SCHOOL FUNDING

Jan 01 2025EDUCATION

What's Next for Kootenai County Schools?

As the new year begins, school leaders in Kootenai County are looking ahead to 2025 with a mix of excitement and challenges. The Coeur d'Alene School District has big plans to grow and improve. Superintendent Shon Hocker is energized by the potential of students and teachers. With help from state funds, the district plans to fix up schools and update teaching methods...

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Dec 17 2024POLITICS

Chicago's New School Board: A Fresh Start

In a recent turn of events, Mayor Brandon Johnson has made some new picks for the Chicago Board of Education. The mayor introduced a new leader, Sean Harden, for the 21-member team that will take their seats in January. Among the nine new appointees, three are fresh faces, while the rest include people who lost their bids for school board seats in the last election. ...

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Nov 26 2024EDUCATION

Providence School Takeover: What Happens Next?

Last week, Providence Mayor Brett Smiley and the Rhode Island Department of Education reached a deal in a long legal battle over school funding. They agreed to increase property taxes starting July 2025 to funnel more money into schools. So, what's next for the schools under state control? Two notable changes have happened since the takeover began five years ago. Fi...

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Nov 21 2024EDUCATION

The Importance of Arts in School: Why They Matter More Than Ever

Arts education in public schools is facing significant challenges, with potential cuts in funding and a shift in focus towards subjects like math, literacy, and science. But why should we care about arts education? The arts aren't just "nice-to-haves" but are essential for human expression, connection, and understanding. They help children process emotions and experi...

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Nov 17 2024EDUCATION

Why Special Ed Costs Are Catching Up with Schools

Public schools like Marblehead and Gloucester are facing a major challenge: the cost of special education is skyrocketing. This year, Marblehead spent $4. 4 million on special education outside their district, which is almost three times more than a decade ago. Gloucester’s costs have also shot up by over 20%, reaching $6. 5 million. Teachers in these districts are o...

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Nov 06 2024EDUCATION

Marblehead's Teacher Contract Tangle: A $5M Hurdle

In the town of Marblehead, Massachusetts, there's a big disagreement happening between the School Committee and the Marblehead Education Association (MEA). They're trying to figure out new contracts for teachers and staff, but they're stuck on a $5 million difference. The MEA thinks the schools need more money to give teachers and students what they deserve. They're ...

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Oct 10 2024EDUCATION

Why So Many Illinois Teachers Are Thinking of Quitting

You know something's wrong when nearly 6 out of 10 teachers in Illinois are thinking about leaving the profession. That's what a recent survey by the Illinois Education Association (IEA) found. They talked to 500 teachers and other education staff in June, and the results are worrying. It's not just about money, although that's a big part. Many teachers feel like the...

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Oct 07 2024POLITICS

Education in Texas: What’s at Stake in the 2024 Elections?

Texas voters have a lot to think about when it comes to education this election year. The COVID-19 pandemic left many students with learning gaps, and there are still concerns about teachers getting enough training before they hit the classroom. Since the Uvalde tragedy, schools are struggling to pay for security upgrades. Plus, there's a big debate going on about wh...

reading time about 2 minutes
Oct 06 2024EDUCATION

State Superintendent Pushes for Big Changes in Public Education Funding

Last Thursday, State Superintendent Dr. Jill Underly gave her fourth State of Education Address at the Wisconsin State Capitol. She focused on the need to invest more money into public education. She urged the state legislature to increase their support for special education costs. Currently, local school districts only get about a third of this cost reimbursed. Dr. ...

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Oct 04 2024EDUCATION

"How School Districts Are Spending Pandemic Funding"

ESSER III, a $122 billion funding boost to the previous ESSER I and II allocations of $68 billion, has been used by school districts across the country for various critical needs. Baltimore City Superintendent Dr. Sonja Santelises highlighted how her district invested in infrastructure projects like building bathrooms, expanding summer programs, and providing tutorin...

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