Tuesday, May 29, 2018

PA Ed Policy Roundup May 29: Dept. of Community & Economic Development eliminates nondiscrimination requirement for organizations seeking to participate in EITC/OSTC tax credit programs


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Dept. of Community & Economic Development eliminates nondiscrimination requirement for organizations seeking to participate in EITC/OSTC tax credit programs


Blogger Commentary:

Private and religious schools that received over $165 million in diverted public tax dollars in FY16-17 through “Pennsylvania’s successful education tax credit programs” have always been free to discriminate against any student for any reason in their admission practices.

On Friday I received a forwarded email (see cut/paste item in the box below) from the REACH Foundation and Alliance, “Pennsylvania’s grassroots coalitions dedicated to ensuring parental choice in education”, that seemed to be celebrating the fact that EITC/OSTC scholarship organizations are now free to discriminate against anyone for any reason in regard to any employee or person seeking employment.

This is what privatization looks like. It should be noted that SB2, the “education savings account” school voucher bill recently voted out of the Senate Education Committee, would provide more of the same.




Almost 2 years ago, the PA General Assembly overwhelmingly enacted legislation establishing a new basic education funding formula to serve the students of our state, with the Senate passing HB 1552 by a vote of 49-1 and the House by a vote of 188-3.

Because the formula only applies to new money, two years have gone by with little actual impact upon students in our most underfunded districts. Only about 7% of basic education funding was distributed through the new formula this year. Due to constraints on state funding increases, it is estimated that it may take another 20 years for students in those districts to receive the funding they deserve.

The new formula is only as good as the funding behind it. The state needs to adequately and equitably fund our public schools.

In the meantime, according to spreadsheets from the Department of Community and Economic Development, which administers the EITC and OSTC tax credit programs, for the 2016-2017 fiscal year over $165 million in Pennsylvania tax dollars were diverted to pay for unaccountable private and religious schools.

Money diverted to tax credit programs never enters the state’s general fund and is therefore not available to be allocated to basic education funding to help fund the formula serving our 1.7 million public school students.

There are virtually no public fiscal or student performance reporting requirements for these tax credit programs. Furthermore, unlike Florida, where “scholarship organizations” that distribute the funds get to keep 3% for administration, in Pennsylvania, for some reason they get to keep 20%.  That’s $33 million, also with zero transparency. Additionally, there is a cosponsorship memo circulating in the General Assembly now for a bill that would provide automatic annual increases to EITC/OSTC programs.

Now comes word that the Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) has confirmed that they are completely removing the anti-discrimination language from the EITC and OSTC Scholarship Organizations applications and renewal applications. Checkout the 2017 and 2018 Guidelines/Applications below and ask your state legislators to support constitutionally mandated public education which serves ALL students as they finalize a state budget in June.


OPPORTUNITY SCHOLARSHIP TAX CREDIT PROGRAM Organization Guidelines and Application for Opportunity Scholarship Organizations | April 2017 (ARCHIVED)
PA Department of Community and Economic Development Website
Section III, Page 5 Nondiscrimination
No assistance shall be awarded to a Organization under this program unless the Organization certifies that the Organization shall not discriminate against any employee or against any person seeking employment by reason of race, gender, creed, color, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or in violation of the Pennsylvania Human Relations Act, which prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, religious creed, ancestry, age, sex, national origin, handicap or disability, or in violation of any applicable federal laws.

You’ll see on the index page of the 2018 document that the nondiscrimination language highlighted in red above has been completely removed.
OPPORTUNITY SCHOLARSHIP TAX CREDIT PROGRAM Organization Guidelines and Application for Opportunity Scholarship Organizations | April 2018


Governor, lawmakers aren't panicking as budget push nears
Penn Live By Mark Scolforo The Associated Press Updated May 26, 11:52 AM; Posted May 26, 11:53 AM
HARRISBURG -- As the most intense part of this year's budget season is about to get underway, it's been remarkably quiet in the state Capitol, and policymakers say they're hopeful that bodes well for an improvement in what's been a strained process for several years. Republican leaders in the Legislature say they hope a deal can be completely wrapped up before the June 30 deadline, thanks to stable tax revenues and a political environment that has lowered expectations for major new initiatives. "You're not talking about billion-dollar deficits anymore," said House Majority Leader Dave Reed, R-Indiana, while at the same time cautioning that "you never know how things turn out." The state budget has been a nightmarish process for the past decade, as sluggish revenues, rising health care costs, business tax cuts and long-avoided bills coming due for pension obligations combined to put the crunch on state finances.

