K-12 Education
News releases, reports, statements and associated documents from public policy organizations influencing the debate on education policy.
Featured Stories
SCUSD Announces First Day of the 2024-2025 School Year
SACRAMENTO, California, May 9 -- The Sacramento City Unified School District issued the following news release:
This afternoon, the State Board of Education (SBE) approved Sacramento City Unified School District's request for a waiver of the penalty for not providing the minimum number of instructional days and minutes during the 2021-2022 school year.
Approval of the waiver means we will be adding eight (8) instructional days to the 2024-2025 calendar and moving the first day of school to Monday, August 19, 2024.
Additionally, eight (8) days will be added to the beginning of the 2025-2026 school
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SACRAMENTO, California, May 9 -- The Sacramento City Unified School District issued the following news release:
This afternoon, the State Board of Education (SBE) approved Sacramento City Unified School District's request for a waiver of the penalty for not providing the minimum number of instructional days and minutes during the 2021-2022 school year.
Approval of the waiver means we will be adding eight (8) instructional days to the 2024-2025 calendar and moving the first day of school to Monday, August 19, 2024.
Additionally, eight (8) days will be added to the beginning of the 2025-2026 schoolcalendar.
This learning recovery plan, which was created in collaboration with the Sacramento City Teachers Association (SCTA), represents a unique opportunity for us to offer more classroom time to meet the academic, social, and emotional learning needs of students. It also enables the district to reinvest approximately $39 million in funding to support teaching and learning that would have otherwise been returned to the state.
"We are pleased that the State Board of Education approved our District's plan to invest in additional days of instruction that our students deserve," said Board of Education President, Lavinia Phillips. "We appreciate the collaboration with our labor partners and the thoughtful consideration of the State Board of Education that has resulted in this waiver."
"At Sac City Unified we believe that every day counts, and this plan to add eight extra days of school demonstrates our commitment to that belief," said Lisa Allen, Superintendent, SCUSD. "We look forward to supporting our students' well-being with this incredible opportunity to learn and socialize in our schools," said Superintendent Lisa Allen.
Learn more about our learning recovery plan (https://www.scusd.edu/added-instruction-days).
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Original text here: https://www.scusd.edu/press-release/scusd-announces-first-day-2024-2025-school-year
M-DCPS Launches New Program Aimed at Stopping Reckless Driving, Increasing Safety Around School Buses Starting Today, Drivers Who Illegally Pass a Stopped School Bus Will Receive a $200 Fine
MIAMI, Florida, May 9 -- Miami-Dade County Public Schools issued the following news release on May 8, 2024:
Miami-Dade County Public Schools (M-DCPS) and Miami-Dade County Police, in partnership with BusPatrol America, today began enforcing South Florida's first and largest school bus stop-arm camera enforcement program in the nation. All 1,000 school buses are equipped with cameras designed to protect students by catching drivers who illegally pass stopped school buses.
Today marks the end of a 30-day warning period during which 10,000 warning letters were mailed to violators who drove past
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MIAMI, Florida, May 9 -- Miami-Dade County Public Schools issued the following news release on May 8, 2024:
Miami-Dade County Public Schools (M-DCPS) and Miami-Dade County Police, in partnership with BusPatrol America, today began enforcing South Florida's first and largest school bus stop-arm camera enforcement program in the nation. All 1,000 school buses are equipped with cameras designed to protect students by catching drivers who illegally pass stopped school buses.
Today marks the end of a 30-day warning period during which 10,000 warning letters were mailed to violators who drove pasta stopped school bus. Now, motorists, who drive past a stopped M-DCPS school bus, will receive a $200 fine in the mail.
"The purpose of this campaign was to ensure all drivers understand the seriousness of abiding by the law, as it is imperative to do so for the safety of our students," said M-DCPS Chief Operating Officer Luis E. Diaz.
