Reduced Social Security Benefits Penalize Teachers and Public Employees | California Progress Report

Reduced Social Security Benefits Penalize Teachers and Public Employees California Progress Report:

"For many individuals, making a career change from private sector employment to teaching in California results in a lifetime penalty of reduced benefits. This penalizes individuals who want to teach, along with the spouses of these individuals. California is one of 15 states with “public service penalties,” and it has the largest number of employees impacted by these penalties, including teachers, public safety, and local government public servants. That’s why the California Federation of Teachers (CFT) co-sponsored a rally Saturday, November 7, to urge Congress to pass, and President Obama to sign, federal bills SR 484 (Feinstein) and HR 235 (Matsui), the Social Security Fairness Act."

Two Federal bills, House Resolution 235 and Senate Resolution 484, the Social Security Fairness Act, would eliminate the public servant penalties. This year, California's Legislature passed AJR 10 sponsored by the California Retired Teachers Association (CalRTA) and Sen. Tom Torlakson, D-Antioch, urging Congress to repeal these penalties.

In 1977, and then in 1983, Congress passed the Government Pension Offset and the Windfall Eliminations Provision in an attempt to control the cost of Social Security. At a time when so many Americans are seeking retraining and acquiring new skills, the penalties are making it more difficult for community colleges to hire experienced vocational faculty and for K-12 schools to attract teachers.

Hotel chain quits talks on winter housing for Sacramento homeless - Sacramento News - Local and Breaking Sacramento News | Sacramento Bee

Hotel chain quits talks on winter housing for Sacramento homeless - Sacramento News - Local and Breaking Sacramento News Sacramento Bee:

"A national hotel chain has said 'no, thanks' to Sacramento advocates who hoped to house as many as 100 homeless people in its rooms this winter.

The sudden breakdown in negotiations with Extended Stay America is yet another blow to efforts to quickly find beds for people who, because of Sacramento County budget cuts, no longer will be able to spend their winter nights at Cal Expo.

Advocates are scrambling to find alternative rooms before the weather turns rainy and colder, said Tim Brown, director of the Sacramento Ending Chronic Homelessness Initiative."

Educated Guess » State finds Race to the Top a tough sell

Educated Guess » State finds Race to the Top a tough sell:

"State Deputy Superintendent Rick Miller, who has the dubious honor of being a point man for Race to the Top, revealed the state’s evolving strategy for the federal program during a listening tour of the state this week with Kathryn Radtkey-Gaither, the governor’s Undersecretary of Education. I caught their joint appearance Wednesday in Redwood City at a Race to the Top hearing.

Their strategy is a combination of inducements to districts to participate, such as waiving parts of the onerous state education code, and quiet negotiations to enlist the support of the California Teachers Association and urban superintendents.

The competition among the states for the $4.3 billion grants will be intense. California’s share could be as much as $500 million, assuming 10 or 12 states are chosen, at a time when California is looking at more budget cuts next year."

Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA)

We've Got Your Back

One year ago, it started with a handshake. Last Veterans Day, in partnership with the Ad Council, we launched a nationwide campaign to welcome veterans home, featuring TV, radio, print, online and outdoor ads. At the campaign's core was the first and only online social network exclusively for veterans of Iraq and Afghanistan- a real-life version of the handshake featured in the TV ads.

Today, we're taking it to the next level.

We're premiering a new PSA on IAVA's Facebook fan page. Visit http://www.facebook.com/IAVA.orgto be among the first to see it.

This entire campaign is based on the generosity of media outlets across the country- IAVA doesn't pay a dime. So all of those ads you've seen over the past year- on CNN or MTV, in local papers, or on bus shelters- are the result of someone pitching in to support our efforts. And there's much more to come.

Want to be the first to see the new ad?

Visit http://www.facebook.com/IAVA.orgto become a fan of IAVA on Facebook.

Along with a new PSA, we've also made improvements to the community, now found on our homepage at http://www.iava.org/.

It's easier than ever for veterans of Iraq and Afghanistan to join and find resources to help with transitioning home.

Visit http://www.facebook.com/IAVA.orgto watch the ad and be sure to share it with your friends and family. Let's show every veteran in America that we've got their back.

Thank you for standing with us, and Happy Veterans Day.

Sacramento Press / City Council likes idea of Capitol Mall makeover

Sacramento Press / City Council likes idea of Capitol Mall makeover:

"The idea is non-controversial among members of the City Council: They all support the concept of a makeover for Capitol Mall.

And, they all like the idea of the city hosting a design competition for a remodel of the Mall from the riverfront to 9th Street.

