K-12 Education
News releases, reports, statements and associated documents from public policy organizations influencing the debate on education policy.
Featured Stories
SCUSD Hires New Superintendent
SACRAMENTO, California, April 19 -- The Sacramento City Unified School District issued the following news release:
The Sacramento City Unified School District Board of Education is proud to announce the appointment of Lisa Allen to serve as Superintendent.
The Board voted unanimously to approve a Superintendent contract with Mrs. Allen based on her performance as Interim Superintendent since July 2023.
Currently in her 28th year of service to the families of SCUSD, Mrs. Allen has proven to be a caring and compassionate leader with an unwavering commitment to equity and improving student achievement
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SACRAMENTO, California, April 19 -- The Sacramento City Unified School District issued the following news release:
The Sacramento City Unified School District Board of Education is proud to announce the appointment of Lisa Allen to serve as Superintendent.
The Board voted unanimously to approve a Superintendent contract with Mrs. Allen based on her performance as Interim Superintendent since July 2023.
Currently in her 28th year of service to the families of SCUSD, Mrs. Allen has proven to be a caring and compassionate leader with an unwavering commitment to equity and improving student achievementand outcomes district wide.
"Superintendent Allen's expertise in education and experiences in our District prove that she is the leader SCUSD needs and deserves," said SCUSD Board of Education Vice President Jasjit Singh. "The Board is confident and united in our belief that she is clearly the right person to keep Sac City Unified moving forward."
"My job title may be changing, but my top priority remains the same - improving student outcomes," said SCUSD Superintendent Lisa Allen. "We accomplish that by working collectively to ensure our schools are safe, welcoming and inclusive spaces where every student is empowered to learn and thrive."
The Board of Education also voted unanimously to appoint Mary Hardin Young as Deputy Superintendent. She had been serving in the role on an interim basis since July 2023.
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Original text here: https://www.scusd.edu/press-release/scusd-hires-new-superintendent
Multilingual Book Vending Machine Installed at Dallas ISD Central Office
DALLAS, Texas, April 19 -- The Dallas Independent School District issued the following news release on April 18, 2024:
At Dallas ISD, speaking another language is a superpower.
"It's an opportunity to create a group of bilingual future employees that are able to navigate language and cultures," Edwin Flores, trustee for District 1,said.
One way school officials are investing in students' ability to learn and speak a second language is through the newly installed book vending machine at the Margaret and Gilbert Herrera International Welcome Center. Representatives attended a ribbon-cutting ceremony
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DALLAS, Texas, April 19 -- The Dallas Independent School District issued the following news release on April 18, 2024:
At Dallas ISD, speaking another language is a superpower.
"It's an opportunity to create a group of bilingual future employees that are able to navigate language and cultures," Edwin Flores, trustee for District 1,said.
One way school officials are investing in students' ability to learn and speak a second language is through the newly installed book vending machine at the Margaret and Gilbert Herrera International Welcome Center. Representatives attended a ribbon-cutting ceremonyat the welcome center to unveil the newest book vending machine.
Made possible through a partnership with the Dallas Education Foundation and Superior Text, the vending machine will be fully stocked with multilingual titles available to all who visit the welcome center.
"Books open the doors to a child's imagination - and more importantly - to a brighter future," said Regina Montoya, board member of Dallas Education Foundation.
The vending machine is more than a piece of equipment, said Elizabeth Casas, deputy chief of special populations for Dallas ISD.
"It symbolizes hope, opportunity, and the possibility of a brighter future for our children," she said. "By providing them with access to literature from the moment they enroll and register in our district, we are empowering them to embark on a journey of self-discovery, imagination, and lifelong learning."
The center, located at 9400 North Central Expressway, is a one-stop shop for families looking to enroll in Dallas ISD.
Welcome center employees help register children for the next school year, they also offer parent registration, language proficiency testing, and health screenings. For the 2023-2024 school year, the welcome center registered over 7,000 students from 76 countries, speaking over 36 languages.
"We hope the book vending machine will be a symbol to families that the love of literacy starts at home," said Amanda Clymer, director of Dual Language ESL.