BusPatrol installed $10 million worth of high-powered, high-resolution cameras and AI technology on the District's 1,000 school buses. The cameras, installed on the school bus's stop arms, are triggered automatically when the sign is deployed and the bus is fully stopped. These devices detect movement on the left side of the bus and capture the license plate of any vehicle that passes illegally. The cameras can read up to eight lanes of traffic.
Steve Randazzo, Chief Growth Officer for BusPatrol America explained how all M-DCPS school buses are equipped with AI technology.
"Our AI engine, we call her 'Ava,' and what she does is when the school bus stop (arm) comes out and the red light starts flashing that's when Ava is able to automatically detect anyone who pass the school bus illegally. That video evidence package then gets transmitted to law enforcement for review," said Randazzo.
Additionally, the buses have also received interior cameras to safeguard students and bus drivers against incidents that happen inside the bus.
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Original text here: https://news.dadeschools.net/cmnc/new/34045
FCS Board Bulletin for May 8, 2024
ATLANTA, Georgia, May 9 -- Fulton County Schools issued the following news on May 8, 2024:
The Fulton County Board of Education (FCBOE) met on Tuesday, May 7, 2024, for its regularly scheduled Board meeting at the North Learning Center. The full agenda is available online (https://go.boarddocs.com/ga/fcss/Board.nsf/Public). All items approved are available via BoardDocs (https://go.boarddocs.com/ga/fcss/Board.nsf/Public). Meetings are streamed live on the FCS district homepage (https://www.fultonschools.org/). Recordings will be available within 48 hours (https://www.fultonschools.org/boardvideos).
Superintendent's
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ATLANTA, Georgia, May 9 -- Fulton County Schools issued the following news on May 8, 2024:
The Fulton County Board of Education (FCBOE) met on Tuesday, May 7, 2024, for its regularly scheduled Board meeting at the North Learning Center. The full agenda is available online (https://go.boarddocs.com/ga/fcss/Board.nsf/Public). All items approved are available via BoardDocs (https://go.boarddocs.com/ga/fcss/Board.nsf/Public). Meetings are streamed live on the FCS district homepage (https://www.fultonschools.org/). Recordings will be available within 48 hours (https://www.fultonschools.org/boardvideos).
Superintendent'sReport
In his report, Dr. Mike Looney highlighted several special recognitions happening in the month of May, noting that May 6-10 is Teacher Appreciation Week, May 8 is School Nurses Day, and May 6 was Holocaust Remembrance Day. May is also Mental Health Awareness Month.
Chief Academic Officer Brannon Gaskins then proudly announced that Fulton County Schools (FCS) had five of the Top 30 high schools listed in the U.S. News & World Report Best High Schools rankings, the most of any district in the state. The list ranked 18,000 high schools throughout the country. Congratulations to Northview, Chattahoochee, Johns Creek, Milton, Alpharetta and Cambridge high schools. Click here (https://go.boarddocs.com/ga/fcss/Board.nsf/files/D52UXM748675/$file/US%20News%20top%2030%20FCS.pdf) for each school's rankings.
Division Update: Information Technology
The Information Technology (IT) division strives to facilitate student achievement and business processes by integrating safe, supported, and effective technology solutions. Chief Information Technology Officer Dr. Emily Ramsey kicked off the presentation by outlining the four consistent practices across all work-streams, which include delivering excellent customer service, building individual and project capacity, and planning for succession. During the presentation, Dr. Ramsey reviewed the three major areas of the IT division, its accomplishments and challenges. Accountability and District Applications provides a comprehensive support system for data and applications and includes six different departments. Infrastructure and Operations provides network connectivity, security, and support for staff and students and includes four departments.
Program Management provides a standard framework and resources for business analysis, project management, and process management and includes three departments.
