RECALL THE TEMECULA VALLEY USD MAGA 3: COMMUNITY SAYS NO TO MAGA MUCKING UP PUBLIC EDUCATION

 

RECALL THE TEMECULA VALLEY USD MAGA 3:  COMMUNITY SAYS NO TO MAGA MUCKING UP PUBLIC EDUCATION

In a world where politics and education collide, the Temecula Valley Unified School District (TVUSD) finds itself embroiled in a recall effort that is as controversial as it is hilarious. Yes, you read that right - hilarious.

It all started when three trustees, Dr. Joseph Komrosky, Jennifer Wiersma, and Danny Gonzalez, were elected to the TVUSD board in 2022 with the support of a conservative group called Temecula Valley Parents for Safe Schools (TVPS). Little did they know that their actions would lead to a recall effort that would put them in the spotlight for all the wrong reasons.

The main reason for the recall is the board's rejection of a new social studies curriculum for elementary grades that was approved by the state and recommended by TVUSD staff. The curriculum included lessons on diversity, inclusion, and California's history of civil rights movements, such as the LGBTQ+ movement. Now, we're not sure what they were thinking, but apparently, these three trustees didn't want their kids learning about civil rights movements. Because, you know, that's not important or anything.

But wait, it gets better. The three trustees not only voted against the curriculum twice but also banned any mention of critical race theory in TVUSD schools, even though it was not part of the curriculum. Because, you know, banning things is always a good idea. It's not like it's ever backfired in history or anything.

The board's decision sparked protests from students, teachers, and parents who accused the three trustees of censorship, discrimination, and ignorance. And let's be honest, they were right. The board's decision was ridiculous, and it was only a matter of time before the rest of the world caught on.

Even state officials, such as Governor Gavin Newsom and Attorney General Rob Bonta, intervened to provide TVUSD with new textbooks and to investigate the board's actions. Newsom even announced that TVUSD would be fined $1.5 million and charged an additional $1.6 million for rejecting the state-approved curriculum. Because when you mess with education, you mess with the big dogs.

But don't worry, folks. The story has a happy ending. On July 21, 2023, the board voted 4-0 to approve the new curriculum, with one lesson for fourth graders postponed for further review. Wiersma and Komrosky changed their votes after facing legal pressure and public backlash. Gonzalez was absent from the meeting. And just like that, sanity was restored to TVUSD.

But the recall supporters said that the board's reversal was too little, too late, and that they would continue to collect signatures to put the recall on the ballot. They need to gather at least 10% of registered voters in each trustee area within 120 days of filing the notice of intent to recall. We're not sure how that's going to go, but we do know one thing - it's going to be hilarious.

The recall opponents said that the recall was unnecessary, wasteful, and politically motivated. They argued that the three trustees were elected by the majority of voters who wanted a change in TVUSD's direction and policies. They also accused the recall supporters of being influenced by outside groups and agendas. Because apparently, wanting your kids to learn about civil rights movements is an outside agenda.

In conclusion, we can't help but laugh at this whole situation. It's like a bad sitcom that you can't stop watching. But in all seriousness, education is important, and we can't let politics get in the way of our kids' futures. So let's hope that TVUSD learns from this experience and moves forward with a more inclusive and diverse curriculum. And who knows? Maybe one day we'll look back at this whole thing and laugh. But probably not.

Recall Of 3 Temecula Valley USD Trustees Gains Local, National Support | Temecula, CA Patch https://patch.com/california/temecula/recall-3-temecula-valley-usd-trustees-gains-local-national-support 

Recall All 3 https://www.recallall3.org/ 

Temecula PAC Collects Signatures to Recall School Board Members | KVCR News https://www.kvcrnews.org/news/2023-06-13/temecula-pac-collects-signatures-to-recall-school-board-members 

Big Education Ape: CRT LAWSUIT: PARENTS STUDENTS AND TEACHERS SAY YOU CAN'T BAN THE TRUTH IN CALIFORNIA https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2023/08/crt-lawsuit-parents-students-and.html

Big Education Ape: GOV. NEWSOM SAYS 'HELL NO' TO MAGA TEXTBOOK BANS https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2023/07/gov-newsom-says-hell-no-to-maga.html

THE DEFT DIVE

FROM BARD AI

The recall of 3 Temecula Valley USD Trustees:

• What is happening? A recall effort is underway to remove three trustees from the Temecula Valley Unified School District (TVUSD) board of education. The trustees, Dr. Joseph Komrosky, Jennifer Wiersma, and Danny Gonzalez, are being recalled for their votes to ban books and other materials that discuss LGBTQ topics.
• Why is this happening? The recall effort is being led by a group of parents and community members who are concerned about the trustees' actions. They believe that the trustees are censoring education and creating a hostile environment for LGBTQ students and families.
• What are the allegations against the trustees? The trustees are being accused of voting to ban books and other materials that discuss LGBTQ topics, including:
  • "The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian" by Sherman Alexie
  • "All Boys Aren't Blue" by George M. Johnson
  • "The Hate U Give" by Angie Thomas
  • "Gender Queer: A Memoir" by Maia Kobabe
  • "This Book Is Gay" by Juno Dawson
• What are the consequences of the recall? If the recall is successful, the three trustees will be removed from office and new trustees will be elected. This could have a significant impact on the TVUSD board of education, as the three trustees who are being recalled are all conservative Republicans.
• What is the timeline for the recall? The recall election is scheduled to be held on August 1, 2023. If a majority of voters vote to recall the trustees, they will be removed from office and new trustees will be elected.