When students see books written in their mother tongue, and in the languages they hope to speak, they realize opportunities are endless, said Superintendent Stephanie S. Elizalde, Ed.D..
"Today, we no longer see speaking Spanish as a deficit. It's not just an opportunity, it's another talent. It can be a superpower," she said. "It's not just Spanish, it's any language."
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Original text here: https://us11.campaign-archive.com/?u=1882a54dd5b4a5f6ef4cf9f4d&id=94e0710b31
Magnet Schools of America Recognizes Miami-Dade County Public Schools With Top National Magnet Honor-Superintendent of the Year Award
MIAMI, Florida, April 19 -- Miami-Dade County Public Schools issued the following news release on April 18, 2024:
Miami-Dade County Public Schools (M-DCPS) Superintendent Dr. Jose L. Dotres has been named the 2024 Magnet Schools of America (MSA) Superintendent of the Year. The announcement was made during MSA's National Conference held today in New York City.
This annual award recognizes the important work of leadership within school districts to keep magnets a priority in the portfolio of school choice options. This distinguished award acknowledges our commitment to excellence in magnet school
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MIAMI, Florida, April 19 -- Miami-Dade County Public Schools issued the following news release on April 18, 2024:
Miami-Dade County Public Schools (M-DCPS) Superintendent Dr. Jose L. Dotres has been named the 2024 Magnet Schools of America (MSA) Superintendent of the Year. The announcement was made during MSA's National Conference held today in New York City.
This annual award recognizes the important work of leadership within school districts to keep magnets a priority in the portfolio of school choice options. This distinguished award acknowledges our commitment to excellence in magnet schoolprogramming within M-DCPS, the nation's number one magnet school district.
"This award is a testament to the tireless dedication of the School Board, our amazing students, our educators, administrators, and the entire M-DCPS family. Together, we foster a vibrant network of magnet schools offering exceptional academic experiences that empower students to reach their full potential. This award is a well-deserved recognition for Dr. Dotres, a passionate, innovative, lifelong educator leading the third largest district in the nation" said School Board Chair Ms. Mari Tere Rojas.
M-DCPS consistently stands out as a national leader in magnet education. The District boasts 617 National Merit Awards, the most MSA Merit Awards in the country earned by a school district, recognizing its exceptional magnet programs across various specializations. Additionally, M-DCPS leads the nation with 46 Certified National Excellence Magnet schools and nine Certified National Demonstration Magnet schools.
This recognition underscores M-DCPS' unwavering commitment to its mission of developing each child's academic potential while promoting lifelong learning and good citizenship. Through its robust magnet school network, M-DCPS remains your best choice for all students.
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Original text here: https://news.dadeschools.net/cmnc/new/34016
GIANT COMPANY'S FEEDING SCHOOL KIDS ROUND UP PROGRAM PROVIDES DONATION TO ACPS
CUMBERLAND, Maryland, April 19 -- The Allegany County Public Schools issued the following news:
Allegany County Public Schools is excited to be the recipient of The GIANT Company's Feeding School Kids Round Up program again this year. Through this program, The GIANT Company and community members who shop at GIANT, MARTIN'S and GIANT Heirloom Market Stores, help support school districts in addressing childhood hunger throughout their local community.
"Both the LaVale and Cumberland stores are honored to play an active role in our community by partnering with ACPS to fight hunger," says Dalene
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CUMBERLAND, Maryland, April 19 -- The Allegany County Public Schools issued the following news:
Allegany County Public Schools is excited to be the recipient of The GIANT Company's Feeding School Kids Round Up program again this year. Through this program, The GIANT Company and community members who shop at GIANT, MARTIN'S and GIANT Heirloom Market Stores, help support school districts in addressing childhood hunger throughout their local community.
"Both the LaVale and Cumberland stores are honored to play an active role in our community by partnering with ACPS to fight hunger," says DaleneBonham, LaVale Store Manager. "Our community really came together to support the kids during this year's campaign."
Shoppers have three options to provide donation money to their local public schools' food programs from January 1st through March 31st. They can round up their purchases to the nearest dollar at the register. They can also choose to convert their CHOICE points (or gas reward points) into a donation instead of taking that amount off of their purchases. In-store vendor promotions also serve as a source of donation, where purchases on certain items, the money go towards the donation, and the company matches the funds. The GIANT Company matches all customer donations up to $250,000.
