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Monday, February 25, 2013

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Brown's school funding plan draws mixed reactions




Education Headlines

Monday, February 25, 2013

Coordinated effort to push math, science education is paying off

About 44 percent of Kern students scored proficient in math in state testing last year, up from 34 percent five years ago. Statewide, 51 percent of students were proficient in math last year. During the same period, Kern students who scored proficient in science rose from 25 percent to 41 percent, compared with 46 percent of California students last year.

Gov. Jerry Brown's new "Robin Hood" school funding formula funnels more tax dollars to poorer districts

It doesn't necessarily rob from the rich, but Gov. Jerry Brown's proposed school funding formula would definitely give more to the poor. And that has officials from some well-to-do districts crying foul.

Parents protest plan to close Montvue Elementary campus in Pomona

More than 150 parents of students at Montvue Elementary School got it straight from the top - the campus may close at the end of school in June.

After vote to close 7 Sacramento schools, parents ask: 'Now what?'

Darlene Abbott made the short walk to Maple Elementary School in south Sacramento with her granddaughter Friday, weighed down by a heaviness reflected in their eyes. After staying at Thursday's Sacramento City Unified School District board meeting until past midnight, Abbott listened as trustees vote 4-3 to close Maple and six other elementary schools, effective in June

Menifee, Lake Elsinore school districts refute ACLU claim

Contrary to a claim made last month by the Southern California division of the American Civil Liberties Union, officials with the Menifee Union and Lake Elsinore Unified school districts say they do indeed provide services to all of their students who are learning English.

Improperly assigned teachers a problem

Public schools across California have assigned thousands of teachers to classes without the proper credentials or legal authorization, a persistent problem that state and local education officials blame on mismanagement, budget shortages and a limited pool of qualified specialists.

Safety concerns aired over high school ballfield

A new baseball diamond in a $12 million complex is ready for the high school baseball season. But the coach, players and parents at Riverside’s Arlington High School are concerned about safety and worried about playing there.

Turlock school bond move to save $1.1 million

Property owners should see some savings in their next tax bill thanks to a bond refinancing by the Turlock Unified School District. The school board unanimously approved a measure Tuesday night to refinance a 2002 bond, which will save taxpayers about $1.1 million.

Modesto City Schools to hear about security, enrollment

The Modesto City Schools board will get a rundown tonight on recommended campus security measures and be told enrollment likely will drop a little more next year.

Brentwood school board to decide fate of Superintendent Wednesday

Two days after Brentwood schools Superintendent Merrill Grant was placed on paid administrative leave, the school board president said Sunday the district is seeking "new leadership" and will decide whether to dismiss Grant at Wednesday night's board meeting as well as select an interim leader.

Brown's proposed school funding formula would aid poorer districts

It doesn't necessarily rob from the rich, but Gov. Jerry Brown's proposed school funding formula would definitely give more to the poor. And that has officials from some well-to-do districts crying foul.

Fensterwald: Bill would open the door to undergraduate teaching credentials

For the first time in decades, aspiring teachers in California would be able to major in education as undergraduates and get both a preliminary teaching credential and a baccalaureate degree in four years if a bill in the Legislature becomes law.

Brown's school funding plan draws mixed reactions

The governor's proposal would funnel more money to low-income, English-learning or foster-care students. Not everyone thinks that's fair.
Friday, February 22, 2013

Measure K funds spent according to plan, Lodi Unified School District officials say

The Lodi Unified School District is congratulating itself on a job well done after disbanding the Measure K oversight committee on Tuesday.

Most Marin schools to see big jump in state funding

The majority of Marin school districts would receive big funding increases under a new state formula, but the amounts vary widely and some districts would see no gains, according to state estimates.

California schools chief to promote health initiative in Monterey County

Torlakson will promote Team California for Healthy Kids, an initiative he launched in 2011 to spread the word about healthy eating and physical activity in schools.