State audit confirms Roebuck’s call and plan for charter school reform
Rep. James R. Roebuck Jr. Website   May 25, 2018
PHILADELPHIA, May 25 – State Rep. James Roebuck, D-Phila., today said a recent state audit of Aspira Inc.’s management of charter schools proves his point that charter school reform is crucial in Pennsylvania. “The findings by Auditor General Eugene DePasquale mirror what I’ve been saying all along, that charter schools lack financial accountability,” said Roebuck, Democratic chairman of the House Education Committee. “The legislation I introduced last year would specifically address the core problems found in this report while protecting taxpayer dollars.” Roebuck’s bill (H.B. 1199) takes aim at conflicts of interest in tax-funded payments for charter school leases. The auditor general’s office previously identified millions of dollars in questionable lease reimbursement to charter schools. Roebuck also introduced legislation (H.R. 578) that called for the State Board of Education to conduct a comprehensive study, evaluating the successes and failures of charter school entities over the past 20 years.    “We need to see what’s working and what’s not because, at the end of the day, it’s the children and taxpayers who are being reprimanded for these avoidable mistakes,” Roebuck said. “It is abundantly clear in the auditor general’s audit that charter school management groups like Aspira are not working. It’s past time for a comprehensive overhaul of Pennsylvania’s nearly 21-year-old law.”  Roebuck’s bill is part of a bigger charter reform legislative package from House Democrats that’s aimed at treating all Pennsylvania public schools, both traditional and charter, and their students equally under law.
http://www.pahouse.com/Roebuck/InTheNews/NewsRelease/?id=98504

Insurance companies become a big roadblock to plans to arm teachers
Post-Gazette by TODD C. FRANKEL The Washington Post MAY 28, 2018 6:30 AM
Kansas has a problem: It has a law allowing teachers to carry guns in the classroom, but almost no schools are using it because insurance companies refuse to provide coverage if they do. As EMC Insurance, the largest insurer of schools in Kansas, explained in a letter to its agents, the company “has concluded that concealed handguns on school premises poses a heightened liability risk.” Then came the Parkland, Florida, school shooting in February, leading frustrated Republican legislators in Kansas to try forcing the issue with a bill banning “unfair, discriminatory” rates for schools that arm staff. The insurance industry held firm. Last month, the bill failed. “I don’t think insurance companies are notorious anti-gun liberals,” said Mark Tallman, associate executive director for the Kansas Association of School Boards, “so we think they’ve got good reasons for not doing it.” As proposals to arm teachers sweep across the nation, insurance companies are being forced to weigh the risks of these controversial plans. Some insurers are balking. Some are agreeing to provide policies but lamenting the lack of evidence about whether it makes schools safer - or increases the chances of people getting shot. Others are raising rates.
http://www.post-gazette.com/news/nation/2018/05/28/Insurance-companies-become-a-big-roadblock-to-plans-to-arm-teachers/stories/201805020397

Based On Registration, Young Pennsylvanians Seem Really Excited To Vote
WESA NPR Pittsburgh By LUCY PERKINS • MAY 28, 2018
Usually midterm elections see low voter participation. But 2018 might be a little different.
In the lead up to the primary, the state saw a significant spike in the number of young people, aged 17-24, registering to vote. Of course, these numbers will still be lower than they are during presidential elections. Mike McDonald is a political science professor at the University of Florida and runs the U.S. Elections Project and studies voting trends across the country. He said the traditional decline in participation in midterms is predominantly due to young voters, who are less likely to vote in midterms.
http://wesa.fm/post/based-registration-young-pennsylvanians-seem-really-excited-vote#stream/0

