Wednesday, December 19, 2018

PA Ed Policy Roundup Dec. 19: As PA’s ed funding lawsuit waits for 2020 hearing, here’s how similar lawsuits nationally have fared.


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As PA’s ed funding lawsuit waits for 2020 hearing, here’s how similar lawsuits nationally have fared.


“The district’s debt rating is still lower than that of the city and state governments, which together are the primary funders of Philadelphia’s public schools. Moody’s also remains concerned about the long-term impact of charter schools’ on the district’s already-thin reserves, district officials said.”
Graduating from ‘junk’ grade, Philly schools get historic credit rating boost
WHYY By Avi Wolfman-Arent December 18, 2018
For the first time since “Margaritaville” invaded radio airwaves across the country, Philadelphia’s public school system isn’t issuing “junk” bonds. Yes, it’s been a while. Since 1977, the credit-rating agency Moody’s has considered bonds issued by Pennsylvania’s largest school district to be “below investment grade,” according to district officials. That label was a bright red warning light to investors, and it forced the district to pay higher interest rates when it borrowed money for school construction and maintenance. Over the last few years, though, Moody’s has taken a more optimistic view of district finances. After the district notched three consecutive years of operating surpluses and received a new injection of cash from city government, Moody’s took the unusual step of boosting the district’s credit rating two levels. With that leap, the district moved just above the agency’s threshold separating “investment-grade” bonds from junk bonds.
https://whyy.org/articles/no-more-junk-in-their-trunk-philly-schools-get-historic-credit-rating-boost/

Philly public schools get financial boost with a credit rating upgrade
Inquirer by Kristen A. Graham, Updated: 17 minutes ago
For the first time since 1977, the Philadelphia School District has lost its junk-bond credit rating. Moody’s Investors Service on Tuesday boosted the district’s rating two levels with a stable outlook, vaulting the school system into a position it hasn’t held in 41 years. “This is an investment-grade rating,” said David Jacobson, Moody’s spokesman. “This is very good news.” The rating change affects $3.2 billion in outstanding school district debt. It means the district will be able to get financing at lower rates, which in the end should save it — and taxpayers — money. Moody’s cited local control and the newly appointed school board as chief drivers of the improved rating. And despite some push and pull between Mayor Kenney and City Council over the district’s long-term funding -- Kenney initially proposed a property-tax hike to pay for schools, which Council resisted -- Moody’s said the promised $547 million in new funds “largely eliminates the district’s previously projected deficits over the next five years.”
http://www.philly.com/news/philly-schools-credit-rating-boost-moodys-20181218.html


As PA’s education funding lawsuit waits for 2020 hearing, here’s how similar lawsuits nationally have fared.
Public Source By Mary Niederberger December 18, 2018
Part of the PublicSource series Failing the Future
In all but three states, courts have fielded lawsuits seeking to force states to increase education funding and to distribute it more equitably. Plaintiffs have argued time and time again in these cases that inadequate dollars for public education and funding systems that rely on local property taxes lead to inequities. Students in wealthy districts enjoy a rich educational experience. Those in financially strapped districts sometimes go through school without even the basics.
What if the education provided to students is so lacking that they are not literate enough to engage in the freedoms and protections provided by the U.S. Constitution?
The legal approach has had mixed results. But now, some plaintiffs are trying a new strategy. They’re putting it this way: What if the education provided to students is so lacking that they are not literate enough to engage in the freedoms and protections provided by the U.S. Constitution? What if they can’t read a search warrant, or an election ballot or court papers or serve on a jury? Does their inadequate education deny them their rights guaranteed by the Constitution? That’s the argument being made in a recent lawsuit filed on behalf of 14 students in the U. S. District Court in Providence, Rhode Island. The case joins dozens of others filed in state and federal courts over inadequate and inequitable education funding in 47 states in recent years. The list includes the Pennsylvania case of the William Penn School District v Pennsylvania Department of Education, which will go to trial in the summer of 2020.
https://schoolfundingpa.publicsource.org/stories/as-pas-education-funding-lawsuit-waits-for-2020-hearing-heres-how-similar-lawsuits-nationally-have-fared/