Deputy Chief Information Technology Officer Kenya Williams continued the presentation highlighting these three major areas. Accountability and District Applications team members work to implement and support applications, and most have more than 90,000 end users logging into the applications to satisfy work or school objectives. A specific point of pride is the Balanced Score Card, a publicly accessible data dashboard which includes over 400 different data visualizations. Team members work to provide access for more than 100,000 devices centrally managed, allowing the team to push updates and security measures with little or no interruption to productivity and instruction. All these devices and equipment experience 99% network uptime due to IT team vigilance and engineering. The team, along with over 250 full-time and contracted IT staff, respond and resolve the more than 12,000 service desk calls and over 130,000 support desk tickets received this year.
IT Program Management develops strategic, standardized planning for technology-related Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax (SPLOST) initiatives, project and process management support, and maintenance of technology standards. As with all facets of Information Technology, the division also experiences many challenges including increased cyber threats. The Information Security team has been charged with executing a comprehensive security plan. Another major component of the team is device management. IT is challenged with supplying safe, ready devices to students and staff while dealing with extremely high damage and lost device rates. To mitigate this issue, the IT division is partnering with schools to include regular device checks and create a safe device campaign to educate students and their families regarding device safety and required fines. Ms. Williams also spoke about IT staffing, which she says represents a challenge due to stiff competition for skilled IT staff in the metro Atlanta area. IT is partnering with the Human Resources division to mitigate these staffing challenges. Another concern is the increased 24/7 dependency on the network. Schools and district departments constantly use the system even during holidays and breaks. Therefore, the team must create 24/7 monitoring systems to ensure uptime and timely resolution of end-user issues.
Dr. Ramsey then discussed Atlas, the branding given to the new business solutions launched in January 2022, presenting a five-year view of the Atlas financial investment. The district is currently in Option Year 3. Total spending for the current year is approximately $5 million. She noted that during the meeting, the Board will have the opportunity to approve the final Option Year 4 for next year in the amount of $6.6 million for fiscal year 2024-2025.
Dr. Ramsey concluded the presentation by thanking IT staff members for their diligent work, while also thanking the Board and executive leadership for their support. Finally, she recognized the taxpayers of Fulton County for voting for SPLOST, which primarily funds FCS' technology initiatives and positions the district to deliver future-ready hardware, platforms, and solutions for the benefit of all staff and students in Fulton County Schools. See the full presentation here (https://go.boarddocs.com/ga/fcss/Board.nsf/files/D4UNCS5F12F9/$file/SY24%20IT%20Division%20BMOP%202024.04.25v.3.pdf).
FY2025 Proposed Tentative Budgets, Tentative Millage Rate
Prior to the adoption of the final budgets in June, FCS held the first of two public hearings to solicit stakeholder input on the FY2025 proposed budgets. The budget details are available on our website at fultonschools.org/budgetservices. The second public hearing will be held on May 15. On that day, the superintendent will be prepared to present a tentative budget and tentative millage rate for adoption. The FY2025 Superintendent's Comprehensive General Fund budget includes a Maintenance and Operations (M&O) tentative millage rate of 17.13 for the 2024 property tax year, which is a reduction from last year's millage rate. The final millage rate adoption will depend on the availability of the tax digest.
2024-25 Community Meetings with Board Members
Each member of the Fulton County Board of Education sponsors a monthly meeting open to all members of the community. The sessions provide an opportunity for direct contact with community members and give Board members a chance to listen to local issues and concerns. Click here to see the meeting schedules of all Board members.
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Original text here: https://www.fultonschools.org/Page/28546
Dayton Public Schools: COVID-Relief Spending Report - April 2024
DAYTON, Ohio, May 9 (TNSres) -- Dayton Public Schools issued the following news release:
Over the last few years, the Dayton Public School District has received COVID-relief funds from the federal government. These funds, often referred to as "ESSER" funds (Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief) or "ARP" funds (American Rescue Plan), have been used to keep students and staff safe during the pandemic, and to help students catch up academically after a period of disrupted learning in 2020 and 2021. There were several rounds of funding for K12 schools, denoted by ESSER I, II or III.