Here's why a Pa. Senate panel voted the way it did on redistricting reform | Mike Folmer
Penn Live Guest Editorial By Mike Folmer Updated May 28, 9:05 AM; Posted May 28, 9:00 AM
State Sen. Mike Folmer, a Republican, represents the 48th Senate District, which includes parts of Dauphin, York and Lebanon counties. 
For more than a year, the Senate State Government Committee, which I chair, has been reviewing proposals to change how election lines are drawn. Under the current system, the four legislative leaders plus a fifth member they or the Pennsylvania Supreme Court appoints establish the General Assembly's election districts.  Congressional districts are determined by statute.  Opponents say both systems too often result in "gerrymandering". "Gerrymandering" is named after Massachusetts Gov. Elbridge Gerry, who, in 1812, signed a bill establishing election districts.  Opponents said one map was so odd it resembled a salamander. Gerry's name plus "salamander" gives us "gerrymander". Because the Commonwealth's current process is outlined in Pennsylvania's Constitution, changes require a constitutional amendment and California has been much of the focus.
http://www.pennlive.com/opinion/2018/05/heres_why_a_pa_senate_panel_vo.html#incart_river_index

Daryl Metcalfe’s conduct is unacceptable for chairman
Cranberry eagle Opinion Written by: By Patricia Carone-Krebs Published: May 26, 2018
Patricia Carone-Krebs is a former member of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives for the 12th District. She was elected in 1990 and served in the chamber for eight years, and was elected twice as a Democrat and twice as a Republican. She retired in 1998, after completing her fourth term in office. 
While most voters who reside in the 12th legislative district will not recognize my name, I do feel compelled to write to your readers. Your April 25 editorial has given me hope that there are many, many 12th District voters who agree with you that “Pennsylvania must reform its redistricting process with an eye on eliminating partisan maneuvering.” As I have observed Rep. Daryl Metcalfe’s many years in the House I’ve become increasingly worried. He has assumed the mantle of a career politician who believes that he knows what is best and no other opinions matter. I’m worried that he is ignoring everyone else regardless of knowledge, expertise and experience. Metcalfe’s declaration that he won’t allow any bills sponsored by Democrats to be considered in the State Government Committee, no matter if they are “substantive,” is a train wreck for good policymaking for Pennsylvanians. Never has a committee chairman shown such personal disdain for fellow legislators. It is an arrogance of power. What makes this so frightening for Pennsylvania’s future is that Metcalfe is preventing any action on fair redistricting legislation. In fact, he has mocked efforts to advance legislation that would lessen political influence by having not one bill but two amended to maintain redistricting as a legislative power.
http://www.cranberryeagle.com/article/20180526/CRAN0101/705269734/-1/CRAN01

“The promise of eventually earning a bachelor’s degree in just two or three years – and potentially saving thousands of dollars in tuition – was perhaps the biggest selling point four years ago when Oxford launched its Early College Academy, which is still, according to school officials, the only program in Pennsylvania offering the two degrees in a focused four-year program.”
These Oxford Area students graduated college before graduating high school
Inquirer by Kathy Boccella, Staff Writer  @Kathy_Boccella |  kboccella@phillynews.com Updated: MAY 26, 2018 — 5:00 AM EDT
Jordan Brown is preparing to don her cap and gown and accept her diploma from Oxford Area High School next Friday – even though the 17-year-old aspiring doctor already delivered her commencement speech days earlier. That happened on May 20 just across the border in Maryland at Cecil College, where Jordan received her associate’s degree. She was one of the first batch of 15 pioneers from the Chester County high school who earned community college and high school diplomas at the same time, on the leading edge of a national trend to speed up higher education. Even though taking harder, college-level classes and then hustling back to Oxford to catch school activities like soccer or the yearbook club was a challenge, Jordan – who earned a perfect 4.0 grade-point average at Cecil — said the experience was well worth it. She said the accelerated dual enrollment “lets you learn how a college is going to work, helps raise your GPA … and lowers the cost of college because you don’t have to stay there as long as you normally would.”
http://www.philly.com/philly/education/these-oxford-area-students-graduated-college-before-graduating-high-school-20180526.html

Workforce development must remain a priority
Daily Item Opinion May 26, 2018
Pennsylvania officials and business leaders in the Susquehanna Valley are hoping that a jumpstart in workforce development as early as kindergarten can pay big dividends in the future. Ask any business organization what its top priorities are and near the top of the list will be workforce development. When the Greater Susquehanna Valley Chamber of Commerce surveyed its nearly 600 members, workforce development was the top priority for large members and third most vital need for medium-sized businesses. To serve that need, the GSVCC is eying Pennsylvania’s new Future Ready PA Index as a blueprint for developing workers to fill what are expected to be significant voids in the workforce as baby boomers near retirement. The Future Ready PA Index is scheduled for rollout this fall and its a vital component to Pennsylvania’s Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) Consolidated State Plan. According to the state’s Department of Education, “the Future Ready PA Index moves beyond a single, summative score to increase transparency around school and student group performance.” Three key indicators will drive the Future Ready PA Index and its long-term viability: State assessment measures (scores on assessment exams); on-track measures such as chronic absenteeism and reading and math levels; and college and career measures.
http://www.dailyitem.com/opinion/workforce-development-must-remain-a-priority/article_06b19ea8-7573-5182-b4c1-321c43439756.html