“The arrangement between Hopewell and Aliquippa is one example of sharing among school districts of varying wealth. The Aliquippa district is on the state’s financial watch list. The sharing of resources between the two districts is a remnant of a countywide cooperative agreement that started in 2007 with a now-expired federal grant.”
Without additional funding or will to merge, some Southwestern PA school districts try sharing resources to offer students more opportunities
Public Source By Mary Niederberger December 17, 2018
Part of the PublicSource series Failing the Future
Eli Kosanovich, a senior at Aliquippa Junior/Senior High School and star quarterback for the Quips football team, pushes boundaries. On the field and in the classroom. On the gridiron this fall, Eli led his team to the state championship. Along the way, he passed for a school record of more than 3,000 yards and completed 39 touchdowns. In the classroom, he has earned a 4.3 GPA. This story isn’t the typical story of a student who just happens to be athletic and book smart, but rather a story of how an uncommon arrangement has allowed a student to achieve both in unlikely circumstances. Eli’s football achievements fall within the Aliquippa School District. But his academic successes are shared with the Hopewell Area School District, where Eli has been able to take Advanced Placement and honors courses that aren’t available at Aliquippa Junior/Senior High School. “It was a great opportunity for me to do that…” Eli said. “The teachers, they are great, too, up there. They welcomed me like I was one of their own.”
https://schoolfundingpa.publicsource.org/stories/southwestern-pa-school-districts-try-sharing-resources-without-merger-or-more-funding/

Seven Big Takeaways From Trump Commission's School Safety Report
Education Week Politics K12 Blog By Alyson Klein on December 18, 2018 4:02 PM
After months of meetings, the Federal School Safety Commission chaired by U.S. Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos has finally made its recommendations on how to combat future school shootings, in the wake of the February massacre at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Fla. Daunted by slogging through all 180 pages and 19 chapters? Here are some key takeaways. And then check out our more comprehensive story on the report here.
http://blogs.edweek.org/edweek/campaign-k-12/2018/12/trump-safety-commission-devos-guidance-guns.html?cmp=soc-twitter-shr

NASSP Statement on Final Report of Federal Commission on School Safety
National Association of Secondary School Principals FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (December 18, 2018) Contact: Bob Farrace, NASSP, farraceb@nassp.org, 703-860-7252 Reston, VA —
NASSP Executive Director JoAnn Bartoletti issued the following statement on the final report of the Federal Commission on School Safety: It is puzzling that the Federal Commission on School Safety would spend seven months and untold tax dollars on rediscovering well-known school safety strategies, in part a subset of the more comprehensive Framework for Safe and Successful Schools. In any case, we welcome the Commission’s voice to our common call for greater attention to the mental health both of our students and of those who might do them harm. Yet the Commission compromises its own credibility by staying mute on the issue of firearm access and other prevention efforts that reduce the need to turn schools into fortresses. Guns in the wrong hands is a common element in school shootings. The Commission’s failure to address that element—with even the most sensible and noncontroversial recommendations—is nothing short of willful ignorance. Equally obtuse is the Commission’s guidance for arming school personnel—remarkably the only federal guidance this administration does not perceive as intrusive and burdensome, on a notion rejected by a consensus of education organizations and the educators, parents, and students they represent.
https://www.nassp.org/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/NASSP18ADV_PR_Federal-Commission-School-Safety.pdf?utm_source=organic&utm_medium=twitter&utm_campaign=advocacy