To
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DAYTON, Ohio, May 9 (TNSres) -- Dayton Public Schools issued the following news release:
Over the last few years, the Dayton Public School District has received COVID-relief funds from the federal government. These funds, often referred to as "ESSER" funds (Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief) or "ARP" funds (American Rescue Plan), have been used to keep students and staff safe during the pandemic, and to help students catch up academically after a period of disrupted learning in 2020 and 2021. There were several rounds of funding for K12 schools, denoted by ESSER I, II or III.
Tokeep the community informed about the district's ongoing use of COVID-relief funds, regular reports will be shared on the district's website throughout the lifetime of the funds. ESSER I funds expired in September of 2022. ESSER II funds expired in September of 2023. ESSER III funds will expire in September of 2024.
In April 2024, the district expended the following:
ESSER III - $6,579,161
These funds went toward salaries and benefits for co-teachers, SROs, paraprofessionals, custodians, nurses, and bus drivers. Funds also went toward purchasing Greater Dayton RTA bus passes, Dayton Children's Hospital (for Student Resiliency Coordinators/Student Behavior Therapists), renovation of the District's transportation center, and the items listed below:
Did You Know Publishing - Customized Professional Learning to support DPS's Resident Educators, which includes materials, access to portal, and assessments.
HVAC expenses - Louise Troy, Rosa Parks, and the Service Building.
School Specialty LLC and Lakeshore Learning - Art supplies for Roosevelt Elementary and Valerie Elementary, and cubby storage for River's Edge Montessori and Charity Adams Earley Girls Academy.
Montessori Outlet - Specialized Montessori equipment for new classroom set up at the International School.
Taylor Music - Instruments for middle and high schools.
Superior Cheer - Thurgood Marshall STEM High School band warm-up uniforms.
Damand Promotions - Books for parents of new Kindergarteners.
Another COVID-relief spending update will be published next month. Read more about the district's Recovery Plan here (https://www.dps.k12.oh.us/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/DPS-ARP-ESSER-Local-Recovery-and-Extended-Learning-Plan-2021-2023.pdf).
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Original text here: https://www.dps.k12.oh.us/news/covid-relief-spending-report-april-2024/#
National Alliance for Public Charter Schools Names Starlee Coleman as President and CEO
WASHINGTON, May 8 -- The National Alliance for Public Charter Schools issued the following news release:
The Board of Directors of the National Alliance for Public Charter Schools has selected Starlee Coleman to be the organization's next president and chief executive officer. Coleman is currently CEO of the Texas Public Charter Schools Association (TPCSA). She brings more than two decades of experience in state and federal politics, advocacy and communications to her new role.
During six years as leader of one of the country's largest and most effective state-level charter school advocacy organizations,
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WASHINGTON, May 8 -- The National Alliance for Public Charter Schools issued the following news release:
The Board of Directors of the National Alliance for Public Charter Schools has selected Starlee Coleman to be the organization's next president and chief executive officer. Coleman is currently CEO of the Texas Public Charter Schools Association (TPCSA). She brings more than two decades of experience in state and federal politics, advocacy and communications to her new role.
During six years as leader of one of the country's largest and most effective state-level charter school advocacy organizations,Coleman has developed TPCSA into a trusted and influential voice in policymaking. Under her leadership, TPCSA worked to pass 10 new laws benefiting Texas charter schools and reform or repeal more than 100 state regulations. During this time, charter school supporters won 80% of the state elections in which they engaged.
"Starlee brings a bold vision and strong strategic leadership to advance our nation's diverse and growing charter school movement at a critical moment in public education," National Alliance Board Chair Rick Cruz said. "Her record of success and her dedication to equity and access to excellent public schools for all children will drive the National Alliance's mission forward and empower and support our allies in states, cities, suburbs and rural communities."
