Pay for performance in spotlight | EdNewsColorado

Pay for performance in spotlight | EdNewsColorado:

Pay for performance in spotlight

by Nancy Mitchell

HIGHLANDS RANCH – With their positions now spelled out on vouchers, Douglas County school board candidates on Thursday began debating a pay-for-performance plan for teachers that voters will be asked to fund on Nov. 1.

The focus, however, wasn’t on the pros and cons of the plan that would be paid through a $20 million tax increase. Instead, it centered around the fact that several candidates say the details are too sketchy for them – and the community – to know what they’re being asked to support.

Alice Ramsey, who moderated the forum at Cresthill Middle School for the League of Women Voters of Arapahoe County and the American Association of University Women, asked each candidate how the plan would work for classroom teachers and for those involved in “specials” or elective classes, such as art and technology.

“It’s very hard to answer your question because the details are not there,” said candidate Susan Meek.

Friday Churn: CU regent vacancy

by EdNews staff

What’s churning:

The University of Colorado Board of Regents has its first vacancy in 35 years with the resignation of Monisha Merchant, a Lakewood Democrats elected to the board in 2008 from the 7th Congressional District.

Merchant, an MIT grad whose resume includes stints as a product manager, business consultant and work with