WHY I AM RUTHLESS FOR EDUCATIONAL EQUITY
Philly’s7thWard Blog BY SHARIF EL-MEKKI MAY 27, 2018
I am the co-founder of The Fellowship: Black Male Educators for Social Justice. My personal favorite Black male educator? That’s easy. Mr. Brian Freeland, 7th grade social studies. His approach to education felt radical. What happened in that classroom was more than just school — it was life. Sure, he taught us the content we needed to know for an exam, but he also taught us about materialism and sweatshops. He challenged us on youth culture and what we thought we believed in. He pushed us to study indigenous cultures and their modern day struggles. In most schools and classrooms, you get a great book, and the teachers teach the book. But he challenged us to think beyond texts and about the world.
http://phillys7thward.org/2018/05/ruthless-educational-equity/

Schools go increasingly digital, but there's still a need for paper
MATT MCKINNEY Pittsburgh Post-Gazette mmckinney@post-gazette.com MAY 26, 2018  
11:53 PM
School districts often boast about their latest digital initiatives. Sleek devices and flashy technology in classrooms abound, depending on the school. But Luddites, nostalgists and tech skeptics, fear not.  While schools have expanded their digital footprints in recent years, they haven’t thrown out paper entirely. “I don’t see print going away,” said Allison Mackley, president-elect of the Pennsylvania School Librarians Association. “There’s still a purpose for print resources.” Although many of the state’s school libraries have diversified their offerings to include online resources and audio-books, their shelves typically also remain stocked with rows of books —  the kind you can pick up and open — a characteristic familiar to generations of students past, she said.
http://www.post-gazette.com/news/education/2018/05/26/Schools-digital-technology-paper-CMU-pittsburgh-pennsylvania-st-anne-school/stories/201805140168

If not higher taxes, find another way to help cash poor Philly schools | Editorial
by The Inquirer Editorial Board Updated: MAY 25, 2018 — 5:00 AM EDT
Philadelphia’s parking ticket amnesty program was more about forgiveness than recovering $76.8 million in unpaid fines, but if city officials are in such a magnanimous mood why don’t they dig deeper to help the cash poor School District? The Philadelphia Parking Authority had long lines of people waiting for hours outside its offices last month to clear their records by paying a discounted fine. But the amnesty program brought in less than $3 million, while costing about $2.5 million to carry out. Councilwoman Jannie Blackwell, who vigorously lobbied for the amnesty, said it meant more to her that 22,000 people no longer have to worry about unpaid fines that had lingered for years. “At least we are grateful that we were able to do something to try to help people,” she said. OK, but put that sentiment in context with how miserably the Parking Authority has failed to meet expectations of the revenue it would share with the School District.
http://www.philly.com/philly/opinion/editorials/parking-authority-city-schools-funding-city-council-20180525.html

Moon Area school board to use tax increase, surplus to balance budget
Post-Gazette by SUSAN K. SCHMEICHEL MAY 25, 2018 5:21 PM
The Moon Area School Board approved a preliminary budget that will raise taxes and spend down more than $5 million of the district's dwindling fund balance. "We're not pleased with this proposed budget," said Michael Hauser, board vice president, "We really have some hard choices to make." The proposed budget that was approved May 14 will set the property tax rate at 21.133 mills, an increase of 0.8305 mills, which is the maximum allowed under state law. The proposed $83 million budget also includes using about $5 million of the district’s fund balance. District officials will continue to work on the budget until they vote on a final budget on June 25, said Keith Bielby, director of fiscal and school services. Although administrators will try to lower expenses, Mr. Bielby said they don't expect much to change.
http://www.post-gazette.com/local/west/2018/05/25/Moon-Area-school-board-to-use-tax-increase-surplus-to-balance-budget/stories/201805250149

