FCMAT » Cali Education Headlines Monday, April 15, 2013

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California Dem’s Resolving not to be suckered by corporate “reformers” | Persephone's Mother

This resolution was passed today at the California Democratic Party Convention.

Education Headlines

Monday, April 15, 2013

Natomas schools flagged by CalSTRS for pay bumps before retirement

Natomas Unified School District made the state's Top 100 list, but it's not good news. The district is among 100 identified by the California State Teachers' Retirement System as having given numerous big pay bumps to employees close to retirement, resulting in larger pensions.

Stanislaus school bonds grabbing attention

Building schools never was cheap. But on top of the land, materials, prevailing wage, interminable regulations and lengthy state approvals come the borrowing costs.

LAUSD manager Scot Graham suing district regarding alleged harassment by former superintendent Ramon Cortines

A Los Angeles Unified School District manager is suing his employer, alleging the district failed to prevent former Superintendent Ramon Cortines from sexually harassing him. Scot Graham's lawsuit was filed Thursday in Los Angeles Superior Court.

Interest in teaching continues to drop in California

Interest in teaching is steadily dropping in California, with the number of educators earning a teaching credential dipping by 12% last year -- marking the eighth straight annual decline.

Borenstein: Oakland school superintendent's past drives his decision to suddenly quit

To understand why Oakland's popular school superintendent suddenly announced this month, with two years left on his contract, that he's quitting, consider Tony Smith's roots.

L.A. school reform effort draws diverse group of wealthy donors

Republicans, liberals, Hollywood notables and global corporate executives are among those who gave to the Coalition for School Reform.

LAUSD chief John Deasy draws fire as he pursues aggressive reform plan

During a recent speech at Loyola Marymount University, John Deasy recalled his promotion from deputy superintendent to chief of Los Angeles Unified two years ago, tasked with turning around a district plagued by failing schools, struggling students and an epidemic of dropouts.

CA Democrats take aim at efforts to overhaul education, CEQA

California Democrats took aim at efforts to overhaul the state's education system and environmental review laws, issuing sharp words and resolutions on both topics during the final day of the state party's convention in Sacramento.

Friday, April 12, 2013

Stockton Unified awaits solar decision

Solar energy systems at roughly one-third of Stockton Unified's 50-plus facilities could start to go online in a little more than one year, an initiative officials say would produce a first-year savings to the general fund of more than $600,000.

Parents, teachers ask San Luis Coastal to spare counselors from cuts

Teachers, students and parents continue to implore San Luis Coastal trustees to take elementary school counselors out of the planned budget cuts.

UTLA delivers no-confidence vote to LAUSD superintendent John Deasy

LAUSD's teachers union issued an overwhelming vote of no-confidence Thursday in the leadership of Superintendent John Deasy as he finishes his second year, while a rival survey released by civil rights groups showed strong support for his reform strategies and called for an even more aggressive approach to improving student achievement.