Scrap Discipline Guidance, Consider Arming School Staff, Trump Commission Says
Education Week By Alyson Klein and Evie Blad December 18, 2018
A panel created by President Donald Trump to help prevent future school shootings called Tuesday for getting rid of Obama administration guidance aimed at making sure students of color and students with disabilities aren’t disciplined more harshly than their peers. U.S. Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos, who leads the Federal Commission on School Safety, said the report encourages schools “to seriously consider the option of partnering with local law enforcement in the training and arming of school personnel.” But the report did not suggest that arming school staff—something supported by Trump—become a federal mandate. Instead, it recommends that districts offer incentives for retired law enforcement officials, military veterans, and others with firearms training to serve as educators, as well as ease teacher certification so that they can more easily join the profession. In what appears to be the only nod to gun control, the 180-page report endorses state adoption of “extreme risk protection orders,” which temporarily restrict access to firearms from individuals found to be a danger to themselves or others. The report also endorses better access to mental health services “so that people can receive the treatment they need,” DeVos said in an early-morning call with reporters. That includes working with Congress to update health and school privacy laws.
https://www.edweek.org/ew/articles/2018/12/18/scrap-discipline-guidance-consider-arming-school-staff.html

Trump’s safety panel seeks to revoke school discipline rules
Inquirer by Collin Binkley, Associated Press, Updated: December 18, 2018- 12:23 PM
President Donald Trump's school safety commission on Tuesday called for a rollback of an Obama-era policy that was meant to curb racial disparities in school discipline but that critics say left schools afraid to take action against potentially dangerous students. The panel, led by Education Secretary Betsy DeVos, made the recommendation in a report that lays out dozens of suggestions to improve safety in America's schools. Trump created the commission in March following a Parkland, Florida, school shooting that killed 17 students and staff members. The report covers areas ranging from mental health and cyberbullying to the regulation of guns and violent video games. On the question of whether schools should arm teachers and other employees, the panel said it should be left to states and schools to decide, but the panel noted that schools can use certain federal grants for firearms training. "Our conclusions in this report do not impose one-size-fits-all solutions for everyone everywhere," DeVos said in a call with reporters. "Local problems need local solutions. This report seeks to identify options that policymakers should explore."
http://www.philly.com/education/trumps-safety-panel-seeks-revoke-school-discipline-rules-20181218.html

PA House Appropriations Chairman Saylor Lays Out Vision for 2019-20 Budget
PA House Republican Caucus DEC. 17, 2018 / PRESS RELEASE 
HARRISBURG – House Appropriations Chairman Stan Saylor (R-York) issued the following statement on the 2019-20 General Fund Budget:
“As we head into the new legislative session, the focus of the House Republican Caucus will be on creating a budget that does not rely on new taxes or fees and that supports job creation. Revenue collections are strong, and the Commonwealth has collected $333 million more than expected through the end of November.
“The budget secretary stated during his mid-year briefing that the administration expects to end the current fiscal year with a surplus. There has been a lot of chatter about the recent Independent Fiscal Office’s report. A deficit is only created when you spend more than you take in. We fully intend to enact a budget in the upcoming fiscal year that lives within current revenue projections. While I respect the IFO, they have historically overestimated the General Fund spend number. In November 2016, the IFO predicted the 2017-18 budget would be $33.4 billion and the enacted 2017-18 budget was $31.996 billion. That’s $1.4 billion lower than the IFO originally predicted. In November 2017, the IFO predicted the 2018-19 budget would be $33.5 billion and the enacted 2018-19 budget was $32.7 billion. That’s $800 million lower than the IFO originally predicted. The IFO’s predicted deficit is based on the assumption that we enact a $35.6 billion budget in 2019-20. There simply are no votes in the House Republican Caucus for a budget that large, and I doubt there are 93 votes for it in the House Democrat Caucus.
“House Republicans will continue to hold the line on new taxes. The people of Pennsylvania want a government that lives within its means and we intend to provide that. The governor’s budget secretary stated during the mid-year briefing that the governor’s focus for the next term will be to reduce and restrain spending to balance budgets. If the governor is serious about this, then House Republicans are ready to join him in that effort. Our focus will be creating a budget centered on economic growth for better job and career opportunities and setting Pennsylvania up for success in the long-term.” 

http://www.pahousegop.com/News/Press-Releases/Chairman-Saylor-Lays-Out-Vision-for-2019-20-Budget-

