Public schools

March 18, 2009 -- While the number of charter schools continues to grow, debate continues about whether charter schools provide a better education experience than traditional public schools. Proponents contend that charter schools expand educational choices for students, increase innovation, improve student achievement and provide much-needed competition to public schools.

Opponents, meanwhile, argue that charter schools lead to increased racial or ethnic stratification of students, skim the best students from traditional public schools, reduce resources for public schools and provide no real improvement in student achievement.    » read more »

NEA president welcomes "cradle to career" plan outlined by President Obama

WASHINGTON - March 10, 2009 - President Barack Obama today expanded on earlier remarks about his vision for education in America in the 21st century. His "cradle to career" agenda would expand and improve quality early childhood education; get rid of "off-the-shelf" tests; support teachers through professional development and mentoring; provide resources for reducing dropouts; demand greater accountability for charter schools; support for the inclusion of critical thinking skills in standards, and increase financial aid for college students. President Obama made similar remarks during his historic inaugural address, and, more recently, while addressing a joint session of Congress.    » read more »

WASHINGTON, D.C. (March 9, 2009) – U.S. Senators Barbara A. Mikulski and Benjamin L. Cardin (both D-MD), and Maryland Governor Martin O’Malley today met with Bowie State University students and administrators and other local elected officials to discuss steps they’re taking on the national and state level to make higher education more affordable for American families.    » read more »

NEA President Van Roekel applauds renewed national attention on education

WASHINGTON - February 26, 2009 - President Barack Obama's federal budget proposal, released Thursday, calls for important investments in quality public education-from preschool through higher education-to prepare students to compete with 21st century skills. The budget continues the administration's ambitious plans of once again making education a national priority and moving toward the goal of great public schools for every student.    » read more »

WASHINGTON - February 05, 2009 - NEA President Dennis Van Roekel and education leaders from across the country today joined Sen. Richard Durbin (D-IL), Sen. Frank R. Lautenberg (D-NJ), Sen. Jeff Merkley (D-OR) and Americans affected by the worst economic and financial crisis since the Great Depression, in urging the Senate to act quickly to inject much needed funds into the ailing economy, especially the nation's public schools and colleges.

"These are frightening economic times," said NEA President Dennis Van Roekel. "Like millions of Americans around the country, educators and their families are feeling the economic pinch firsthand. This is not a time for partisanship; it is a time for partnership."    » read more »

Road to economic recovery goes directly through America's public schools

WASHINGTON - January 28, 2009 - The U.S. House of Representatives today approved the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, a two-year, $150 billion federal investment aimed at injecting much needed funds into the nation's schools, states and communities to cope with the worst economic and financial crisis since the Great Depression. The Senate is considering a similar measure.    » read more »

April 22, 2008 -- WASHINGTON, DC— Today, Senator Edward M. Kennedy, Chairman of the Health, Education, Labor and Pensions, released the following statement in response to the new regulations for No Child Left Behind announced by Margaret Spellings, the Secretary of Education.

Abandoned school, Indiana: Photo by Christopher Titzer (CC)

“The regulatory changes announced by Secretary Spellings include important improvements for implementing No Child Left Behind, even as Congress considers further reforms to the law.    » read more »

April 21, 2008 -- JACKSON, Mississippi - Mississippi Governor Haley Barbour today declared a state of emergency exists in the North Panola School District, authorizing the state Department of Education to take immediate corrective action.

“After reviewing documentation provided by the state Department of Education, I am convinced that existing conditions in the North Panola School District jeopardize the educational interests of the children enrolled there. My declaration of an emergency will give the department the authority to take immediate steps so the district can begin to recover from serious leadership and management deficiencies,” Governor Barbour said.    » read more »

April 19, 2008 -- Colorado Governor Bill Ritter issued the following statement today commemorating the ninth anniversary of the tragedy that occurred at Columbine High School on April 20, 1999:

"It is with great sorrow and a heavy heart that we pause this weekend to remember what happened at Columbine High School nine years ago. My thoughts, sympathies and prayers will forever be with the families, victims, students, teachers and others who lost so much that terrible day.

Columbine Memorial, Littleton, Colorado: Photo by David Keyzer (CC)    » read more »

April 15, 2008 -- TALLAHASSEE – Florida Governor Charlie Crist today announced Florida’s participation in the American Diploma Project Network, a nationwide movement designed to improve preparation of high school students for the 21st century workforce. The Governor’s announcement came after discussing the benefits of participation with Minnesota Governor Tim Pawlenty.

“Florida has a proven record of improving student performance across all grade levels,” Governor Crist said.“By working collaboratively with other states, we can maximize our efforts on behalf of our students.”    » read more »

April 14, 2008 -- (AUGUSTA)— Seven Maine school systems are being recognized by the Maine Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) for taking steps towards improved energy efficiency and reducing their carbon dioxide emissions that contribute to climate change. Friday, April 18th at Noon, Lewiston High School, East Avenue    » read more »

April 14, 2008 -- SANTA BARBARA -- California Attorney General Edmund G. Brown Jr. today announced a 74-count felony indictment against a former Santa Maria-Bonita School District official and three executives from TurnKey, a Temecula-based company, for misappropriating $3.6 million in public money for schools.

A school construction site, California: Photo by Dave Piper (CC)    » read more »

More than 90 Lawyers May Have Been Involved in Fraudulent Employment Arrangements in More than 20 Upstate Counties and Long Island

ALBANY, NY (April 10, 2008) – New York Attorney General Andrew M. Cuomo announced today that his Office has issued multiple subpoenas to lawyers and law firms in upstate counties as part of his rapidly expanding probe into potentially fraudulent employment arrangements between public school systems and lawyers.    » read more »

Judge: We need this legislation, and we need it now!

April 10, 2008 -- Rep. Art Staed and Sen. Staci Appel listen as Lt. Governor Patty Judge speaks at the Healthy Kids Press Conference on April 10, 2008. DES MOINES – Today, Lt. Governor Patty Judge called on the Iowa House of Representatives to move the Healthy Kids Act to the floor for a vote before the end of the legislative session.

Snack selections from a public school vending machine: Photo by Julian Bleeckr (CC)    » read more »

Lincoln, Neb. - Nebraska Governor Dave Heineman today signed two legislative bills necessary to help maintain a balanced budget in the remaining year of the biennium.

While signing LB 959, the 2008 budget bill, the Governor included one line-item reduction, which was to eliminate the gas tax increase. The veto of the gas tax increase represents a $14.5 million savings for the state.

“I want to applaud the hard work and leadership of Senator Heidemann, members of the Appropriations Committee, and the Legislature as a whole for delivering a budget bill package that represents a responsible revision to our state budget,” Gov. Heineman said. “I particularly want to thank state senators for helping maintain a strong cash reserve and continuing to exercise restraint in spending.    » read more »