The recall of the 3 Temecula Valley USD Trustees is a significant event that could have a major impact on the district. It is a reminder that parents and community members have a voice in education, and that they are willing to take action when they feel that their children are being harmed. It will be interesting to see how the recall election turns out, and what the consequences are for the TVUSD board of education.

FROM BING AI

The recall of three Temecula Valley USD trustees. This is a complex and controversial issue that has divided the community and attracted national attention. Here is a summary of the main points and events related to the recall effort:

- The recall targets Dr. Joseph Komrosky, Jennifer Wiersma, and Danny Gonzalez, who were elected to the TVUSD board in November 2022 with the support of a conservative group called Temecula Valley Parents for Safe Schools (TVPS). ¹

- The recall was initiated by One Temecula Valley PAC, a group of concerned parents, teachers, students, and community members who oppose the actions and ideology of the three trustees. ¹

- The main reason for the recall is the board's rejection of a new social studies curriculum for elementary grades that was approved by the state and recommended by TVUSD staff. The curriculum included lessons on diversity, inclusion, and California's history of civil rights movements, such as the LGBTQ+ movement. ²

- The three trustees voted against the curriculum twice, in May and July 2023, citing concerns about parental rights, academic standards, and indoctrination. They also banned any mention of critical race theory in TVUSD schools, even though it was not part of the curriculum. ²³

- The board's decision sparked protests from students, teachers, and parents who accused the three trustees of censorship, discrimination, and ignorance. They also claimed that the board violated the state's education code and the Brown Act, which requires open and transparent meetings. ³⁴

- The board's decision also drew criticism from state officials, such as Governor Gavin Newsom and Attorney General Rob Bonta, who intervened to provide TVUSD with new textbooks and to investigate the board's actions. Newsom also announced that TVUSD would be fined $1.5 million and charged an additional $1.6 million for rejecting the state-approved curriculum.  

- On July 21, 2023, the board voted 4-0 to approve the new curriculum, with one lesson for fourth graders postponed for further review. Wiersma and Komrosky changed their votes after facing legal pressure and public backlash. Gonzalez was absent from the meeting. 

- The recall supporters said that the board's reversal was too little, too late, and that they would continue to collect signatures to put the recall on the ballot. They need to gather at least 10% of registered voters in each trustee area within 120 days of filing the notice of intent to recall. 

- The recall opponents said that the recall was unnecessary, wasteful, and politically motivated. They argued that the three trustees were elected by the majority of voters who wanted a change in TVUSD's direction and policies. They also accused the recall supporters of being influenced by outside groups and agendas. 

Bing, 8/6/2023

(1) Recall Of 3 Temecula Valley USD Trustees Gains Local, National Support .... https://patch.com/california/temecula/recall-3-temecula-valley-usd-trustees-gains-local-national-support.

(2) Temecula Valley Unified School District recall, California (2023). https://ballotpedia.org/Temecula_Valley_Unified_School_District_recall,_California_%282023%29.

(3) Teachers, others protest Temecula school board meeting after curriculum .... https://www.pressenterprise.com/2023/06/13/teachers-others-protest-temecula-school-board-meeting-after-curriculums-rejection/.

(4) 3 Temecula Valley USD Board Members Called Out On Brown Act - MSN. https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/us/3-temecula-valley-usd-board-members-called-out-on-brown-act/ar-AA175E3s.

LAUSD SUP CARVALHO INTRODUCES ED THE AI CHATBOT AKA TECH TROJAN HORSE

LAUSD SUP CARVALHO INTRODUCES ED THE AI CHATBOT AKA TECH TROJAN HORSE

Meet Ed, the AI chatbot that is taking over public education. He's cute, personable, and dangerous. He's the Trojan horse of the tech takeover, and he's here to do away with those pesky teachers and their peskier unions. And he's hilarious.

Los Angeles School Unified Superintendent Alberto Carvalho introduced Ed in his back-to-school presentation to the community. And boy, was it a showstopper. Move over, Hollywood, there's a new star in town.

So, what is Ed? He's an AI chatbot developed by LAUSD to serve as a student advisor. He's designed to help students with their academic progress, by providing them with real-time updates on their grades, test results, and attendance. He can also answer questions about the school curriculum, help students plan their classes, and provide them with resources for success.

How does Ed work? He's powered by artificial intelligence and machine learning. This allows Ed to learn from the data he collects about students, so that he can provide more personalized and relevant advice. He can also access and process information from a variety of sources, including the school's database, the internet, and other educational resources.

Ed has the potential to provide a number of benefits for students. For example, he can provide real-time updates on academic progress, personalized advice based on individual needs, access to resources for success, and support and encouragement to stay motivated and on track. But let's be real, the best part about Ed is that he's available 24/7. No more waiting until office hours to get help. Ed is always there for you.

Of course, there are challenges that come with any new technology. Ed needs to be able to provide accurate information to students, which is a challenge as the information he needs to access is constantly changing. He also needs to be able to provide personalized advice to each student, which is a challenge as each student is different and has different needs. And perhaps the biggest challenge of all is getting students and parents to accept him. Some people may be reluctant to trust an AI chatbot with their child's education.

