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A new report from EdTrust highlights shortcomings in state accountability systems under the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA), which aimed to improve support for low-performing schools. The report reveals that while states have adapted their accountability frameworks, they often fail to equitably address performance disparities among student groups, particularly students of color and those with disabilities. Only 11 states include performance data for individual student groups in their ratings, and no states have established rigorous exit criteria for schools identified as needing improvement. The report calls for more robust monitoring and support for struggling schools to enhance educational equity and outcomes. Additionally, it stresses the need for states to use better measures of academic growth and set lower thresholds for including specific student populations in accountability assessments to ensure fair evaluations.

 

Education Week News

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In 2023, the Florida Legislature voted to make school board elections partisan, reversing a 1998 decision where over 64% of voters supported nonpartisan elections. The Coalition for Quality Public Education (C4QPE) argues that this shift could lead to political cronyism and voter suppression, particularly affecting the 67,523 voters with No Political Affiliation (NPA) in Collier County. Bill Korson, a former educator and C4QPE officer, emphasizes that “public education is for all of the people,” urging the defeat of Amendment 1 to protect the integrity of school board elections. With a budget of $1.65bn, the influence of politicians in education raises significant concerns.

 

News-Press.com

Naplesnews

Hurricane Helene has caused significant damage to two schools in Pinellas County, leading to their closure for several months. Superintendent Kevin Hendrick stated: “Two of our schools suffered severe damages,” during a press briefing. Students from Madeira Beach Fundamental K-8 and Gulf Beaches Elementary will have Monday and Tuesday off while alternative plans are made. Starting Wednesday, nearly 1,400 students from Madeira Beach will be split between Walsingham Elementary and Osceola Fundamental High, with modified double sessions to accommodate the influx. Gulf Beaches Elementary students will attend Disston Academy, while Disston students will move to Lealman Innovation Academy. Child care services will be provided for affected families. Hendrick noted that the damage was unprecedented, with water rising three to four feet inside classrooms. “Of course I'm concerned. But it's temporary,” he added, emphasizing the need for patience during this challenging time.

 

Tampa Bay Times

In the wake of Hurricane Helene, Gulf High School's cafeteria transformed into a donation center, filled with clothing and supplies for affected families. Diana Krupyak, the student government advisor, spearheaded the initiative, stating: “We are trying to establish some normalcy for them.” Students like Krish Patel and Ardita Palevic joined in, motivated by the devastation faced by their friends. The event attracted community members, including Rafael Leon, who provided free gourmet cinnamon buns to volunteers. Principal Jeff Morgenstein praised the overwhelming support, saying: “Never did we dream that we would have this kind of outpouring.” Gulf High plans to distribute remaining items to other local schools for continued relief efforts.

 

Tampa Bay Times

Hillsborough County voters are urged to approve a supplemental tax to enhance teacher pay, crucial for retaining quality educators in Florida's third-largest school system. The proposed property tax increase, costing $1 per $1,000 in taxable property value, aims to generate approximately $177m annually. Of this, about $150m will directly support teacher salaries, providing $6,000 supplements for teachers and administrators, and $3,000 for support staff. The tax, which will last for four years, is essential for Hillsborough to compete with neighboring counties that already levy similar taxes. The Tampa Bay Times emphasizes: "Investing in education is one of the best investments any community can make," recommending a Yes vote on Hillsborough County Referendum No. 2.

 

Tampa Bay Times

During a recent Miami-Dade County School Board Meeting, school board member Mary Blanco proposed the establishment of a George T. Baker Aviation and Aerospace Technical College South Dade Campus at Miami Executive Airport. This initiative aims to address the aviation industry's significant worker shortage, particularly the need for 10,000 aircraft mechanics annually, with a current shortfall of about 30%. The proposal includes exploring partnerships with Opa-locka Airport and seeking funding through public and private sources. Blanco emphasized: “Given that Miami-Dade County is considered a hotspot for jobs in the fast-growing aviation industry, I bring this proposal in an effort to explore ways to increase our local talent pool.” The initiative aligns with Miami-Dade County Public Schools' commitment to enhancing career and technical education opportunities. An update on this proposal will be provided at the upcoming committee meeting in December.