HAVING MORE BLACK TEACHERS IS ONE OF THE BEST LEVERS FOR BLACK STUDENT ACHIEVEMENT.
Philly’s 7th Ward Blog BY COREY SCHOLES DECEMBER 18, 2018
I didn’t need the new John Hopkins University study to tell me black teachers matter. Diverse teachers, diverse leadership and diverse school cultures create higher expectations, stronger communities and better outcomes for students – and staff.
A NEW STUDY SHOWS, ONCE AGAIN, THE SIGNIFICANT ROLE OF TEACHERS OF COLOR – AND THE SIGNIFICANT GAP IN THE PRESENCE OF TEACHERS OF COLOR – IN AMERICAN SCHOOLS.
Yet, even with 22 years as a teacher and school leader, the study’s evidence is compelling. If a black student has just one black teacher by third grade, that student is 13 percent more likely to enroll in college – those who had two black teachers were 32 percent more likely. This bolsters the research team’s 2017 study that found a low-income black student’s probability of dropping out of high school is reduced by 29 percent if that student has one black teacher in grades 3-5. These results may speak to the impact of teachers who can relate to students and role models, as well as teacher expectations. The bottom line is, representation matters. But, it doesn’t just matter for feel good, soft skills reasons, it matters for kids’ academics.
https://phillys7thward.org/2018/12/black-teachers-one-best-levers-black-student-achievement/

Higher taxes in Scranton School District's 2019 budget proposal
PA Home Page By: Cody Butler Posted: Dec 17, 2018 11:43 PM EST
SCRANTON, LACKAWANNA COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) $5.5 million, that's how much the Scranton School District estimates it will be in the financial hole come 2019.  To lower the deficit property owners are expected to get an increase. A nearly 4% increase which totals $500 dollars extra each year if you own a $100,000 home.  This will leave the district with a $4 million deficit to be paid for by a loan. In the proposal, the district would like to hire back two crisis councilors that were furloughed in this year's budget. Those instructors will be paid by federal funding.  "These are all arguments that the union made, the public made, to not do that. To not get rid of counselors. We're desperately in need of them," said Rosemary Boland, President of the Scranton Federation of Teachers.  "We're not willing to make anymore cuts as far as the instructional program is concerned," said Superintendent, Dr. Alexis Kirijan. The district is looking for other ways to save money that are not in the proposal. Some ideas include, consolidating high school and have a four day school week. The board is expected to vote on the 2019 budget at their meeting on Wednesday. 
https://www.pahomepage.com/news/higher-taxes-in-scranton-school-district-s-2019-budget-proposal/1664044864

New academic accountability model affects Harrisburg School District
Penn Live By Jana Benscoter | jbenscoter@pennlive.com jbenscoter@pennlive.com Updated Dec 18, 5:55 PM; Posted Dec 18, 5:28 PM
Harrisburg’s Chief Academic Officer Jamie Foster said the district knows that it has its academic challenges, and a new federal accountability model is going to help them advance more educated learners. Five Harrisburg School District schools fall into one of two categories under the “Every Student Succeeds Act,” Foster said. Downey School, Rowland Academy and the John Harris Campus of Harrisburg High School are considered Comprehensive Support and Improvement Schools. And, Foose and Scott elementary schools are considered Additional Targeted Support and Improvement Schools. “Our school district is open for business,” Foster said. “Teachers are teaching, students are learning, principals are leading, administration is supporting. The district is working to help lifelong learners achieve their goals.” Comprehensive Support and Improvement schools identifies the lowest performing 5 percent of individual schools in the state, based on several measures, that receive federal Title I funds. It also applies to any high school, regardless of whether it receives federal funds, that graduates 67 percent or less of its senior class.
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2018/12/new-academic-accountability-model-affects-harrisburg-school-district.html