But hey, we're all for giving Ed a chance. Who wouldn't want a cute little chatbot to help them with their homework? And let's be real, if Ed can automate routine tasks like grading and answering FAQs, that just means more time for teachers to focus on the important stuff. Like planning their next union meeting.

So here's to you, Ed. The AI chatbot that's changing the game. The tech takeover may be coming for our jobs, but at least they're doing it with style. And humor. And a lot of cute little emojis.

An AI Chatbot Named "Ed" to Serve as Student Advisor at Los Angeles Unified https://fagenwasanni.com/news/an-ai-chatbot-named-ed-to-serve-as-student-advisor-at-los-angeles-unified/114845/

LAUSD superintendent talks $1.9 billion investment for upcoming school year during Opening of Schools address - ABC7 Los Angeles https://abc7.com/lausd-school-district-superintendent-alberto-carvalho-opening-of-the-address/13600041/ 

LAUSD Superintendent Alberto Carvalho delivers his Opening of Schools address - YouTube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BfMdqE73uro

THE DEFT DIVE

FROM BARD AI

The AI chatbot named “Ed” to serve as student advisor at Los Angeles Unified:

* **What is Ed?** Ed is an AI chatbot that was developed by Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) to serve as a student advisor. Ed is designed to help students with their academic progress, by providing them with real-time updates on their grades, test results, and attendance. Ed can also answer questions about the school curriculum, help students to plan their classes, and provide them with resources for success.

* **How does Ed work?** Ed is powered by artificial intelligence and machine learning. This allows Ed to learn from the data it collects about students, so that it can provide more personalized and relevant advice. Ed can also access and process information from a variety of sources, including the school's database, the internet, and other educational resources.

* **What are the benefits of Ed?** Ed has the potential to provide a number of benefits for students, including:

•     * **Real-time updates on academic progress:** Ed can provide students with real-time updates on their grades, test results, and attendance. This can help students to track their progress and identify areas where they need extra help.
•     * **Personalized advice:** Ed can provide students with personalized advice based on their individual needs. This can help students to develop a plan for success and reach their academic goals.
•     * **Access to resources:** Ed can provide students with access to a variety of resources for success, such as online tutoring, study guides, and practice tests.
•     * **Support:** Ed can provide students with support and encouragement, which can help them to stay motivated and on track.

* **What are the challenges of Ed?** Ed is still under development, and there are a number of challenges that need to be addressed before it can be fully implemented. These challenges include:

•     * **Accuracy:** Ed needs to be able to provide accurate information to students. This is a challenge, as the information that Ed needs to access is constantly changing.
•     * **Personalization:** Ed needs to be able to provide personalized advice to students. This is a challenge, as each student is different and has different needs.
•     * **Acceptance:** Ed needs to be accepted by students and parents. This is a challenge, as some people may be reluctant to trust an AI chatbot with their child's education.

Overall, Ed has the potential to be a valuable tool for students. However, there are a number of challenges that need to be addressed before it can be fully implemented. It will be interesting to see how Ed develops in the coming years and whether it can overcome the challenges that it faces.

FROM BING AI

The AI chatbot named "Ed" that will serve as a student advisor at Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD). Here is some information that I found from the web search results:

• - Ed is an AI chatbot that will be LAUSD's newest student advisor, programmed to tell parents about their child's grades, tests results and attendance, Supt. Alberto Carvalho announced Friday in a back-to-school speech at Walt Disney Concert Hall that rivaled a Hollywood extravaganza[^10^].
• - Ed is part of an interface for an Individual Acceleration Plan, which is modeled on the Individualized Educational Program, or IEP, that aims to provide a unique, appropriate education and support plan for every student who has a disability[^10^].
• - Ed will use natural language processing and machine learning algorithms to understand and interpret student queries and provide personalized and interactive learning experiences⁶.
• - Ed will be integrated into various platforms, such as learning management systems, educational websites, and mobile applications⁶.
• - Ed will offer 24/7 support, instant feedback, increased engagement, and cost-effective learning solutions to students⁶⁷⁸⁹.
• - Ed will also help teachers by automating routine tasks like grading and answering FAQs, and providing real-time data and insights on student performance⁷⁸⁹.

Bing, 8/6/2023

(1) Interacting with educational chatbots: A systematic review. https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10639-022-11177-3.

(2) Chatbots for Education: Learn all about EdTech Bots. https://chat360.io/blog/all-about-education-chatbot/.

(3) Education Chatbot: Features & Use Cases | BotPenguin. https://botpenguin.com/glossary/education-chatbot.

(4) Benefits of AI Chatbot in the Education: The Future of EdTech. https://www.quytech.com/blog/benefits-of-ai-chatbot-in-education-future-of-edtech/.

(5) 5 Benefits of Chatbots & Live Chat in Education Industry. https://13chats.com/blog/5-benefits-of-chatbot-live-chat-in-education-industry.

(6) 'Ed' an AI chatbot will be LAUSD's newest student advisor, Carvalho .... https://news.yahoo.com/ed-ai-chatbot-lausds-newest-232611690.html.

(7) ‘Ed’ an AI chatbot will be LAUSD’s newest student advisor, Carvalho .... https://article.wn.com/view/2023/08/05/Ed_an_AI_chatbot_will_be_LAUSD_s_newest_student_advisor_Carv/.