 

Miami's Community Newspapers

Web Hutchins, a former Civic Educator of the Year, emphasizes the importance of voter registration and get-out-the-vote drives in schools to enhance civic engagement among students. He argues that “if people don't make voting a practice, democracy drowns,” highlighting the urgency as election deadlines approach. With 20m students in grades 6-12, there is a significant opportunity to increase voter participation, especially in swing states. Hutchins notes that many students feel unprepared for voting, with a 2023 Harvard Youth Poll revealing that only 7% believe democracy is “healthy.” He advocates for classroom initiatives that not only educate students about voting but also connect them with their communities, fostering hope and engagement. The benefits of these drives extend beyond civic education, helping to combat the youth mental health crisis by providing meaningful connections. Hutchins encourages educators to integrate these activities into their curriculum, stating that “nothing beat the voter drives for impact.”

 

Education Week News

In August, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) took significant steps to safeguard public health by halting the sale of a harmful pesticide linked to severe fetal damage. With over 1bn pounds of pesticides used annually in the U.S., many are sprayed near schools, exposing children to potential health risks. Ling Tan, a Maryland resident, expressed her concerns about her children's exposure to pesticides, stating: “It's really frustrating because as parents, we think that the federal government is not looking out for us.” The Environmental Working Group (EWG) found over 4,000 elementary schools within 200 feet of crop fields where pesticides are applied, raising alarms about children's safety. While some states have regulations, there are no federal laws governing pesticide use near schools, leaving many communities vulnerable. Parents like Tan are advocating for change, pushing for local bans to protect their children.

 

The Baltimore Sun

In a recent ruling, U.S. District Judge Allen Winsor granted the Escambia County School Board members protection from testifying in a case concerning the removal of the children's book “And Tango Makes Three” from school libraries. The judge cited “legislative privilege,” stating that the board's decision was a policy matter affecting all students, not just the plaintiffs. Winsor noted: “The board voted after hearing public input on a controversial issue about what types of books should be available to public school children.” The authors of the book, Peter Parnell and Justin Richardson, along with a student identified as B.G., are challenging the removal, claiming it was targeted due to its depiction of same-sex parents. The case is part of a broader controversy in Florida regarding book access in schools.

 

Pensacola News Journal

The Volusia County School Board has unanimously ratified a collective bargaining agreement with the Volusia United Educators union, enhancing compensation for instructional and support staff. The agreement includes an increase in monthly health insurance contributions from $565 to $605, representing a $3.5m investment from the district. Board member Anita Burnette emphasized the significance of this investment, stating: “That was an investment that everybody here wanted to make sure we took care of people.” Additionally, a salary package totaling $7.7m will provide base salary increases ranging from $531 to $1,460 for 196-day employees, along with 3% increases in activity and advanced-degree supplements. Instructional educators will see their base pay increase on Oct. 15, with retroactive payments on Oct. 31. Chair Jamie Haynes noted that a 1% salary increase now costs the district nearly $4m.

 

Daytona Beach News Journal

At the recent Association of School Business Officials International annual conference, Moore Public Schools administrators shared crucial lessons learned from the devastating tornado that struck their district in 2013. Superintendent Robert Romines recounted the rapid response needed as a tornado warning was issued just minutes before the storm damaged multiple schools, tragically claiming the lives of seven students. Panel discussions emphasized the importance of having clear reunification plans, backup systems, and mental health resources in place. Officials, including Deputy Superintendent Michelle McNear, highlighted the need for immediate counseling services for both students and staff following crises. The district has since constructed storm shelters for all buildings and is committed to honoring the memory of the lost students through memorial efforts. The experiences shared serve as vital reminders for school districts to be prepared and resilient in the face of emergencies.

 

K-12 Dive