Dobbins preps students for careers, college
Philly Trib by Chanel Hill Tribune Staff Writer December 18, 2018
Career and technical education (CTE) programs, driven students, and supportive teachers and staff are all elements at the heart of the curriculum at the Murrell Dobbins CTE High School at 2150 W. Lehigh Ave. Dobbins offers its students a variety of CTE programs that range from barbering and business technology to commercial and advertising arts, cosmetology, culinary arts, fashion design and sports marketing. Upon completion of the program, students can earn certifications that are accepted in the professional world. The culinary arts program prepares students for promising careers in the restaurant and hospitality field. In October, four students from the program went overseas for 10 days through an exchange program with a culinary-focused high school in Florence, Italy. The trip was made possible through a partnership with Citizen Diplomacy International and with support from Wells Fargo, the Women’s Culinary Guild in Philadelphia, the Fund for the School District of Philadelphia, the Pennsylvania Restaurant and Lodging Association, the Career Through Culinary Arts Program and individual donors. “In addition to our students, 14 other students from Kensington Health Sciences, George Washington High and South Philadelphia High School also went on the trip, along with chaperones,” said African-American history teacher Ben Wilson. “During our time there, we stayed with host families, participated in three workshops, and traveled and explored Florence, Siena and Pisa in Italy.
http://www.phillytrib.com/the_learning_key/dobbins-preps-students-for-careers-college/article_8922a061-8dd6-52da-adcd-228226431b43.html

KIPP teacher wins national honor
Drawing on his own experience as a student, he tries to make sure that "every child, no matter who they are, feel that they are valued, affirmed, and challenged.”
The notebook by Naomi Elegant December 18 — 4:29 pm, 2018
When Jerriel Hall was in the eighth grade, his English Language Arts teacher told him and some of his classmates that they would never make it to high school, let alone college, because they were black. In that moment, thirteen–year–old Hall decided he would become a teacher. “That was when I decided that I didn’t want any other children, especially children of color, to hear those words.” Today, Hall has been a teacher for ten years and taught in Washington D.C. and Baltimore before coming to Philadelphia, where he works at KIPP West Philadelphia Preparatory School teaching science, English Language Arts, and writing to a homeroom class of 31 fifth graders. At the end of last month Hall received the National University System’s inaugural Sanford Teacher Award, which named him a top inspiring teacher in the state of Pennsylvania and awarded him a cash prize of $10,000. “We believe that often teachers are not recognized and are pretty much the unsung heroes within our educational system, and we want to continue honoring them,” said Sid Salazar, the senior director for the program.
https://thenotebook.org/articles/2018/12/18/kipp-teacher-wins-national-honor/

Parkland mass shooting survivor to speak at Penn State
Centre Daily Times BY SARAH RAFACZ DECEMBER 18, 2018 01:14 PM, UPDATED DECEMBER 18, 2018 01:14 PM
Penn State’s Student Programming Association announced Tuesday that David Hogg, co-founder of March For Our Lives, will speak at the university on Jan. 18. Hogg survived the mass shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida, on Feb. 14. A gunman killed 17 people in the massacre. March For Our Lives was created by two dozen students who survived the attack. They wanted to “ensure that what happened at their school never happens again,” according to the March For Our Lives website. Hogg was among those who spoke at the “March For Our Lives” rally in support of gun control in Washington, D.C., on March 24.
https://www.centredaily.com/news/local/education/penn-state/article223257670.html#navlink=Lead

There he goes ... School leaders say ‘Mr. Harriton’ title not gender inclusive
Inquirer by Kathy Boccella, Updated: 34 minutes ago
Kids at Harriton High School still talk about the night two years ago that one of the school’s biggest jocks stood up before hundreds of classmates in a leotard and 6-inch heels and danced like nobody was watching to the strains of Beyonce’s “All the Single Ladies.” To the majority of students in the affluent Lower Merion high school, that captured the essence of their annual “Mr. Harriton” competition – a wildly popular spoof of traditional beauty pageants in which boys sing, dance, and answer goofy questions, while raising more than $100,000 for local charity in recent years. But this year’s competition, slated for Feb. 22, is engulfed in an unlikely controversy that’s become the talk of Harriton’s roughly 1,200 students: A demand from school administrators that sponsors change the name because, they argue, the “Mr. Harriton” tag discourages girls from entering and is thus “exclusionary.” Even LGBTQ activits say administrators are going too far.
http://www.philly.com/news/lowermerion-harriton-pageant-gender-inclusive-20181218.html

