- Smaller Schools, More Money
The San Diego Unified school board narrowly decided last night to allot more money per student to smaller schools as it revamps its budget. The debate danced around a key issue: Small schools typically cost more to run, per pupil, than larger ones. Can the school district still afford to run them at all?
The school board had to make this choice because it's using a different way to fund San Diego Unified schools this year, one that leaves school sites to choose between counselors, vice principals and special teachers for gifted students, the arts and magnet programs and other added staff.
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- Another Former SD Schools Chief Snags Big Role
San Diego Unified has a history oflosing its superintendents, but at least they go on to do interesting things: Alan Bersin is Obama's border czar. Terry Grier is heading up schools in Houston. And now Carl Cohn is on the state Board of Education.
The Sacramento Bee reports that new Governor Jerry Brown just chose Cohn as one of seven new people on the state board, which sets state policy for public schools. While Cohn has not been a controversial pick, the Bee reports that some of the other appointments, which have to be confirmed by the Senate, could be game-changers for the board:
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- The Parent Trigger
A new law called the parent trigger lets parents force major changes in struggling schools if more than half of them sign a petition. That can range from turning to school into a charter to replacing the principal to making smaller, less explosive changes. It can even mean shutting it down.
In my story about Point Loma parents seeking more autonomy, I mentioned the parent trigger as a possible option. But is it a good idea? I talked to a few people — including professors and labor leaders — who have been eyeing the new law.
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