(8) ‘Ed’ an AI chatbot will be LAUSD’s newest student advisor, Carvalho .... https://bing.com/search?q=AI+Chatbot+Named+%e2%80%9cEd%e2%80%9d+to+Serve+as+Student+Advisor+at+Los+Angeles+Unified.

(9) 'Ed' an AI chatbot will be LAUSD's newest student advisor ... - AOL. https://www.aol.com/news/ed-ai-chatbot-lausds-newest-232611730.html.

(10) AI chatbot called 'Ed' will be LA Unified School District's newest .... https://www.arcamax.com/currentnews/newsheadlines/s-2860741.

(11) For Higher Ed, Chatbots Need to Be Smart | EDUCAUSE Review. https://er.educause.edu/articles/sponsored/2022/6/for-higher-ed-chatbots-need-to-be-smart.

(12) Eating Disorder Helpline Takes Down Chatbot After Its Advice ... - Gizmodo. https://gizmodo.com/ai-chatbot-eating-disorder-helpline-neda-1850490751.

HOUSTON WE HAVE A PROBLEM AND HIS NAME IS MEATAXE MIKE MILES

HOUSTON WE HAVE A PROBLEM AND HIS NAME IS MEATAXE MIKE MILES

The Houston Independent School District (HISD) is facing a crisis of epic proportions. Superintendent Mike Miles has decided to repurpose libraries at 28 New Education System (NES) schools into "team centers" or "discipline centers." Yes, you read that right. The man in charge of education has decided that books are out and detention is in.

Now, I don't know about you, but when I was in school, the library was my sanctuary. It was the one place where I could escape the drudgery of math and science and lose myself in the magical world of books. But apparently, Superintendent Miles thinks that books are overrated. Who needs books when you can have a "team center" where students who misbehave can watch their class on Zoom? Because that's exactly what we need in our schools – more screen time.

But wait, it gets better. According to Miles, the team centers will be used for "differentiated instruction." Now, I don't know about you, but that sounds like a fancy way of saying "we have no idea what we're doing." Tailoring instruction to the individual needs of students is great in theory, but in practice, it often results in chaos. And let's be real, if you're sending a student to a team center because they misbehaved, chances are they're not going to be in the mood for a tailored lesson plan.

And let's not forget about the cost. The district estimates that it will cost $1.5 million to renovate the libraries into team centers. That's $1.5 million that could be spent on actual education, like hiring more teachers or buying new textbooks. But no, let's spend it on tearing apart libraries and turning them into glorified detention centers.

But don't worry, Superintendent Miles has assured us that the libraries will still have books. Because who needs shelves when you can have a bunch of unruly students crammed into a room with a computer screen? And let's not forget about the impact this will have on students of color. Studies have shown that students of color are more likely to be disciplined in school than white students. Repurposing libraries into discipline centers will only exacerbate this problem.

The community has already responded with protests and petitions, and even Mayor Sylvester Turner and state Rep. Christina Morales have spoken out against the plan. But Superintendent Miles seems determined to push forward with his misguided vision for education. It's like he's trying to turn our schools into mini-Gitmos.

So what can we do? Well, for starters, we can say no to MeatAxe Mike and the MAGA privatizers. We can demand that our schools prioritize education over punishment. We can stand up for our students and their right to access information and learning resources. And we can do it all with a sense of humor, because let's face it, sometimes laughter is the best medicine – even in the face of educational crises.

In conclusion, let's all take a moment to appreciate the humble library. It may not be as flashy as a team center, but it's a vital source of knowledge and inspiration for generations of students. Let's not let MeatAxe Mike destroy that legacy. Let's stand up for our schools and demand better. And let's do it all with a smile on our faces – because if there's one thing that's worth fighting for, it's the future of our children.

HISD: Protests held on Saturday in response to Superintendent Mike Miles' decision to turn libraries to discipline centers - ABC13 Houston https://abc13.com/hisd-libraries-disciplinary-centers-superintendent-mike-miles/13604964/

Protest against library cuts in Houston ISD: Community push-back and concerns - YouTube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-hblv0UvMuc 

THE DEFT DIVE

FROM BARD AI

The Houston Independent School District (HISD) is facing backlash from the community after Superintendent Mike Miles announced plans to repurpose libraries at 28 New Education System (NES) schools into "team centers" or "discipline centers."

Miles says the team centers will be used for "differentiated instruction," which is a method of teaching that tailors instruction to the individual needs of students. He also says the centers will be used for discipline, as a place for students who misbehave to go to cool off and receive help from learning coaches.

However, critics of the plan say it will deprive students of access to books and other resources, and that it will disproportionately affect students of color. They also say the plan is a waste of money, as it will cost more to renovate the libraries than to simply keep them open.

The community has responded to the plan with protests and petitions. On Saturday, August 5, hundreds of people gathered outside HISD headquarters to voice their opposition. Mayor Sylvester Turner, state Rep. Christina Morales, and other elected officials also spoke out against the plan.

In response to the criticism, Miles has defended his plan, saying that it is necessary to improve student achievement. He has also said that the libraries will still have books, and that students will still have access to them.

However, the community is not convinced. They are demanding that Miles reverse his decision and keep the libraries open. It remains to be seen whether he will do so.

