What does the federal stimulus package mean for schools?
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Pennsylvania's school districts can
stay on course toward improving their schools while relieving pressure on local
property taxes, thanks to the federal stimulus package.
Passage
of the fast-moving federal stimulus bill on February 10, 2009 generated much
discussion about its permissible uses - particularly that aspect of the
education fund earmarked for "state fiscal stabilization." While many
states will be using it to plug deficits in their education budgets, the
Rendell administration this week announced that it will use it to keep
schools on track to meeting their adequacy targets under the new school
funding formula adopted July 2008. ... MORE
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Special education advocates rally for reforms, support
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When Pennsylvania's new system of financing basic education was introduced last year, Gov. Rendell and the General Assembly chose not to include the special education in those landmark funding reforms. Now there is an opportunity for Pennsylvania to improve upon the progress it made last year. More than 35 organizations - including Good Schools Pennsylvania - have formed a coalition in support of special education funding reform. They are advocating that closing adequacy gaps and improving educational opportunities is critically important, but the reforms are incomplete unless they are extended to all students, including those who require special education. Pennsylvania's current system of funding special education also has unintended consequences on the viability of our communities. Unless the state establishes and meets funding targets for special education as it is doing for basic education costs, local communities will have no choice but to be overly reliant on local property taxes. Clearly, the quality of our schools and the quality of our communities are inextricably linked. Click here to join the coalition and to find out how you can take action. |
Advocacy in action: Monroe Community 4 Change
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It all started with an idea, some initiative and a little
inspiration. When Francesca Tuturro, a resident of Stroudsburg, was working as
a volunteer community organizer for Barack Obama's presidential campaign, she
heard a common theme as she knocked on doors and listened as citizens expressed
their concerns: That access to a quality public education is vital to the
success of students, the depth of the region's workforce and the viability of
communities in Monroe County. Once the election was finished and won, Tuturro
reached out to fellow campaign veterans in Monroe County with the idea that
through grassroots organizing, real change for education and other important
issues could be achieved. Monroe Community 4 Change was born.
"Monroe Community 4 Change welcomes citizens who,
through local and state reforms, want to improve their community and
region," said Tuturro. "In essence, we are a multi-issue group and a support
system for those who want to make a difference but don't think they can do it
alone. It turns out they're not alone because we all want change and we're all
working together to achieve it." ... MORE |
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Good Schools Pennsylvania |
Good Schools Pennsylvania is a statewide network of citizens who are informed and mobilized in support of public education. We believe we can improve our schools when we join together in calling for adequate funds that are equitably distributed, proven educational practices to meet a standard of excellence, and effective accountability measures. Visit our website. |