Radnor school board OKs 2.4 percent tax increase
Delco Times By Linda Stein, lstein@21st-centurymedia.com, @lsteinreporter on Twitter POSTED: 05/25/18, 7:25 PM EDT | UPDATED: 6 HRS AGO
RADNOR >> The Radnor Township School Board voted unanimously Tuesday to approve a $98.3 million budget for the 2018-19 school year. The budget will require a 2.4 percent real estate tax increase, although the district is not using any of the exceptions permitted under the state Act 1 law. A homeowner with a house assessed at $274,000 will see a $155 tax increase; with a home valued at $472,000, the increase will be $268; and for a house valued at $700,000, the owner will pay an additional $397. District Business Administrator Michelle Diekow presented the plan before the board voted. A shortfall of $970,324 was filled by $800,000 from the Pennsylvania State Employees Retirement System and $170,000 from the unassigned fund balance. Also, a STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) coach and two administrative positions were removed, and there were “adjustments” to the secretarial and technology support staff. There will be 17 to 18 unfilled positions.
http://www.delcotimes.com/general-news/20180525/radnor-school-board-oks-24-percent-tax-increase

Gateway school board approves proposed budget with tax increase
Post-Gazette by  DEANA CARPENTER  MAY 24, 2018 11:29 AM
Property owners in the Gateway School District will likely see an increase in the real estate tax rate for the 2018-19 school year. The school board on Monday unanimously approved a proposed $75.7 million budget for the upcoming school year that includes a 0.5411-mill increase, bringing the tax rate to 19.8675 mills, or about $1,987 per $100,000 of assessed property value. The board will hold a public hearing on the budget at 6 p.m. June 5 in the LGI room at Gateway High School. Final budget adoption is scheduled at the board’s regular meeting at 7 p.m. June 27. “None of us take it lightly to raise taxes, especially myself,” said board Vice President Mary Beth Cirucci. “The state, in my opinion, is not coming through the way they need to,” she said, adding that the district must either cut programs or raise taxes.
http://www.post-gazette.com/local/east/2018/05/24/Gateway-school-board-approves-proposed-budget-with-tax-increase/stories/201805240016

Mastery Charter Student Benched For Wearing Hijab Sparks Rule Change
CBS Philly By Natasha Brown May 25, 2018 at 10:39 pm
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) – It’s a victory for religious freedom sparked by a Philadelphia teen who loves the game of basketball. Mastery Charter sophomore Nasihah Thompson-King has been playing basketball since 7th grade.  She loves the game but was shocked that she was asked to remove her traditional Muslim hijab headgear during a playoff game back in February. “It was our second playoff game against Palumbo and when it was time for me to get in the game a referee told me I couldn’t play with my hijab on I had to take it off if I wanted to play. So I decided just not to play,” said Thompson-King. At the time, the referee was enforcing a Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association rule requiring athletes to get prior approval for any head garment for religious or medical reasons. But Thompson-King had never had a problem wearing her hijab before.
http://philadelphia.cbslocal.com/2018/05/25/mastery-charter-hijab-nasihah-thompson-king/

Local unions brace for major U.S. Supreme Court decision
If union fee law is overturned, it could have significant impact on school-related public unions.
The notebook Darryl C. Murphy May 28 — 3:38 pm, 2018
In this file photo, Ernie Bennett, then leader of Local 1201, 32BJ SEIU, calls for safer schools in a protest after member Chris Trakimas was injured in a 2016 boiler explosion. Trakimas later died from his injuries. Union supporters see the Janus case as part of a bigger movement to weaken unions. Last week, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that employers can bar workers from bringing class action lawsuits against them. The ruling is seen as a major blow to workers’ rights and may be an indicator of how the court will decide the Janus vs. AFSCME case, which will determine whether or not public sector unions can charge workers who aren’t union members a fee. If the Supreme Court rules in favor of Janus, it could decrease labor union revenue and the power of collective bargaining, which has been a tool in helping to secure better pay, benefits, and working conditions for workers, union supporters say. At issue in the case are laws which allow public unions to require that employees who are not union members to pay so-called “fair share” fees. The idea is that employees who are not union members benefit from the collective bargaining of that union, and therefore should pay for the union’s representation.
http://thenotebook.org/articles/2018/05/28/local-unions-brace-for-major-u-s-supreme-court-decision/