The City Council gave its unanimous support to the fledgling plan, which was presented by Beth Tincher of the Economic Development Department Tuesday night. The details of the design competition would be crafted by city staff, the American Institute of Architects and stakeholders, according to a Nov. 10 city staff report."

Educated Guess » Funding suit’s goal: return to local control

Educated Guess » Funding suit’s goal: return to local control:

"In their long-anticipated suit over adequate funding, the California School Boards Assn. and its parter in the Education Coalition, the Association of California School Administrators, will challenge the state not only on how much it spends on public schools — no surprise there — but also how it funds them. They plan to revisit the ’70s, with its historic Serrano decision, which equalized school spending, and Proposition 13, which shifted control funding and power to Sacramento. They’ll argue that it’s time to take another look and this time do it right.


In an interview, CSBA Executive Director Scott Plotkin confirmed the Mercury News story that the two organizations will file suit in coming months over the state’s failure to adequately fund eduction. And he outlined what will be the thrust of the suit: a demand to return to more control. They’re turning to the courts, because the Legislature and voters, by initiative, have severely limited locals’ ability to raise money.An adequacy suit has been talked about for years. The slashing of more than $14,5 billion in K-12 spending in the past two budgets, with additional cuts all but certain this year and next, have made the suit inevitable. California is in the bottom half of states in school funding — 46th if cost of living is factored in, according to Education Week, and may be headed to dead last."

Sacramento Press / Mayor: Facilities permit program "effective"

Sacramento Press / Mayor: Facilities permit program "effective":

"Mayor Kevin Johnson said Tuesday the outcome of the audit of the Community Development Department will be important to how he views the future of a permitting program that has drawn controversy in recent weeks. At the same time, Johnson said he thinks the Facilities Permit Program has been “very effective.”

The FPP, which is part of the Community Development Department, was shuttered Oct. 27 in the midst of public debate over the Nestlé company’s move to establish a water bottling plant in Sacramento. Nestlé’s plant had been approved through the city’s FPP program.

City officials investigated the Community Development Department’s approval of Nestlé’s construction work and temporarily shut down the FPP program. At issue was the approval that Nestlé and contractors received from a city building inspector to start construction work. While the company and its contractors had verbal approval from the city, they did not have a building permit or a “start-work authorization.”"

Inside City Hall: City Hall is buzzing about Kerridge's future - Sacramento City News - sacbee.com

Inside City Hall: City Hall is buzzing about Kerridge's future - Sacramento City News - sacbee.com:

"Rumors of City Manager Ray Kerridge's imminent departure began to spread last week after he sent an e-mail thanking city employees for their work during the past year, while the city grappled with budget reductions, layoffs and controversies involving the building department.

Kerridge followed the Nov. 3 e-mail by taking a few days off, fueling further speculation.

Kerridge's future has been a hot topic in City Hall because he will have been with the city five years in January, making him vested in the retirement system."

Ex-official wants job back as FBI shuts St. HOPE probe - Sacramento News - Local and Breaking Sacramento News | Sacramento Bee

Ex-official wants job back as FBI shuts St. HOPE probe - Sacramento News - Local and Breaking Sacramento News Sacramento Bee:

"The FBI probe into whether e-mails were deleted during a separate federal investigation of Sacramento Mayor Kevin Johnson's St. HOPE Academy has been closed without charges being filed.

Federal officials said Tuesday there was not enough evidence to support allegations that the e-mails were intentionally deleted while Johnson's nonprofit organization was being probed by federal Inspector General Gerald Walpin."

voiceofsandiego.org: This Just In...

voiceofsandiego.org: This Just In...:

Bright and Early

The single classiest moment of the school board meeting last night was when Vincent Gumina, one of the student reps on the board, applauded board President Shelia Jackson and Interim Superintendent Bill Kowba for their military service. Happy Veterans Day, folks, and enjoy the newsblitz:

The San Diego Unified school board was pinching pennies left and right at their meeting last night. We blogged that they decided not to be members of a national school boards group (roughly $13,000 saved), decided not to cover the extra costs for a donated China trip for the school board president (about $800), and announced that they would "brown bag it" at meetings instead of having catered meals (priceless.)They also turned down $20,000 for an outside group to analyze uses for the school district headquarters on Normal Street. KPBS also reports on the spending cutbacks.

Continuing the blog roll, we check in on how charter schools have socked money away for a rainy day -- sometimes quite a lot of it. We also report on how the choice to delay school repairs in favor of technology and the schoobrary has angered some parents at Mission Bay High, who say their athletic fields are unsafe and should be replaced first.