"We appreciate our local Martin's stores and their continued support of this program," says Larry McKenzie, Chief Financial Officer. "They are great partners in education, for our students and our."
Through the last three years, The GIANT Company and its customers have donated more than $6.1 million. School districts that receive donated funds, are able to use them to support meal programs such as: covering outstanding student meal debt, expanding food distribution programs, creating on-campus food pantries, and supplying extra weekend meals.
"ACPS is grateful to The GIANT Company for their ongoing support of the relationship between our local Martin's stores and our schools," says Jeffrey Blank, Superintendent. "We also appreciate the community for their yearly participation in this program."
Pictured from left to right: Tia Winters, Store Employment Associate; Todd Lutton, Supervisor of Food and Nutrition Services; Stacie Diehl, Cumberland Store Manager; Dalene Bonham, LaVale Store Manager; Jeffrey Blank, Superintendent of Schools; and Larry McKenzie, Chief Financial Officer
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Original text here: https://www.acpsmd.org/site/default.aspx?PageType=3&DomainID=4&ModuleInstanceID=10&ViewID=6446EE88-D30C-497E-9316-3F8874B3E108&RenderLoc=0&FlexDataID=12932&PageID=1
Dayton Public Schools Creates North and South Transportation Zones to Replace Quadrant System
DAYTON, Ohio, April 19 -- Dayton Public Schools issued the following news release:
The Dayton Public School District is excited to announce that there will no longer be a four-quadrant transportation system for the 2024-2025 school year. Instead, the District will be utilizing north and south transportation zones, which will greatly expand the number of schools where students are eligible for District transportation.
Under the current system, there are four quadrants. In order to receive yellow bus transportation through DPS, K-8 students must attend a school within their quadrant. The District
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DAYTON, Ohio, April 19 -- Dayton Public Schools issued the following news release:
The Dayton Public School District is excited to announce that there will no longer be a four-quadrant transportation system for the 2024-2025 school year. Instead, the District will be utilizing north and south transportation zones, which will greatly expand the number of schools where students are eligible for District transportation.
Under the current system, there are four quadrants. In order to receive yellow bus transportation through DPS, K-8 students must attend a school within their quadrant. The Districtrecognizes that this system has not worked in the best interest of families, and has at times, caused strain on the DPS transportation department.
By eliminating quadrants and implementing north and south transportation zones, students will have more school options, offering greater flexibility to families. The District hopes this change will mitigate any transportation issues families have experienced and will make Dayton Public Schools more attractive to those who have left due to quadrant concerns.
Additional details, including a new map of the north and south transportation zones, will be shared later this Spring.
The District is excited to offer families and students more options and flexibility while still providing safe and reliable transportation for all K-8 students. In addition, the District continues to pursue options associated with transporting high school students and will keep families updated on that progress.
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Original text here: https://www.dps.k12.oh.us/news/dayton-public-schools-creates-north-and-south-transportation-zones-to-replace-quadrant-system/#
Charleston County School District: Currie Named STEM Teacher of the Year Through S.C. Coalition for Mathematics and Science
MOUNT PLEASANT, South Carolina, April 19 -- Charleston County School District issued the following news release on April 18, 2024:
Millibeth Currie, a seventh-grade science teacher and department chair at Moultrie Middle School, was named South Carolina's STEM teacher of the year through the South Carolina Coalition for Mathematics and Science. Currie was recognized in Columbia on STEM Day, April 10, 2024, at the State Capitol and received a $2,500 award.
The purpose of the coalition is to inspire learning and leadership in STEM education in schools, out-of-school time, business and industry,
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MOUNT PLEASANT, South Carolina, April 19 -- Charleston County School District issued the following news release on April 18, 2024:
Millibeth Currie, a seventh-grade science teacher and department chair at Moultrie Middle School, was named South Carolina's STEM teacher of the year through the South Carolina Coalition for Mathematics and Science. Currie was recognized in Columbia on STEM Day, April 10, 2024, at the State Capitol and received a $2,500 award.
