won-t-happen/article_7bdf243c-3d6b-11ea-a4d7-8fc1e4df393c.html

Operations manager officially out at Easton charter school
By MICHELLE MERLIN THE MORNING CALL | JAN 23, 2020 | 9:01 PM
The Easton Arts Academy charter school can officially add another administrator to a list of officials who no longer work at the elementary school. Charter school board members on Thursday unanimously voted to terminate Jacque Zupko, the school’s operations manager and registrar. In a lawsuit filed in December 2018 by the charter elementary school’s former principal, Zupko and Chief Financial Officer Shawn Ferrera were accused of changing grades to “falsely reflect the effectiveness of the school’s programs.” Ferrera left the school last June, and CEO Joanna Hughes was dismissed in December. “We’re in the business of educating children, so we can’t let anything get in the way of that,” board President Michelle Zattoni said. At the same December meeting the charter school board dismissed Hughes, they also voted to move forward with a complaint against the recently terminated solicitor, MacMain Law Group.
https://www.mcall.com/news/education/mc-nws-easton-charter-termination-20200124-ejzwyuormzetln6tib4tecp5j4-story.html

“The seven principles outlined on the poster call for the board to advocate earnestly, lead responsibly, govern effectively, plan thoughtfully, evaluate continuously, communicate clearly and act ethically. Each of those principles includes a list of more specific standards, such as “promote open, honest and respectful dialogue among the board, staff and community” and “utilize appropriate data to make informed decisions.”
OJR School Board pledges to follow 'good governance' rules
Pottstown Mercury By Laura Catalano For MediaNews Group January 24, 2020
SOUTH COVENTRY — The Owen J. Roberts School Board made a commitment to good governance at a recent meeting, with each board member signing a poster listing principles for the board to follow. The poster was an enlarged version of a Pennsylvania School Board Association chart labeled Principles for Governance and Leadership which school boards across the commonwealth are encouraged to adopt. The board voted unanimously to adopt the principles during the board meeting Monday night. But President Karel Minor said that creating a poster and publicly signing the document was a symbolic gesture that demonstrates the board’s commitment to adhering to good leadership.
https://www.pottsmerc.com/news/local/ojr-school-board-pledges-to-follow-good-governance-rules/article_ce59fa04-3e36-11ea-bba9-5b26d2d3c476.html


Pennsylvania School Librarians Association Plans Advocacy Rally Friday in Philadelphia
School Library Journal by Kara Yorio Jan 23, 2020
School librarians are educators, and the Pennsylvania School Librarians Association (PSLA) has planned a public seminar of sorts during ALA Midwinter in Philadelphia this week. The Rally to Restore Philadelphia School Librarians will be held at 12:30 p.m. on Friday at the School District of Philadelphia Administration Building on Broad Street in Philadelphia. The goal is to call attention to the loss of school librarians and libraries and the impact that has had in the city, as well as across the state and nation. 
https://www.slj.com/?detailStory=pennsylvania-school-librarians-association-plans-advocacy-rally-in-philadelphia

School Finance & Budget Town Hall
This event is set for Jan. 28 at Bensalem High School
By  Lower Bucks Times January 21, 2020
The Bensalem community is invited to a Town Hall Forum to learn about school funding, finance and the district’s budget on Tuesday, Jan. 28 at 7 p.m. at Bensalem High School North Wing Audion, 4319 Hulmeville Road, Bensalem.
Speakers include:
Susan Spika, executive director, Education Voters of PA
Dr. Samuel Lee, district superintendent
John Steffy, director of business operations.
Everyone is welcome to attend this interactive presentation and question and answer session.
https://lowerbuckstimes.com/2020/01/21/school-finance-budget-town-hall/

PARSS Annual Conference April 29 – May 1, 2020 in State College
The 2020 PARSS Conference is April 29 through May 1, 2020, at Wyndham Garden Hotel at Mountain View Country Club in State College. Please register as a member or a vendor by accessing the links below.