Oceanside schools are limiting the number of students who can transfer out to other school districts, the North County Times reports. Keeping kids in the school district can help them save money, but will limit parents' choices.

The hard road of Michelle Rhee's CFOs - D.C. Wire -

The hard road of Michelle Rhee's CFOs - D.C. Wire -:

"D.C. Chief Financial Officer Natwar M. Gandhi named a new interim school system CFO Tuesday. Noel Bravo, a former senior budget adviser to Mayor Anthony A. Williams, replaces Noah Wepman, who resigned or was fired, depending on who you ask.

Bravo is walking into what has become one of District government's most punishing posts. Wepman's departure marks the second time on Chancellor Michelle A. Rhee's watch that the school system's top fiscal officer has left in the wake of questions about the transparency of the agency's budget process.

Wepman and his predecessor, Pamela Graham, took different paths to the exit sign. But both ultimately discovered that trying to keep the numbers straight under Rhee's high-velocity attempt at transformation can be dangerous to your career health."

Autism helper dog allowed in class, judge rules | New Orleans Pets and Animals - - NOLA.com

Autism helper dog allowed in class, judge rules New Orleans Pets and Animals - - NOLA.com:

"A judge has ruled that a first-grader in central Illinois gets to keep his autism helper dog in school.

Associated Press archiveKaleb Drew, 6, and his autism service dog, Chewey, wait to be taken out of the car after Kaleb's first day of school in Villa Grove, Ill. Judge Chris Freese sided Tuesday with the family of Kaleb Drew.

They argued that the boy's yellow Labrador retriever is a service animal allowed in schools under Illinois law, and helps keep him safe and calm in class.
The Villa Grove school district had argued the dog isn't a true service animal.

The case and a separate lawsuit involving an autistic boy in southwestern Illinois are the first challenges to a state law allowing service animals in schools."

t r u t h o u t | Education Reform: Wrong Diagnosis, So Wrong Cure

t r u t h o u t Education Reform: Wrong Diagnosis, So Wrong Cure:

"Sooner or later, a reluctant Congress is going to have to do something about replacing No Child Left Behind. If senators and representatives will listen, they'll learn why Education Secretary Arne Duncan's 'Race to the Top' initiative is a really bad idea, and why thoughtful educators think politicians, business leaders and wealthy philanthropists are bulls in the education china shop.

Back in the 1980's, corporate America, listening to privatizer Milton Friedman, came storming into the shop, not to buy, not to examine or talk about the stock, but to evict educators and take over. With the help of state governors, Congress and the mainstream media, this they did. Professional educators weren't just fired. Convinced that experienced teachers were tainted by 'the soft bigotry of low expectations,' the self-styled 'New Progressives' barred them from the premises."

GETTING PERSONAL: Gates Foundation Invests In Charter Schools - WSJ.com

GETTING PERSONAL: Gates Foundation Invests In Charter Schools - WSJ.com:

"New York (Dow Jones)--Even the country's richest foundation is looking for a way to conserve assets while using them to fulfill its charitable mission.

The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation on Wednesday announced it is making $30 million in bond guarantees to high-performing charter schools in Houston. It is part of a new two-year, $400 million push in so-called program-related investments, which can consist of direct loans, equity investments, bond guarantees and other non-traditional forms of financial support.

The first bond guarantees are going to the Knowledge Is Power Program, or KIPP, to help its schools in Houston secure funding in tax-exempt bonds. The financing is aimed at expanding student enrollment from 4,500 in 15 schools to 21,000 students in 42 schools in the next decade. It is the first time a private foundation has backed charter school facility bonds at this scale.

Charter schools, which are publicly funded and typically employ nonunion teachers, are granted more freedom by states in curriculum and hiring but often receive nearly 40% less public funding than conventional district public schools, according to the Center for Education Reform, a Washington advocacy nonprofit."

Will a longer school day help close the achievement gap? | csmonitor.com

Will a longer school day help close the achievement gap? csmonitor.com:

"Chicago - Going to school from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m. may sound like a student's nightmare, but Sydney Shaw, a seventh-grader at the Alain Locke Charter Academy on Chicago's West Side, has come to like it – as well as the extra 20 or so days that she's in class a year.

'I'm sure every kid at this school says bad things about the schedule sometimes,' says Sydney, who was at school on Columbus Day, when most Chicago schools had a holiday. 'But deep down, we all know it's for our benefit.'

Finding ways to give kids more classroom time, through longer hours, a longer school year, or both, is getting more attention. President Obama and Education Secretary Arne Duncan support a lengthier timetable. Many education reformers agree that more time at school is a key step."