The purpose of the coalition is to inspire learning and leadership in STEM education in schools, out-of-school time, business and industry,and community. This award is for teachers who are making a significant difference in the lives of students across the state by providing excellent curriculum, encouraging lifelong learning and inspiring a passion for STEM beyond the classroom.
Currie was nominated by her husband who has watched her work with STEM programming and curriculum design over the years. She was named a Top Five Finalist after completing a lengthy application process. Her goal was to earn financial support for the STEM program for middle school female students that she started over 20 years ago called Women in Charge (WIC): Engineering Women's Lives. The program is run with the help of colleagues Janette Baker, Kellie Passarello, and School Resource Officer Paula Wilson, along with Deborah Belflower who helped launch a WIC program at Seneca Middle School.
"We must engineer more opportunities for all South Carolina students to encounter STEM and to learn the benefits of STEM by having the STEM mindset in all grades, all classes and all topics, said Currie."
Currie's STEM teaching platform is engineering equity and opportunity for all. "Currie's impact inside and outside of the classroom is astounding," said Principal Nick Reese. "We are so very proud of her and the appreciate all she does for the students at Moultrie."
Currie added that there is a great need to develop and train all teachers in STEM. "This would allow educators to convince students that becoming problem solvers frees them from the rigid choice of success or failure," said Currie. "If a child is shown ways that STEM makes learning fun and how failures are actually just a first attempt or an additional opportunity for improvement, then they are going to embrace challenges. They will fear nothing and be capable of anything."
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About the Charleston County School District
Charleston County School District (CCSD) is a nationally accredited school district committed to providing equitable and quality educational opportunities for all its students. CCSD is the second-largest school system in South Carolina and represents a unique blend of urban, suburban, and rural schools spanning 1,300 square miles along the coast. CCSD serves approximately 50,000 students in 88 schools and specialized programs. CCSD offers a diverse portfolio of educational options and specialized programs delivered to the students of CCSD through neighborhood, magnet, IB (international baccalaureate), Montessori, and charter schools and programs. Rich educational opportunities for students include programs in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM); music and other creative and performing arts; career and technical preparation programs; military; dual credit; and many more.
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Original text here: https://www.ccsdschools.com/cms/lib/SC50000504/Centricity/Domain/4727/Currie%20named%20STEM%20Teacher%20of%20the%20Year%20through%20S.C.%20Coalition%20for%20Mathematics.pdf
FCS Board Bulletin for April 17, 2024
ATLANTA, Georgia, April 18 -- Fulton County Schools issued the following news on April 17, 2024:
The Fulton County Board of Education met on Tuesday, April 16, 2024, for its regularly scheduled Board meeting at the North Learning Center. Following are highlights of some of the more highly discussed topics, with the full agenda available online (https://go.boarddocs.com/ga/fcss/Board.nsf/Public). Other topics discussed or approved are available via BoardDocs (https://go.boarddocs.com/ga/fcss/Board.nsf/Public). Summaries of Board actions can be found here (https://www.fultonschools.org/boardbriefs)
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ATLANTA, Georgia, April 18 -- Fulton County Schools issued the following news on April 17, 2024:
The Fulton County Board of Education met on Tuesday, April 16, 2024, for its regularly scheduled Board meeting at the North Learning Center. Following are highlights of some of the more highly discussed topics, with the full agenda available online (https://go.boarddocs.com/ga/fcss/Board.nsf/Public). Other topics discussed or approved are available via BoardDocs (https://go.boarddocs.com/ga/fcss/Board.nsf/Public). Summaries of Board actions can be found here (https://www.fultonschools.org/boardbriefs)and Board policy updates can be found here (https://www.fultonschools.org/Page/23109).
Superintendent's Report
In his report, Superintendent Mike Looney recognized that April is designated as the Month of the Military Child, underscoring the significant role military children play in the armed forces community. April is also National Autism Awareness Month and National Child Abuse Prevention Month. Districtwide awareness day is on April 26. Everyone is asked to wear blue to help raise awareness for Child Abuse Prevention.
