education
A little bird flew in the window this morning bearing news of the application for a new charter school here in Chapel Hill/Carrboro. I found that interesting because when I was education chair for the local NAACP the idea was kicked around and found to have many holes in it. For me the expense and building of infrastructure was too great. This district, although it is failing the majority of the children of color, has a fantastic infrastructure and curriculum that, if improved upon, will do well for all students.
Recently, I and a group of parents from Chapel Hill and Carrboro met with the new school superintendent, Dr. Forcella. As a result I intend to work with him as opposed to funneling money away from the district as a charter school would do, if the application is approved.
So, as what should be normally done when faced with something unexpected, follow the money. In this case it started with an article from Truthout.org I read yesterday discussing the "pilot" programs in Florida centering around the privatization of education.
I thought folks might be interested in this event by Idealist.org for folks looking for careers in social justice.
Idealist
Grad Fairs are for undergrads, professionals, and anyone thinking of
going to grad school to further their social-impact career. Programs
range from degrees in social work, public policy, environmental studies,
public interest law, nonprofit management, public health, and more.
Date:
Saturday, November 12, 2011 - 9:00am to 12:00pm
Location:
Friday Center, Chapel Hill
3,200 UNC System employees lose their jobs under the budget that currently sits on Governor Perdue's desk.
Backers of the budget cuts argue that at a time where unemployment is at near record levels and the state is facing a 3 billion dollar deficit cuts need to be made. By slashing education and other vital public institutions instead of keeping the current sales tax level, the legislature claims to be protecting economic development in NC. They fail to recognize the fundamental role education plays in economic development.
Hello NC residents!
On Tuesday, May 3rd, the North Carolina Association of Educators and the North Carolina Parent/Teacher Association are co-sponsoring a public education rally in Raleigh from 4 pm on. Buses and carpools of educators, public school employees, parents, students, and concerned citizens are travelling to Raleigh from Murphy to Manteo to show their concern about the 2011-2012 state budget, which cuts public education funding by $1 billion statewide. Please consider travelling to Raleigh in support of our public school system, its students, and its employees! And forward this to all your friends and family! I hope you can attend.
Loren
Here is a link to the actual budget proposal. http://www.ncleg.net/documentsites/Committees/HouseAppropriationsEducation/2011%20Session/2011-04-12%20Meeting/FRD_House_PropsedEducationBudget_2011-04-12.pdf
Here is a brief description of the impact that this budget proposal will have on public education if passed.
Local discretionary cuts $346.9 million (cuts 7,000 teacher jobs/or 9,000 TA jobs)
Teacher Assistants $258.6 million (cuts 8,000 jobs)
At-Risk Student Services $30.1 million (cuts 602 teacher jobs)
Noninstructional support personnel (cuts 2,380 jobs)
Academically/Intellectually Gifted (cuts 168 teacher jobs)
Central Office Administration $10.7 million (cut 150 jobs)
Assistant principals $24.7 million (cuts 329 jobs)
Limited English Proficiency $7.5 million (cuts 150 teacher jobs lost)
Transportation $20.7 million (cuts 1,035 bus drivers)
Teacher Academy Eliminated
Mentoring Eliminated
School Technology Eliminated
Staff development Eliminated
NC Science, Math and Technical
Education Center Eliminated
Office of Early Learning Eliminated
Educator Recruitment
and Development Eliminated
Governor’s Education Cabinet Eliminated.
NC Professional Teaching
Standards Commission Eliminated
Background Information: The proposed budget for K-12 education is scheduled for debate in the House Education Appropriations Subcommittee for a week, where changes can be made. A decision on salary cuts in the House version of the budget will be made once the proposal is forwarded to the full Appropriations Chairs. A House budget proposal is scheduled for a vote in late April after which the Senate forwards its proposal.
Here is a quick link to contact your House member.
http://www.capwiz.com/nea/nc/issues/alert/?alertid=41336506&type=ST&show_alert=1
Here is a link to a video of the debate that took place on the Senate floor over the proposed State Health Plan bill following Governor Perdue’s veto of the bill. Note the reference to NCAE as the culprit behind the Governor’s veto. Please join us in thanking Governor Perdue for taking a stand and supporting educators. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_8W_Ge5hlu8&feature=player_embedded
Date:
Tuesday, May 3, 2011 - 4:30pm
Location:
state legislature and downtown Raleigh
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