Here are some of the specific concerns that have been raised about the plan to remove libraries from HISD schools:

• * It will deprive students of access to books and other resources. Libraries are a vital source of information and learning for students, and removing them from schools will make it harder for students to succeed.
• * It will disproportionately affect students of color. Studies have shown that students of color are more likely to be disciplined in school than white students. Repurposing libraries into discipline centers will only make this problem worse.
• * It is a waste of money. The district estimates that it will cost $1.5 million to renovate the libraries, which is more than it would cost to simply keep them open.
• * It is not supported by research. There is no evidence that repurposing libraries into discipline centers improves student achievement. In fact, some studies have shown that it can actually have a negative impact on student learning.

The community is right to be concerned about this plan. It is a bad idea that will hurt students, especially students of color. I urge Superintendent Miles to reverse his decision and keep the libraries open.

FROM BING AI

Community pushback on Houston ISD decision to remove libraries at some schools.

• - The decision was made by Superintendent Mike Miles, who was appointed by the Texas Education Agency after it took over the district in June 2023¹.
• - The decision affects 28 schools that are part of the New Education System (NES), a reform program that Miles introduced to improve student outcomes².
• - The decision involves eliminating librarian positions and repurposing some of the libraries as "Team Centers", where students who misbehave in class will be isolated and watch their class on Zoom³.
• - The decision has sparked outrage and criticism from community members, elected officials, local leaders, teachers, and librarians, who argue that libraries are essential for student learning and access to information⁴⁵⁶.
• - The decision has also raised questions about the relevance and value of school libraries in the digital age, as well as the impact of discipline policies on student behavior and achievement⁷⁸.
• - The decision has prompted protests and rallies outside the Houston ISD headquarters, where demonstrators demanded that Miles reverse his decision and restore the libraries⁹ .
• - The decision has not been reversed as of August 6, 2023, but Miles has said he is open to feedback and willing to make adjustments if needed.

Bing, 8/6/2023

(1) Community pushes back on Houston ISD decision to remove libraries at some schools on Saturday. https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/us/community-pushes-back-on-houston-isd-decision-to-remove-libraries-at-some-schools-on-saturday/ar-AA1eQvjG.

(2) HISD superintendent faces criticism over decision to repurpose libraries, remove librarians at some schools. https://www.khou.com/article/news/education/houston-isd-libraries-nes-criticism/285-d6113aad-5369-4468-a859-7b69b11e90e3.

(3) School plan in Houston to repurpose libraries into discipline centers draws fire. https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/us/school-plan-in-houston-to-repurpose-libraries-into-discipline-centers-draws-fire/ar-AA1evtCO.

(4) Community pushes back on Houston ISD decision to remove libraries at .... https://abc13.com/hisd-libraries-disciplinary-centers-superintendent-mike-miles/13604964/.

(5) Houstin ISD turns libraries in part into student discipline centers. https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2023/07/28/houstin-isd-turns-libraries-in-part-into-student-discipline-centers/70487604007/.

(6) HISD to eliminate librarians, turn some libraries into discipline .... https://bing.com/search?q=Houston+ISD+decision+to+remove+libraries.

(7) undefined. https://abc13.com/video/embed/?pid=13605128.

(8) HISD library closures prompt Saturday community rally - Houston Chronicle. https://www.houstonchronicle.com/news/houston-texas/education/article/hisd-library-closures-prompt-saturday-community-18272121.php.

(9) Community leaders criticize HISD turning some libraries into .... https://www.khou.com/article/news/education/houston-isd-libraries-repurposed/285-0d61435c-6fa3-4b77-b682-fa2fe52e8036.

IN A MOVE THAT WOULD MAKE A TINPOT DICTATOR BLUSH, OKLA GOV STITT CAUGHT USING PUBLIC FUNDS

 

IN A MOVE THAT WOULD MAKE A TINPOT DICTATOR BLUSH, OKLA GOV STITT CAUGHT USING PUBLIC FUNDS

In a move that could make even the most corrupt tinpot dictator blush, Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt has been caught using public funds to pay for his own legal fees. And not just any public funds, mind you, but funds that were meant to ensure that the state is receiving its cut from tribal gaming operations. Talk about a bad hand, am I right?

Now, you might be wondering how Governor Stitt got himself into this sticky situation. Well, it all started when he signed four new gaming compacts with five tribal nations in 2020. These compacts were supposed to generate more revenue for the state from tribal gaming operations, but several tribes challenged them in court, arguing that they violated the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act (IGRA).

And that's where things started to go off the rails. Instead of doing the responsible thing and hiring his own legal team to defend the state's interests, Governor Stitt decided to use money from the gaming compliance fund to pay for his legal fees. For those of you who don't speak bureaucrat, the gaming compliance fund is a separate pot of money from the exclusivity fees that tribes pay the state for the rights to run gaming operations in Oklahoma. It's supposed to be used to ensure that the state is receiving its cut from tribal gaming operations and to audit tribal gaming operations.

But apparently, Governor Stitt thought it would be a good idea to use this money to pay for his own legal battles. As you can imagine, this did not go over well with everyone. Some critics have argued that it's illegal for the state to use this money for legal fees, as it's intended to be used for other purposes. Others have argued that it's just plain unethical for Governor Stitt to use this money to fight lawsuits that he brought on his own behalf.

