Additional Resources
Tough times call for new strategies for bond campaigns
California’s Los Nietos School District did a lot of homework before placing its first-ever bond measure on the ballot in June.
T+L Conference offers insights and inspiration
The 2008 Technology + Learning Conference is full of inspiration and insights to help you learn new ways to use technology to engage students, connect with parents, use data to target instruction, and get up to speed on Web 2.0 and 21st century learning.
Funding cut for D.C. voucher program
The Senate Appropriations Committee unanimously approved a bill to cut funding for the Washington, D.C., school voucher program from the current level of $14.8 million to $14 million, rejecting President Bush’s proposal for $18 million.
McCain and Obama differ on vouchers, other education issues
While Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama announced a series of education proposals several months ago, Republican John McCain has offered more limited statements about education and plans to release more details this fall.
High fuel costs forcing districts to cut busing, conserve energy
In an era of soaring fuel prices, school districts across the nation are reducing bus routes, switching to four-day weeks, dropping activity buses, requiring longer walks to school, and doing whatever they can to cut costs.
Appeals court upholds right of district to maintain control of its website
The 4th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ruled in favor of a South Carolina school district in June, upholding the school board’s authority to maintain control over the information it provides to the public.
Federation Focus/The Southern Region-Several state associations grapple with vouchers and tax credits
In Louisiana, school board leaders are considering a legal challenge against a recently enacted voucher program for New Orleans. Florida school board members are engaged in a major battle to keep several far-reaching constitutional amendments off the ballot in November. And Georgia leaders are dealing with a tax credit program that supports vouchers just months after successfully killing a bill in the legislature.
New ‘civic index’ measures a community’s support for schools
School boards rank in the middle of a “civic index” created by the Public Education Network to measure public support for and involvement in public education. [Community Accountability for Quality Schools is available at www.publiceducation.org.]
Illinois’ Matteson district focuses on achievement and climate
Matteson Elementary School District 162 in Cook County, Ill., has done a remarkable job of raising student achievement, while at the same time implementing several character education initiatives aimed at improving the school climate.
Congress considers food allergy guidelines
School officials concerned with how to deal with the growing numbers of students with food allergies could get some help from legislation pending in Congress that would require the federal government to develop voluntary guidelines.
Executive Director’s Report: CUBE districts take on challenges of student achievement
What is a Rubik’s cube, and can you solve it as quickly as Will Smith did in the 2007 movie, “The Pursuit of Happyness”? That cube, a puzzle made up smaller cubes in six colors, is solved when each of the six sides is the same color. It’s infuriating because it’s really hard to get it right.
Guest Viewpoint: School facility planners need to think ‘green’
A decade ago green activists, tree huggers, and sustainability pundits stayed far away from those of us involved in developing buildings. Take a look around now and you’ll see we are all in the same boat. Many developers now are working on finding a solution to something we had dismissed as unworthy of our immediate attention.
Legal Ease: School Law Notes - Boards need to act now to reduce holiday headaches
As the holiday season approaches, school board members and administrators are often confronted with issues related to religion in the schools.
Fast Report
Senate considers funding for critical school needs
With congressional action on a supplemental appropriations bill delayed until September, school board members are encouraged to contact their senators and representatives during the August recess to urge them to support this measure, which contains critical funding for public schools.