FCMAT » Cali Education Headlines Wednesday, October 3, 2012

FCMAT » Fiscal Crisis & Management Assistance Team:

This measure was placed on the ballot by the Lincoln Club of Orange County, the ultra-conservative group that was the driving force behind the Citizens United Supreme Court decision that has led to the explosion of Super PACs.

Education Headlines

Wednesday, October 3, 2012

School financing methods attracting attention

Concern among county officials about Fontana Unified's financing methods comes at a time when more eyes are on school financing, in part because of the high-profile financing woes in San Diego County's Poway Unified School District.

District bond plan stokes ire

A Fontana Unified School District plan to finance a $106 million bond payment due in December to stave off a likely state takeover has drawn fire from the county's top financial official and two county supervisors.

SD school board president promotes local reforms

San Diego school board President John Lee Evans delivered the state of district address Tuesday night, which celebrated everything from recent test-score gains and improved labor relations to new graduation criteria and hyper-local education reforms.

Rocklin superintendent disappointed in retaliation ruling

Rocklin Unified School District Superintendent Kevin Brown said he is disappointed in last week's Public Employment Relations Board decision that found the school district retaliated against four nurses.

Alum Rock district eliminates 18 teaching jobs, moves students and teachers

Nearly seven weeks into the school year, the Alum Rock Union School District will eliminate 18 teaching jobs, move some students to different classes and schools, and create 25 combination classes, as it trims spending to conform to enrollment.

Veto pits charter school autonomy against affordable meals

Arguing that he did not want to "erode the independence and flexibility" of charter schools, Gov. Jerry Brown last weekend vetoed legislation that would have required charters to provide low-income students free or reduced-price meals.

LAUSD 'running on fumes' going into November tax votes

Trying to toe the line without crossing over into advocacy, Los Angeles Unified's finance chief on Tuesday outlined the impacts of the two proposed tax-hike initiatives that would pump revenue into an education system she said is now "running on fumes."

Tuesday, October 2, 2012

Garvey officials: Teachers should not use students for political purposes

Garvey School District officials on Monday afternoon held a press conference to denounce the actions of teachers and union representatives, accusing them of using students as "political pawns." The press conference was in response to 38 teachers who failed to show up for work Friday, allegedly to protest a recent contract extension and pay hike for the district's superintendent.

Olympic High School teacher Skip Weinstock makes a difference in his students' lives

Skip Weinstock said he stayed at Olympic Continuation High School, for more than four decades because he is committed to working with those who have struggled in life. The school accepts students who are behind in credits or who have difficulty fitting in at traditional high schools for a variety of reasons.

Camp: Should California’s teachers vote with the governor?

Should teachers vote for Prop 38, which would bring significant new money to each school and provide funding for preschools? Or for should they vote for Prop 30, which would bring less money to education – but has the backing of the governor?