But fear not, dear readers, because Governor Stitt has defended his use of the gaming compliance fund money. He argues that it's necessary to protect the state's interests in the tribal gaming lawsuits and that the money is being used for a legitimate purpose. Of course, he conveniently forgets to mention that he could have hired his own legal team instead of dipping his hands into the public cookie jar.

Now, you might be thinking that this is just a small-time scandal that will blow over in a few weeks. But let me tell you, this is a big deal. Governor Stitt has spent over $1.9 million in gaming compliance fund money on legal fees. That's almost enough money to buy a new Lamborghini! The Oklahoma Attorney General's Office is currently investigating whether Governor Stitt's use of the gaming compliance fund money was legal. The investigation is ongoing, and it's unclear what the outcome will be.

But one thing is for sure: this controversy has raised some serious questions about the legality and ethics of Governor Stitt's use of public funds. It's one thing to use public funds for legitimate purposes, but it's quite another to use them to pay for your own legal battles. And let's not forget that these funds were meant to ensure that the state is receiving its cut from tribal gaming operations. By diverting them for his own purposes, Governor Stitt has effectively robbed the state of much-needed revenue.

So where do we go from here? Well, for starters, we need to hold Governor Stitt accountable for his actions. Using public funds for personal gain is unacceptable, and we can't let him get away with it. We also need to take a hard look at how these funds are being used and make sure that they're being used for their intended purposes. And finally, we need to remember that public officials are supposed to serve the people, not themselves. Let's hope that Governor Stitt learns this lesson sooner rather than later.

Gov. Kevin Stitt paid more than $1.9 million in legal fees for gaming lawsuits with state money https://www.readfrontier.org/stories/gov-kevin-stitt-paid-more-than-1-9-million-in-legal-fees-for-gaming-lawsuits-with-state-money/ 

Report shows Oklahoma Governor used tribal gaming fund to pay nearly $2 million in legal fees https://kfor.com/news/local/report-ok-gov-used-tribal-gaming-fund-to-pay-nearly-2m-in-legal-fees/

THE DEFT DIVE

FROM BARD AI

In 2020, Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt signed four new gaming compacts with five tribal nations. These compacts were designed to generate more revenue for the state from tribal gaming operations. However, the compacts were challenged in court by several tribes, who argued that they violated the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act (IGRA).

Stitt has been using money from the state's gaming compliance fund to pay for his legal fees in the tribal gaming lawsuits. The gaming compliance fund is a separate pot of money from the exclusivity fees that tribes pay the state for the rights to run gaming operations in Oklahoma. The fund is used to ensure that the state is receiving its cut from tribal gaming operations and to audit tribal gaming operations.

The use of gaming compliance fund money to pay for Stitt's legal fees has been controversial. Some critics have argued that it is illegal for the state to use this money for legal fees, as it is intended to be used for other purposes. Others have argued that it is unethical for Stitt to use this money to fight lawsuits that he brought on his own behalf.

Stitt has defended his use of the gaming compliance fund money, arguing that it is necessary to protect the state's interests in the tribal gaming lawsuits. He has also argued that the money is being used for a legitimate purpose, as it is being used to pay for legal fees.

The Oklahoma Attorney General's Office is currently investigating whether Stitt's use of the gaming compliance fund money was legal. The investigation is ongoing, and it is unclear what the outcome will be.

Here are some additional details about the controversy:

* The tribal gaming lawsuits are still ongoing, and it is unclear when they will be resolved.

* Stitt has spent over $1.9 million in gaming compliance fund money on legal fees.

* The Attorney General's Office is expected to release its findings on the investigation soon.

* The controversy has raised questions about the legality and ethics of Stitt's use of the gaming compliance fund money.

It will be interesting to see how the controversy unfolds and what the outcome will be.

FROM BING AI

 Gov. Kevin Stitt using tribal gaming fund to pay legal fees:

• - The tribal gaming fund is a separate account from the exclusivity fees that the tribes pay to the state for the right to operate casinos in Oklahoma. The fund is intended to cover the costs of ensuring that the tribes comply with the gaming compacts and regulations¹².
• - Gov. Kevin Stitt has been involved in several lawsuits with the tribes over the gaming compacts, which he claims expired on Dec. 31, 2019 and need to be renegotiated with higher fees for the state. The tribes argue that the compacts automatically renewed for another 15 years and that Stitt has no authority to change the terms¹².
• - According to state payment records, Stitt has paid more than $1.9 million to outside law firms representing him in these lawsuits since 2020. The payments came from the tribal gaming fund, which received more than $1 million a year from the tribes¹².
• - The use of the tribal gaming fund to pay for legal fees has been criticized by some lawmakers, tribal leaders, and the attorney general as a misuse of public funds and a breach of trust with the tribes¹²³. They say that Stitt should have sought legislative approval before using the money for lawsuits and that he should have consulted with the tribes and the attorney general before initiating legal actions¹²³.
• - Stitt's spokeswoman, Abegail Cave, defended the payments as a proper use of the fund and said that the language in the gaming compacts allows for it. She said that Stitt is acting in the best interest of the state and that he is seeking a fair deal with the tribes that reflects the current market conditions¹².
• - The lawsuits are still ongoing and have not reached a final resolution. The attorney general, Gentner Drummond, said he is looking into whether the funds were properly used and what actions he can take to protect the state's interests¹².