Video: National PTA and Jamba Juice Join Forces to Raise $1 Million for Schools and PTAs Nationwide

Video: National PTA and Jamba Juice Join Forces to Raise $1 Million for Schools and PTAs Nationwide:

"SAN FRANCISCO, Nov. 11 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- The National PTA and Jamba Inc. announced today a three-year partnership to support parents and teachers in creating school-based programs that encourage healthy lifestyle choices. With the goal of raising $1 million to support these initiatives, the partnership between National PTA and Jamba Juice leverages the strengths of both organizations to improve the health and academic performance of the nation’s students by providing local PTAs with additional funding for their wellness programs. The partnership builds upon Jamba’s longtime commitment to supporting local schools through fundraising efforts at the store level and furthers National PTA’s mission to increase family engagement in their children’s school by providing additional funding for local PTAs to create and execute programs that promote physical activity and encourage healthier eating."

Another view: Err on the side of safety - Opinion - USATODAY.com#more

Another view: Err on the side of safety - Opinion - USATODAY.com#more:

"The recent case of Zachary Christie, the Delaware first-grader who received a 45-day suspension for eating lunch with his Cub Scout-issue Swiss Army-type knife, opened a lot of old wounds for principals who endured the zero-tolerance wars in the early part of this decade.

Our minds go back to cases of students who were expelled for taking a Tylenol or packing a knife to cut a birthday cake. How silly it all seemed then — and even more so seems now. After all, student victimization in school is at an all-time low, and schools, where young people spend large percentages of their waking hours together, provide the venue for less than 1% of youth homicides. Schools are safe. Isn't it time to declare victory and lighten up?"

Round Two In The Fight Over Outsourcing Chicago Schools | Progress Illinois

Round Two In The Fight Over Outsourcing Chicago Schools Progress Illinois:

"With less than a week to go before the Chicago Board of Education votes on whether or not to authorize six new charter schools, Chicago Public Schools (CPS) held a round of public hearings last night. School reform advocates have long complained that CPS handpicks which charters will get the green light long before the hearings begin. And the opaque nature of the process generated a lot of criticism last year. As a result, officials are treading more lightly as they move forward this year.

Unlike in the previous years of Mayor Daley's Renaissance 2010 program, only a handful of new charters are being considered this time around. Still, CPS chief Ron Huberman is recommending that an additional 8,130 charters seats be made available next fall, according to an analysis by the Caucus of Rank and File Educators (CORE). Alexander Russo reports that the established private school operators appear to have a leg-up:"

Tug of war over LA Unified reform models | 89.3 KPCC

Tug of war over LA Unified reform models 89.3 KPCC:


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"Groups that want to take over governance of several dozen Los Angeles Unified schools have less than a week to apply. The process is part of a major policy change approved three months ago to improve education by handing over control of up to 300 low-performing and new campuses to groups that submit reform plans.

A coalition of education-focused nonprofits, including one headed by Veronica Melvyn, staged a press conference outside United Teachers Los Angeles headquarters on busy Wilshire Boulevard. She described how people at dozens of L.A. Unified campuses are trying to sully the name of proposed school reform models."

"It’s essentially that parents are being told, for example, that charter schools are private schools, that charter schools don’t serve special ed kids," said Melvyn. "We’ve heard, for example, that they’ll be deported if they sign a charter school petition. We’ve heard on the Pilot Schools that teachers have no rights when they’re part of a Pilot Schools agreement. We even heard something that went so far as to say that charter schools don’t educate black students."

Melvyn’s group and several others at the press conference support all these models. These groups spoke with reporters at about the same time the teachers union also planned to talk to journalists about their effort to submit reform plans for several dozen schools.

LA group says flier threatened school reformers

LA group says flier threatened school reformers:

"Los Angeles school reform supporters and the teachers' union are condemning a flier that falsely warns immigrant parents they'll be deported for supporting a charter school expansion."

No one has claimed credit for distributing the flier, the latest development in a push to turn a third of the campuses in the nation's second-largest school district over to private operators.

Jarad Sanchez of the pro-reform Alliance for a Better Community said Tuesday that one person recently turned in a Spanish-language flier warning that parents who signed a charter petition would be deported.

Sanchez says it's unclear how many fliers were distributed but notes many illegal immigrants would be afraid to speak up.

The flier also was condemned by the United Teachers Los Angeles, which opposes the reform plan.


Read more: http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/n/a/2009/11/10/state/n101042S35.DTL&type=politics#ixzz0WZ40W7SA