In 2024, the National Alliance marks 20 years as the voice and hub of the public charter school movement. Nearly four million students attend charter schools today, and 10 million more students are charter school alumni. At the National Alliance, Coleman will advance a strategy that focuses on enabling high-quality growth of the charter sector, securing equitable public funding, guaranteeing access to facilities, and promoting operational freedom and innovation.
"Starlee's considerable and varied experience, at the state and federal levels, has been ideal preparation for becoming America's leading charter school advocate," said Derrell Bradford, a National Alliance board member and president of 50CAN: The 50-State Campaign for Achievement Now. "Starlee can play all the roles the job requires - champion, campaign manager, spokesperson, myth-buster, fundraiser, fighter for excellence and coalition-builder. We're extremely excited to have her in the role."
Coleman succeeds Nina Rees, who stepped down in December after 11 years. The national search that led to Coleman's appointment screened nearly 200 candidates representing the multi-dimensional diversity of America's charter school sector.
"I am honored to lead the National Alliance for Public Charter Schools and to work alongside our dedicated team and partners to ensure every child has access to an excellent public education," Coleman said. "I look forward to building on the Alliance's legacy of advocacy and collaboration, and to elevating the voices of the students, educators and families who choose charter schools."
Coleman's advocacy and communications career spans K-12 education, health care and patients' rights, international trade and manufacturing, and community development, including a prior stint at the National Alliance. Before joining TPCSA, she led a national campaign to give terminally ill patients the right to pursue medical treatments still in clinical trials. Ultimately, "Right to Try" laws passed with bipartisan support in 43 states and at the federal level in just four years.
Coleman will assume her new role in August.
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Original text here: https://publiccharters.org/news/starlee-coleman-named-as-president-and-ceo/
[Category: Education]
CPS Celebrates Vals, Sals and Other Outstanding Scholars at Board of Education Meeting
CINCINNATI, Ohio, May 8 -- Cincinnati Public Schools issued the following news:
In a heartwarming ceremony during the Cincinnati Public Schools (CPS) Board of Education Meeting on May 6, the district celebrated the exceptional academic achievements of its valedictorians, salutatorians and other exceptional student achievers. Board President Eve Bolton, Board Vice President Mary Wineberg, Superintendent Iranetta Wright, Treasurer Jen Wagner and other board members congratulated the students and their achievements. Ohio State Representatives Sedrick Denson and Dani Isaacsohn also joined to congratulate
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CINCINNATI, Ohio, May 8 -- Cincinnati Public Schools issued the following news:
In a heartwarming ceremony during the Cincinnati Public Schools (CPS) Board of Education Meeting on May 6, the district celebrated the exceptional academic achievements of its valedictorians, salutatorians and other exceptional student achievers. Board President Eve Bolton, Board Vice President Mary Wineberg, Superintendent Iranetta Wright, Treasurer Jen Wagner and other board members congratulated the students and their achievements. Ohio State Representatives Sedrick Denson and Dani Isaacsohn also joined to congratulateand present awards to the scholars.