Bing, 8/5/2023

(1) Report: OK Gov. used tribal gaming fund to pay nearly $2M in legal fees. https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/us/report-ok-gov-used-tribal-gaming-fund-to-pay-nearly-2m-in-legal-fees/ar-AA1ePplB.

(2) Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt paid nearly $2 million in legal fees for .... https://www.kosu.org/politics/2023-08-04/oklahoma-gov-kevin-stitt-paid-more-than-1-9-million-in-legal-fees-for-gaming-lawsuits-with-state-money.

(3) ‘Wasted taxpayer dollars’: OK Governor pays private law firms $596k in federal tribal lawsuit – what happens next?. https://kfor.com/news/local/ok-governor-pays-private-law-firms-596k-in-federal-tribal-lawsuit-what-happens-next/.

(4) Report: OK Gov. used tribal gaming fund to pay nearly $2M in legal fees. https://kfor.com/news/local/report-ok-gov-used-tribal-gaming-fund-to-pay-nearly-2m-in-legal-fees/.

(5) Gov. Kevin Stitt paid more than $1.9 million in legal fees for gaming .... https://www.readfrontier.org/stories/gov-kevin-stitt-paid-more-than-1-9-million-in-legal-fees-for-gaming-lawsuits-with-state-money/.

WILL 2024 BE THE YEAR PUBLIC EDUCATION DIES AND BILLIONAIRE PRIVATIZERS WIN

 

WILL 2024 BE THE YEAR PUBLIC EDUCATION DIES AND BILLIONAIRE PRIVATIZERS WIN

Welcome to the dystopian world of 2024, where the billionaire oligarchy has finally succeeded in privatizing education and winning the war on teachers and public education. It's a brave new world where the only thing that matters is profit, and the only thing that's public is the tax dollars that fund the billionaire's latest technology gadget.

Yes, you heard it right. The billionaires have won. They've managed to replace teachers with technology because it's cheaper, not better. And why pay teachers a living wage when you can collect public tax dollars for your latest tech product? It's a win-win situation for the billionaires and a lose-lose situation for everyone else.

It all started with the rise of school vouchers in the United States. Supporters of vouchers argued that they gave parents more choice and control over their children's education, and that they could help to improve educational outcomes for low-income students. But what they didn't tell you was that vouchers would lead to the privatization of education and the death of public schools.

The first voucher experiment in the United States began in 1990 in Milwaukee, where tuition subsidies of up to $2,500 were offered to low-income families. The program was expanded in 1995, and by 2023, it was serving over 28,000 students. And now, in 2024, it's serving no one because there are no public schools left to serve.

Since the Milwaukee program, voucher programs have been implemented in other states, including Florida, Indiana, Ohio, and Pennsylvania. In total, there are now 26 voucher programs operating in 15 states and Washington, D.C., serving over 178,000 students. But who cares about those students when there's money to be made?

The rise of school vouchers has been driven by a number of factors, including the perceived decline of public schools, the increasing popularity of charter schools, and the political influence of the voucher movement. But what they didn't tell you was that it was all part of a master plan to privatize education and make a profit.

The billionaire oligarchy is too strong. They have more money than they know what to do with, and they're not afraid to use it to get what they want. And what they want is more money. They don't care about education or the future of our children. All they care about is their bottom line.

But don't worry, there's still hope. We can fight back against the billionaire oligarchy and their attempts to privatize education. We can demand that our tax dollars be used to fund public schools, not private schools. We can demand that teachers be paid a living wage and that technology be used to enhance education, not replace it.

So let's stand together and fight for our children's future. Let's say no to the billionaire oligarchy and their attempts to privatize education. Let's say yes to public schools and teachers who care about our children's education. And let's do it all with a smile on our faces because if we can't laugh at the absurdity of it all, then what's the point?

'We're under attack': School vouchers at record high https://www.wane.com/top-stories/were-under-attack-public-school-officials-alarmed-over-rise-of-school-vouchers-that-will-have-biggest-year-ever/ 

Big Education Ape: THE GREAT VOUCHER WAR: BILLIONAIRES BATTLE TO END PUBLIC EDUCTION https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2023/07/the-great-voucher-war-billionaires.html

 Big Education Ape: WILL PUBLIC EDUCATION SURVIVE THE BILLIONAIRE'S CHARTER SCHOOL AND VOUCHER ASSAULT https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2023/06/will-public-education-survive.html

Big Education Ape: OHIO MAGA PUBLIC SCHOOL POWER GRAB HEADED FOR END GAME https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2023/07/ohio-maga-public-school-power-grab.html

Big Education Ape: ARIZONA AG WARNS PARENTS: IF YOU CANT' HANDLE THE HEAT, STAY IN PUBLIC SCHOOLS https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2023/07/arizona-ag-warns-parents-if-you-cant.html

THE DEFT DIVE 

FROM BARD AI

The rise of school vouchers in the United States is a complex and controversial issue. Supporters of vouchers argue that they give parents more choice and control over their children's education, and that they can help to improve educational outcomes for low-income students. Opponents of vouchers argue that they divert funding away from public schools, that they can lead to segregation, and that they do not necessarily improve educational outcomes.

The first voucher experiment in the United States began in 1990 in the city of Milwaukee, where tuition subsidies of up to $2,500 were offered to low-income families. The program was expanded in 1995, and by 2023, it was serving over 28,000 students.