You are invited to help build the future of public education!
Commonwealth Education Blueprint
The Commonwealth Education Blueprint is a multiyear effort founded and managed by the Pennsylvania School Boards Association (PSBA) to develop and implement a statewide vision for the future of public education. Through this comprehensive project, education stakeholders from across the state and from many areas of expertise collaborate to proactively determine what education should look like in years to come.
VISION: Pennsylvania will provide an equitable, exceptional public education that empowers all learners to achieve a meaningful, productive life in our democratic society.
The Process & Your Involvement: The project steering committee conducts meetings and collects data (ongoing since Oct. 2017) toward drafting the Blueprint. They have also been convening Blueprint study groups, focus groups and, now a statewide survey.
Your involvement is critical to the Blueprint’s success! We hope you will participate in this short survey to build the foundation for public education in the future. Please complete it by May 31, 2018: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/edblueprintpa
What’s Next? After all of the data has been compiled and analyzed, a comprehensive report will be and will serve as the driving document to set and benchmark milestones toward achieving the vision and shaping all future education-related legislation and advocacy. We hope you will join us in distributing the Blueprint and this vision later in 2018. For more information about the Commonwealth Education Blueprint, contact Ashley Lenker White, senior director of strategic initiatives, at (800) 932-0588 or ashley.white@psba.org.

Program cuts and teacher furloughs in the Crestwood School District may be averted this year, thanks to a tentative deal struck between the district and teachers. This reprieve from teacher furloughs and deep cuts in programs will be temporary, however, if the state legislature does not make a commitment to providing adequate funding to public education. Pennsylvania ranks 47th in the nation in terms of state share of funding for public schools, providing just 34% of the cost of K-12 education in PA. The national average is close to 50%.
Harrisburg, Please Help Our Schools! scheduled for Thursday, May 31 in the Crestwood HS auditorium 
Harrisburg, Please Help Our Schools is a community event that will be led by Susan Spicka, Executive Director of Education Voters of PA. Susan will provide the Crestwood community with a short presentation about school funding in PA, the school funding lawsuit, and the path to ending Pennsylvania’s school funding crisis.  Students from the Crestwood School District will speak about their experiences and the value of the education they have received. The presentation will conclude with a call to action for people to write, call, and visit their state lawmakers and spread the word in the community that without Harrisburg’s help, students in Crestwood will receive far fewer opportunities than their brothers and sisters who came before them.
Local lawmakers, leaders of the Pennsylvania School Board Association, and community advocates have been invited to participate in this community event.  All advocates and concerned citizens of public education funding are welcome to attend and are not required to be taxpayers of the Crestwood School District.
WHO: Event MCs: Pat Magin and Ed Stepanski
Presenter: Susan Spicka, Executive Director of Education Voters of PA
Additional speakers: Current Crestwood Area SD students
Legislators confirmed to be in attendance: Reps. Pashinski, Mullery, and Carroll.
WHAT: Harrisburg, Help our Schools!
WHEN: Thursday, May 31, 2018 7:00 pm
WHERE: Crestwood High School Auditorium
281 S Mountain Blvd, Mountain Top, PA 18707
QUESTIONS: sspicka@educationvoterspa.org

Apply Now for EPLC's 2018-2019 PA Education Policy Fellowship Program!
Applications are available now for the 2018-2019 Education Policy Fellowship Program (EPFP).  The Education Policy Fellowship Program is sponsored in Pennsylvania by The Education Policy and Leadership Center (EPLC). 
With more than 500 graduates in its first eighteen years, this Program is a premier professional development opportunity for educators, state and local policymakers, advocates, and community leaders.  State Board of Accountancy (SBA) credits are available to certified public accountants.
Past participants include state policymakers, district superintendents and principals, school business officers, school board members, education deans/chairs, statewide association leaders, parent leaders, education advocates, and other education and community leaders. Fellows are typically sponsored by their employer or another organization. The Fellowship Program begins with a two-day retreat on September 13-14, 2018 and continues to graduation in June 2019.
Applications are being accepted now.
Click here to read more about the Education Policy Fellowship Program.
The application may be copied from the EPLC web site, but must be submitted by mail or scanned and e-mailed, with the necessary signatures of applicant and sponsor.
If you would like to discuss any aspect of the Fellowship Program and its requirements, please contact EPLC Executive Director Ron Cowell at 717-260-9900 or cowell@eplc.org.

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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