Nation's Top Teachers Will Hold 'Teach In' at Child Detention Camp
Education Week By Madeline Will on December 17, 2018 4:38 PM
In February, educators will gather outside a massive detention camp for migrant children and stage a 24-hour "teach in."  The upcoming protest at the Tornillo, Texas detention camp is organized by Mandy Manning, the 2018 National Teacher of the Year, who teaches newly arrived refugee and immigrant students in Washington state. When she met President Donald Trump at the White House in a May ceremony, Manning gave him a stack of letters from her immigrant students. (She also wore buttons supporting women's rights, LGBTQ rights, and other political causes in a silent rebuke.)  Several other state teachers of the year are joining her in speaking out against the separation of families and child detention, Manning said. (One of those teachers is Ivonne Orozco, the 2018 New Mexico Teacher of the Year, who immigrated from Mexico as a child and then received protection by the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program.)  This spring, the Trump administration began enforcing a "zero tolerance" immigration policy, which led to about 3,000 children being separated from their parents or other adults who had accompanied them in crossing the border. Those children were detained in federal detention facilities. Trump reversed the policy in June after public outcry, and a federal judge ordered all separated children to be reunited with a parent. But the deadline for that order has long passed, and hundreds of those children still remain in federal custody. 
http://blogs.edweek.org/edweek/teacherbeat/2018/12/top_teachers_teach_in_child_detention_camp.html

Florida newspaper: ‘Rest in peace, public education’
Washington Post Answer Sheet Blog By Valerie Strauss December 18 at 7:00 AM
Florida newspapers have not been beating around the bush about where they think public education is headed in the Sunshine State under Republican Gov.-elect Ron DeSantis and the new education leadership team installed in the state capital. “Rest in peace, public education,” said a headline in the St. Augustine Record. DeSantis, a fervent supporter of President Trump and recipient of campaign donations from the family of U.S. Education Secretary Betsy DeVos, appointed Richard Corcoran, the former speaker of the Florida House, as state education secretary. On Monday, the Board of Education dutifully approved him. Corcoran is seen by advocates for public education as being hostile to traditional public schools, using his legislative perch to advance the interests of charter schools — one of which was started by his wife in Pasco County. He once called teacher unions “evil.” Corcoran is part of the school “reform” wing that includes DeVos and her ally, Jeb Bush (R), who was Florida’s governor from 1999 to 2007. He was a national pioneer in promoting the “school choice” movement that seeks to expand charter schools — which are publicly funded but privately operated — and programs that use public money to pay for private and religious education in schools. Bush retains some influence on education policy in Florida through his education foundation and connections to Republican legislators.
https://www.washingtonpost.com/education/2018/12/18/rest-peace-public-education-florida-newspaper/?utm_term=.7d4ac5f347a2

Testing Resistance & Reform News: December 12 - 18, 2018
Season's Greetings from FairTest!  To avoid interference with the year-end holidays that fall on Tuesdays, our next issues will be distributed on Wednesday, December 26, 2018 and Wednesday, January 2, 2019 If you have found these weekly compilations of news and information about the increasingly effective testing reform movement, please consider including FairTest in your year-end giving
https://www.fairtest.org/testing-resistance-reform-news-december-12-18-2018


Save the date: PSBA Advocacy Day at the Capitol in Harrisburg has been scheduled for Monday April 29, 2019