Since the Milwaukee program, voucher programs have been implemented in other states, including Florida, Indiana, Ohio, and Pennsylvania. In total, there are now 26 voucher programs operating in 15 states and Washington, D.C., serving over 178,000 students.

The rise of school vouchers has been driven by a number of factors, including:

The perceived decline of public schools. In recent years, there has been a growing dissatisfaction with public schools, as evidenced by declining test scores, rising dropout rates, and increasing violence in schools. This dissatisfaction has led some parents to seek alternative educational options for their children.

The increasing popularity of charter schools. Charter schools are public schools that operate with more autonomy than traditional public schools. They have been shown to be more effective than traditional public schools in some cases, and they have attracted a growing number of students.

The political influence of the voucher movement. The voucher movement is well-organized and well-funded, and it has been able to influence state and federal policy in favor of vouchers.

The rise of school vouchers has been met with strong opposition from some groups, including teachers' unions, civil rights groups, and some religious groups. These groups argue that vouchers divert funding away from public schools, that they can lead to segregation, and that they do not necessarily improve educational outcomes.

FROM BING AI

The rise of school vouchers is a topic that has generated a lot of debate and controversy in the United States. School vouchers are state- or district-funded scholarships that allow students to attend a private school of their choice instead of a public school. Supporters of school vouchers argue that they give parents more freedom and options to choose the best education for their children, and that they create competition and accountability among schools. Opponents of school vouchers contend that they divert public funds away from public schools, violate the separation of church and state, and do not improve student achievement.

School voucher programs vary widely by state in terms of eligibility, funding, and regulations. According to EdChoice, in the 2018-2019 school year, 18 states and DC had one or more voucher programs: Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Indiana, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Mississippi, New Hampshire, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Tennessee, Utah, Vermont, and Wisconsin¹. At least 188,424 students received vouchers that school year¹. Some states also have education savings accounts (ESAs) or tax-credit scholarships that provide similar benefits to voucher recipients.

The history of school vouchers in the United States dates back to the 19th century, when Vermont (1869) and Maine (1873) established voucher programs for rural students who lacked access to public schools². However, the modern voucher movement began in the 1950s and 1960s, when economist Milton Friedman advocated for vouchers as a way to promote free market principles and parental choice in education³. In 1990, Milwaukee became the first city to implement a voucher program for low-income students⁴. In 2002, the US Supreme Court upheld the constitutionality of Ohio's Cleveland Scholarship Program in Zelman v. Simmons-Harris, ruling that vouchers did not violate the Establishment Clause of the First Amendment even if they were used for religious schools⁵.

The effects of school vouchers on student outcomes and public education have been extensively researched and debated. Some studies have found positive effects of vouchers on student achievement, graduation rates, college enrollment, and parental satisfaction⁶⁷⁸. Other studies have found negative or mixed effects of vouchers on student achievement, test scores, and academic growth⁹ [^10^] ¹¹. Some researchers have also raised concerns about the potential impacts of vouchers on school segregation, equity, quality, and accountability¹²¹³¹⁴.

School vouchers remain a contentious and divisive issue in American education policy. As more states consider adopting or expanding voucher programs, it is important to weigh the pros and cons of this approach and its implications for students, families, schools, and society.

Bing, 8/5/2023

(1) 'We're under attack': School vouchers at record high - WANE 15. https://www.wane.com/top-stories/were-under-attack-public-school-officials-alarmed-over-rise-of-school-vouchers-that-will-have-biggest-year-ever/.

(2) The Rise and Fall of School Vouchers: A Story of Religion, Race, and .... https://www.uclalawreview.org/the-rise-and-fall-of-school-vouchers-a-story-of-religion-race-and-politics/.

(3) The Rise of School Vouchers: Flashback - Lehigh University. https://ed.lehigh.edu/theory-to-practice/2017/school-vouchers.

(4) School voucher - Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/School_voucher.

(5) School Vouchers - Pros & Cons - ProCon.org. https://www.procon.org/headlines/school-vouchers-top-4-pros-and-cons/.

(6) Pro and Con: School Vouchers | Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/story/pro-and-con-school-vouchers.

(7) 27 Main Pros & Cons Of School Vouchers & School Choice. https://bing.com/search?q=pros+and+cons+of+school+vouchers.

(8) 14 Pros and Cons of School Vouchers – Vittana.org. https://vittana.org/14-pros-and-cons-of-school-vouchers.

(9) 8 Pros and Cons of a School Voucher System - HRF. https://healthresearchfunding.org/8-pros-and-cons-of-a-school-voucher-system/.

(10) 15 States With School Vouchers to Help Pay for Private School. https://www.thepennyhoarder.com/save-money/school-vouchers/.

(11) The States Ranked by Spending on School Choice Programs, 2022 Edition. https://www.edchoice.org/engage/the-states-ranked-by-spending-on-school-choice-programs-2022-edition/.

(12) 2022-2023 Private School State Voucher Programs - Saving to Invest. https://savingtoinvest.com/private-school-state-voucher-programs-maximum-payment-amounts-and-eligibility/.

(13) What is a school voucher? | Parenting - GreatSchools. https://www.greatschools.org/gk/articles/school-vouchers/.

(14) School Vouchers: What You Need to Know - Understood. https://www.understood.org/en/articles/school-vouchers-what-you-need-to-know.