Allegheny County Legislative Forum on Education March 12
by Allegheny Intermediate Unit Thu, March 12, 2020 7:00 PM – 10:00 PM EDT
Join us on March 12 at 7:00 pm for the Allegheny Intermediate Unit's annual Allegheny County Legislative Forum. The event will feature a discussion with state lawmakers on a variety of issues impacting public schools. We hope you will join us and be part of the conversation about education in Allegheny County.
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/allegheny-county-legislative-forum-on-education-tickets-86600874547

Five compelling reasons for .@PSBA .@PASA .@PAIU school leaders to come to the Capitol for Advocacy Day on March 23rd:
Charter Reform
Cyber Charter Reform
Basic Ed Funding
Special Ed Funding
PLANCON
Register at http://mypsba.org

School Leaders: Register today for @PSBA @PASA @PAIU Advocacy Day at the Capitol on March 23rd and you could be the lucky winner of my school board salary for the entire year. Register now at http://mypsba.org
For more information: https://www.psba.org/event/advocacy-day-2020/

Charter Schools; Advance Notice of Proposed Rulemaking
PENNSYLVANIA BULLETIN PROPOSED RULEMAKING DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION [ 22 PA. CODE CH. 711 ]
http://www.pacodeandbulletin.gov/Display/pabull?file=/secure/pabulletin/data/vol49/49-34/1274.html

PSBA New and Advanced School Director Training in Dec & Jan
Additional sessions now being offered in Bucks and Beaver Counties
Do you want high-impact, engaging training that newly elected and reseated school directors can attend to be certified in new and advanced required training? PSBA has been supporting new school directors for more than 50 years by enlisting statewide experts in school law, finance and governance to deliver a one-day foundational training. This year, we are adding a parallel track of sessions for those who need advanced school director training to meet their compliance requirements. These sessions will be delivered by the same experts but with advanced content. Look for a compact evening training or a longer Saturday session at a location near you. All sites will include one hour of trauma-informed training required by Act 18 of 2019. Weekend sites will include an extra hour for a legislative update from PSBA’s government affairs team.
New School Director Training
Week Nights: Registration opens 3:00 p.m., program starts 3:30 p.m. -9:00 p.m., dinner with break included
Saturdays: Registration opens at 8:00 a.m., program starts at 9:00 a.m. -3:30 p.m., lunch with break included
Advanced School Director Training
Week Nights: Registration with dinner provided opens at 4:30 p.m., program starts 5:30 p.m. -9:00 p.m.
Saturdays: Registration opens at 10:00 a.m., program starts at 11:00 a.m.-3:30 p.m., lunch with break included
Locations and dates

PSBA Sectional Meetings
Hear relevant content from statewide experts, district practitioners and PSBA government affairs staff at PSBA’s annual membership gathering. PSBA Sectional Advisors and Advocacy Ambassadors are on-site to connect with district leaders in their region and share important information for you to take back to your district.
Locations and dates

Sectional Meetings are 6:00 p.m. -8:00 p.m. (across all locations). Light refreshments will be offered.
Cost: Complimentary for PSBA member entities.
Registration: Registration is now open. To register, please sign into myPSBA and look for Store/Registration on the left.
https://www.psba.org/2019/10/sectional-meetings-2020/

Congress, Courts, and a National Election: 50 Million Children’s Futures Are at Stake. Be their champion at the 2020 Advocacy Institute.
NSBA Advocacy Institute Feb. 2-4, 2020 Marriot Marquis, Washington, D.C.
Join school leaders from across the country on Capitol Hill, Feb. 2-4, 2020 to influence the legislative agenda & shape decisions that impact public schools. Check out the schedule & more at https://nsba.org/Events/Advocacy-Institute

Join us for Advocacy Day in Harrisburg to support public education Monday March 23, 2020!
All school leaders are invited to attend Advocacy Day at the state Capitol in Harrisburg. The Pennsylvania School Boards Association (PSBA), Pennsylvania Association of Intermediate Units (PAIU) and the Pennsylvania Association of School Administrators (PASA) are partnering together to strengthen our advocacy impact. The day will center around meetings with legislators to discuss critical issues affecting public education. Click here for more information or register at http://www.mypsba.org/
School directors can register online now by logging in to myPSBA. If you need assistance logging in and registering contact Alysha Newingham, Member Data System Administrator at alysha.newingham@psba.org

Register now for Network for Public Education Action National Conference in Philadelphia March 28-29, 2020
Registration, hotel information, keynote speakers and panels:
https://npeaction.org/2020-conference/

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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