Archive | August, 2009
Education news for August 31

Education news for August 31

And so it begins: School-funding issue back in court 30 years after landmark case
Everybody hurts: Budgets pinch schools, students
FYI: Teacher contract talks stall in several school districts
OK, go: Race to the Top’ grant worth pursuing
Battle for bucks: Who speaks best for Matthew?

A Day in Olympia

A Day in Olympia

Yesterday, I went down to the QEC meeting along with fellow LEV staff and had the opportunity to sit in on the council meeting. I had never been to anything like this before, let alone to the capitol!  I had a great time watching our education leaders discuss the future of 2261. I even got [...]

Education news for August 28

Education news for August 28

Change up: New ag program offers students more flexibility
Congrats: Tacoma school superintendent receives honor
Starting strong: Kindergarten transition program a positive first step

LIVE BLOG: QEC

LIVE BLOG: QEC

2:10pm-2:15pm
Transition to the New Funding Formula Structure – Cal Brodie
>>Sen. Zarelli said this needs to include a revamp of the accounting system, so we know what each dollar buys.<<
2:15pm-2:30pm
Public Comment
David Spring, parent from North Bend – Stressed urgency to find funding solution, implement reforms; tax reform is necessary, has solution for consideration
Tim Knue, Association for [...]

LIVE BLOG: QEC

LIVE BLOG: QEC

12:30pm-1:20pm
Discussion Related to Prototypical Elements – Jennifer Priddy
>>Ms. Ryan asked about system costs not incurred by schools or districts (State Board of Education, etc) and how they fit into the model; QEC should look at that.
>>Rep. Priest asked about transparency and if the Funding Formula Technical Working Group understands the importance of it. At last [...]

LIVE BLOG: QEC

LIVE BLOG: QEC

10:45am-11:20am
Federal Race to the Top Funds – Judy Hartmann
Ms. Hartmann shared the governor’s office is hoping the Gates Foundation will provide a grant for the state to complete a Race to the Top application.
>>Mary Jean Ryan said it’s worth it for the state to complete an application, since we’re looking at potentially hundreds of millions [...]

LIVE BLOG: QEC

LIVE BLOG: QEC

9:50am-10:25am
Basic Education Finance Task Force: Summary of Recommendations – Annie Pennucci
>>Sen. McAuliffe asked if the BEFTF included folding I-732 into basic education. Annie Pennucci said the BEFTF did not.
>>Sen. Zarelli asked what factor most contributed to the increase in projected graduation rate. Ms. Pennucci said she would have to go back and check. Sen. McAuliffe [...]

Three days to go to air LEV’s award-winning ad on King 5

Three days to go to air LEV’s award-winning ad on King 5

We have three days left to reach our fundraising goal so we can air our Ready for Life campaign ad during a special one-hour program on Sunday, Aug. 30 at 9 PM titled Learning for Life: Ready for School, Ready for Life on King 5 television.
We’re more than 1/2 way to our goal of raising $1,000 and we [...]

LIVE BLOG: QEC

LIVE BLOG: QEC

I’ll be doing my best to live blog throughout the day, check back often for updates.
9:05am-9:10am
Election of Chair
Dr. Bette Hyde nominated Superintendent of Public Instruction Randy Dorn, seconded by Rep. Skip Priest. Sen. Rosemary McAuliffe nominated Sen. Eric Oemig. Sen. McAuliffe asked each candidate speak. Sen. Oemig said it makes more sense for OSPI to [...]

Funding Formula TWG has a website too

Funding Formula TWG has a website too

Oh man, the links just keep on coming. The Funding Formula Technical Working Group has launched its website. The agenda isn’t up yet for next week’s meeting, but will be soon. The website does have links to the handouts from last week’s meeting.