Amid a backdrop of applause and beaming smiles, each valedictorian and salutatorian was individually recognized and called onstage by their respective principals. Board members, state representatives and district leaders joined in offering warm congratulations, capturing memorable photographs and applauding the students for their exceptional academic performances. This celebration not only honored the hard work and dedication of the students, but also underscored CPS' commitment to nurturing excellence and success within the district
See the full list of valedictorians, salutatorians and other notable scholars below:
Aiken High School
* Tia Baker - Valedictorian
* Aldo Espinoza - Salutatorian
Clark Montessori High School
* Natalie Huston - Valedictorian
* Anna Harris - Valedictorian
* Silas Curry - Salutatorian
* E'nyjah Winston - Salutatorian
* Mariella Wilson-Woodrow - Salutatorian
Gilbert A. Dater High School
* Vilma Lopez Villagrez - Valedictorian
* Tyler-James Akeem Matchen - Salutatorian
Hughes STEM High School
* Nora Khatir - Valedictorian
* Juan Torres - Salutatorian
James N. Gamble Montessori High School
* Jeriyah Clark - Valedictorian
* Saddia Kendrick - Salutatorian
Lighthouse School
* La'Quez Harris - Lighthouse Student Achievement Recipient
Oyler School
* Patience Waller - Valedictorian
* Angel Jones - Salutatorian
Riverview East Academy
* Gabrielle Jackson - Valedictorian
* Zamir Frazier - Salutatorian
Robert A. Taft Information Technology High School
* JaKayla Nyshon Watson - Valedictorian
* Carma Me'Amor Hutchins - Salutatorian
School for Creative and Performing Arts
* Maeve Lewis - Valedictorian
* Karma Fecher - Salutatorian
Shroder High School
* Tanri Pierson - Valedictorian
* Harlem Roland - Salutatorian
Spencer Center
* Mary Schlosser - Marian Spencer Award Recipient
* Lloyd Par - First in Class
* Sebastian Gorman - Second in Class
Walnut Hills High School
* Logan Symson - Distinguished Scholar
* William Walker - Cum Laude Scholar
Western Hills University High School
* Nency Patel - Valedictorian
* Agnes Karumba - Salutatorian
Withrow University High School
* Nikita Minhas - Valedictorian
* Yair DeLeon Aguilar - Salutatorian
Woodward Career Technical High School
* Neveah Wesley - Valedictorian
* Nyah Stone - Salutatorian
* Idalee Santizo-Perez - Salutatorian
* Christopher Shockley- Salutatorian
Congratulations to all the valedictorians and salutatorians on this momentous achievement in their educational journey!
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Original text here: https://www.cps-k12.org/site/default.aspx?PageType=3&DomainID=154&ModuleInstanceID=3150&ViewID=6446EE88-D30C-497E-9316-3F8874B3E108&RenderLoc=0&FlexDataID=7572&PageID=708
M-DCPS Releases Renderings of J.C. Bermudez Doral High School's New Building and Renovations
MIAMI, Florida, May 4 -- Miami-Dade County Public Schools issued the following news release:
School Board members, District and school administrators, teachers and students at J.C. Bermudez Senior High School attended an unveiling of four architectural illustrations of the school's new building and renovations. The General Obligation Bond project, estimated to cost $35.7 million, is expected to be completed in September of 2025.
"Miami-Dade County Public Schools is your best choice with the investment that's been made by our district, and by our School Board to make sure that these students have
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MIAMI, Florida, May 4 -- Miami-Dade County Public Schools issued the following news release:
School Board members, District and school administrators, teachers and students at J.C. Bermudez Senior High School attended an unveiling of four architectural illustrations of the school's new building and renovations. The General Obligation Bond project, estimated to cost $35.7 million, is expected to be completed in September of 2025.
"Miami-Dade County Public Schools is your best choice with the investment that's been made by our district, and by our School Board to make sure that these students havefirst class facilities," said J.C. Bermudez Senior High School Principal Edward Smith. "We're getting a new gym, a little theater, and new science class and labs. It's quite a project."
School Board Chair Mari Tere Rojas, School Board Member Danny Espino, Deputy Superintendent and Chief Operating Officer John D. Pace as well as Doral Mayor Chrsti Fraga were among those who attended the event held at the school's auditorium.
Silva Arhchitects, commissioned to work on the project, created the visuals, the four renderings plus a video of a computerized flyover so that students and staff could see how the school would look when the project is finished. The auditorium filled with students erupted with applause when the flyover video ended and the renderings were shown.
"It's going to be cool for the younger kids. With the basketball court and the new gym it's going to be awesome, " said Logan Malloney ,an 11th grader at the school.
The project will feature the construction of a new 69,000 sq. ft. building, walkways, a courtyard, additional parking spaces as well as remodeling and renovations of existing buildings.
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Original text here: https://news.dadeschools.net/cmnc/new/34039