Pennsylvania schools work – for students, communities and the economy when adequate resources are available to give all students an equal opportunity to succeed.
Join A Movement that Supports our Schools & Communities
PA Schools Work website
Our students are in classrooms that are underfunded and overcrowded. Teachers are paying out of pocket and picking up the slack. And public education is suffering. Each child in Pennsylvania has a right to an excellent public education. Every child, regardless of zip code, deserves access to a full curriculum, art and music classes, technical opportunities and a safe, clean, stable environment. All children must be provided a level chance to succeed. PA Schools Work is fighting for equitable, adequate funding necessary to support educational excellence. Investing in public education excellence is the path to thriving communities, a stable economy and successful students.
http://paschoolswork.org/

Build on finance, policy, board culture skills at PSBA’s Applied School Director Training
Four convenient locations in December and January
Take the next step in your professional development with Applied School Director Training. Building upon topics broadly covered in New School Director Training, this new, interactive evening event asks district leaders to dive deeper into three areas of school governance: school finance, board policy and working collaboratively as a governance team. Prepare for future leadership positions and committee work in this workshop-style training led by experts and practitioners. Learn how to:
·         Evaluate key finance documents such as budget and audit materials
·         Review and analyze board policies and administrative regulations
·         Build positive board culture by developing strong collaboration skills
Locations and Dates:
Dec.11, 2018 — Seneca Valley SD
Dec. 12, 2018 — Selinsgrove, Selinsgrove Area Middle School
Jan. 10, 2019 — Bethlehem, Nitschmann Middle School
Jan. 17, 2019 — State College

Cost: This event is complimentary for All-Access members or $75 per person with standard membership and $150 per person for nonmembers. Register online by logging in to myPSBA.
https://www.psba.org/2018/11/applied-school-director-training-state-college/

PASBO is looking for leaders! The deadline for board seats is Dec 31st, 2018.
PASBO members who desire to seek election as Director or Vice President should send a letter of intent with a current resume and picture to the Immediate Past President Edward G. Poprik, PCSBO, who is chair of the PASBO Nominations and Elections Committee.
More info: https://www.pasbo.org/election

NSBA 2019 Advocacy Institute January 27-29 Washington Hilton, Washington D.C.
Register now
The upcoming midterm elections will usher in the 116th Congress at a critical time in public education. Join us at the 2019 NSBA Advocacy Institute for insight into what the new Congress will mean for your school district. And, of course, learn about techniques and tools to sharpen your advocacy skills, and prepare for effective meetings with your representatives. Save the date to join school board members from across the country on Capitol Hill to influence the new legislative agenda and shape the decisions made inside the Beltway that directly impact our students. For more information contact federaladvocacy@nsba.org

PSBA Board Presidents’ Panel
Nine locations around the state running Jan 29, 30 and 31st.
Share your leadership experience and learn from others in your area at this event designed for board presidents, superintendents and board members with interest in pursuing leadership roles. Workshop real solutions to the specific challenges you face with a PSBA-moderated panel of school leaders. Discussion will address the most pressing challenges facing PA public schools.
https://www.psba.org/2018/11/board-presidents-panel-2/

Annual PenSPRA Symposium set for March 28-29, 2019
Pennsylvania School Public Relations Association Website
Once again, PenSPRA will hold its annual symposium with nationally-recognized speakers on hot topics for school communicators. The symposium, held at the Conference Center at Shippensburg University, promises to provide time for collegial sharing and networking opportunities. Mark you calendars now!
We hope you can join us. Plans are underway, so check back for more information.
http://www.penspra.org/

2019 NSBA Annual Conference Philadelphia March 30 - April 1, 2019
Pennsylvania Convention Center 1101 Arch Street Philadelphia, PA 19107

Registration Questions or Assistance: 1-800-950-6722
The NSBA Annual Conference & Exposition is the one national event that brings together education leaders at a time when domestic policies and global trends are combining to shape the future of the students. Join us in Philadelphia for a robust offering of over 250 educational programs, including three inspirational general sessions that will give you new ideas and tools to help drive your district forward.
https://www.nsba.org/conference

Save the Date:  PARSS Annual Conference May 1-3, 2019
Wyndham Garden Hotel, Mountainview Country Club
Pennsylvania Association of Rural and Small Schools
https://www.parss.org/Annual_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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