Illinois school funding reform measure headed to governor

Illinois lawmakers approved a school funding reform measure, the first significant overhaul of the state’s system of funding public schools in decades. The legislation faces an uncertain future with the governor. Some lawmakers complained that the bill was changed in the House at the last minute to give additional money to Chicago schools. Read more>>

A judge has dismissed a lawsuit by a Gardendale resident challenging the additional property taxes levied by the city more than three years ago to raise money to create its own school system. The lawsuit alleges that a dual-taxation scheme violates a local constitutional amendment that prohibits simultaneous imposition of the county school tax up to the amount of any local district tax. Read more>>

Less than a week on the job, the new superintendent of Detroit Public Schools Community District is planning a "slight reorganization" that will include eliminating "duplicative" administrative positions and putting certified teachers in training jobs back into city classrooms. Read more>>

DA Special Report: TechXcellence

DA Schools of TechXcellence honorees demonstrate the impact of innovative technology in the classroom. Read how our Math and Makerspace honorees use technology to improve student outcomes. Read more>>

Districts with high childhood poverty rates can apply for a share of $35 million to help expand after-school programming. Nearly 50 high-needs school districts are eligible to partner with non-profit agencies to provide the after-school programs but will be required to continually assess operations. Read more>>

Baltimore city school administrators will layoff 115 people including 32 from district headquarters, 15 classroom teachers, 21 librarians or school counselors, and 24 assistant principals. District administrators have spent the last few months working to reduce widespread layoffs to balance a $1.31 billion budget for next year. Read more>>

Two New York legislators proposed a bill that would ban "lunch shaming," a practice in school cafeterias of punishing kids who have unpaid meal tabs. The bill was introduced to make up for the lack of a statewide policy for how districts handle free and reduced-price meal benefits. Read more>>

Abby Spegman

Districts faced with hard-to-fill vacancies—in math, science and bilingual education, among other subjects—look for candidates abroad, often with help from recruiting agencies. Read more>>

Austin area taxpayers might want to consider if money spent on advertising and a huge communications staff this is tax money well spent. Austin ISD’s marketing success claim hinges on basic math. However, that claim ignores one very large factor: the Texas city's growth rate accelerated during the time of the costly PR push. Read more>>

Some proposals for improving state standards may contain valid points. But the distressing theme seems to be simply lowering or eliminating any standard that creates a problem. That will make some parents happier and provide an illusion of success, but it won't produce as many students who are ready for college or demanding careers. Read more>>

Through a new partnership with Discovery Education, Deer Valley USD educators in the district's middle school and high school will be empowered with Discovery Education’s Science Techbooks and professional development to create science learning environments that are aligned the Arizona State Standards. Read more>>

NEC Display Solutions' newest commercial-grade display, the E651-T display, minimizes technology distractions, maximizes classroom time and learning, and reduces costs. The display’s anti-glare, tempered glass protects the display from damage and reduces incidental fingerprinting and glare. Read more>>

The new Ruckus Collection fosters engagement with seating that is stackable, lightweight, non-directional and perch-able for easy space adaptations and improved sight lines. Integrated back and arms also function and desking adjusts to create tiered learning environments or adapt to any user with a roller option for easy maneuverability. Read more>>

The school board named Trent North, the principal of Carrollton Middle School, as the Douglas County School System's new superintendent. He replaces Gordon Pritz, who is retiring after seven years as Douglas County superintendent and 40 years in education. Read more>>

The new superintendent of the Millstone Township K-8 School District will be one of the New Jersey district’s current administrators. Christopher Huss, principal of the Millstone Township Middle School, will succeed Scott Feder, who is leaving to become the superintendent of schools in the South Brunswick School District. Read more>>

Kevin Spiller will assume the role of superintendent for Thatcher USD, taking over for retiring Superintendent Paul Nelson. Spiller is coming from Seagraves, Texas, where he served as the superintendent for the Seagraves ISD for nine years. Read more>>