Additionally, Dr. Looney noted that April 1-5 was National Assistant Principals Week. Although school was off for spring break, Dr. Looney wanted to be sure to honor all the Assistant Principals for their tremendous work within our schools while also recognizing that April 3 was Paraprofessional Appreciation Day. Finally, April 8-12 was National Library Week, an annual celebration highlighting the valuable role libraries, librarians, and library workers play in transforming lives and strengthening our communities.
Election Day Calendar Change
Pending approval at the April 25 Board meeting, Tuesday, May 21 may be set as a remote learning day to allow for district schools to be used as state election polling sites. State law requires schools to permit voting when requested by the Fulton County Department of Registrations and Elections. On May 21, 49 schools will host elections with a large number of public visitors on campus, creating concerns about student and staff safety. District administration is working with schools to create alternative plans for student activities already scheduled at schools that will be polling sites. The Board will vote on this calendar change at the April 25 Board meeting.
Accreditation Status
Executive Director of Governance and Strategy Dr. Ryan Moore announced that FCS has re-earned its accreditation status through 2030. Dr. Moore highlighted the district's commitment to transparency through stakeholder engagement and decision-making input as some of the reasons for this accreditation as well as its highly engaged governing authority focused on continuous improvement and equity of resource allocation.
Capital Plan 2027
The district will begin the third year of the capital program for fiscal year 2027. As a part of the district's budget process, staff annually reviews the Capital Program including the project execution schedule, forecasted expenditures, projected revenue, budgets, and cash flows. Staff reports progress toward capital objectives, adjusts priorities based upon revenue and the needs of the district, and revises the five-year cash flow and budget.
Deputy Chief Information Officer Kenya Williams kicked off the presentation, explaining how Capital Plan 2027 has allowed the district to provide access, infrastructure, security, and software tools for all students, teachers and staff. The five-year vision for Capital Plan 2027 is inclusive of all students, teachers, and staff. All technology projects and initiatives will touch all stakeholders at some point in the 5-year plan and allow students to experience access to devices, collaborative platforms, and high-quality content to support student achievement.
Ms. Williams then presented an overall look at each of the priority categories and corresponding projects. In each area, the IT staff will continue to sustain work and, in some projects, upgrade or expand the Capital Plan 2027 initiative. These cyclical projects include providing teachers and staff with specific program devices, classroom projectors and wireless access points. The district will also refresh and replace equipment and fulfill annual maintenance and software costs.
Next, Chief Operations Officer Noel Maloof accompanied by Bill Boyajan, executive director of Capital Programs, and Gene Burnett, director for Jacobs, the district's construction program manager, presented a comprehensive overview of the facilities master plan. The presentation began with an update on market conditions and cost control measures. The team reviewed the tiered approach to scope development on the major renovations. They discussed the difference in the scope for 18 major renovation projects and the 18 additional critical system projects. The team presented details about projects slated for years one through five, with the second wave of projects beginning this summer. They also reviewed the associated allocations and established budgets for each of the projects. At the end the team summarized where the district is with the overall budget and what the variance is between the original allocations and expected expenditures. The team also shared the FY25 budgets for transportation, furniture and equipment, and safety and security.
According to Executive Director of Risk and Asset Management Anica Golding, the 2025 5-year revenue budget is $1.26 billion, which represents an increase of approximately $8 million over 2024. This increase is primarily due to interest earnings, which are projected to be higher due to rising interest rates. After comparing the current sales tax forecast to actual receipts, which were on average 1% lower than the actual amount received from August 2022 to March 2024, it is recommended to reduce the remaining current forecast receipts by 1%. The total 5-year disbursements are now projected at $1.26 billion with approximately $133 million in project reserve and $124 million in program reserve. Short-term borrowing is not expected. See the full presentation here (https://go.boarddocs.com/ga/fcss/Board.nsf/files/D4DP9W637CCD/$file/FY25%20Capital%20Plan%202027%20Presentation%20v4.pdf).
Board Community Meetings
Each member of the Fulton County Board of Education sponsors a monthly meeting that is open to the public. These meetings provide an opportunity for community members to have direct conversations with their elected Board representative about local issues and concerns. Find your Board member and view the Community Meeting Calendar (https://www.fultonschools.org/communitymeetings).
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Original text here: https://www.fultonschools.org/Page/28513