Trump Administration Reallocates Education Funds to HBCUs and Charter Schools
The Education Department has redirected grants towards charter schools and other priorities of the Trump administration, reflecting a shift in funding focus.
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Charter Schools
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Trump Redirects Funds to HBCUs and Tribal Schools Amid Education Cuts
The Trump administration announced nearly $500 million in federal funds will be redirected to support historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs), tribally controlled colleges and universities (TCCUs), charter schools, and American history programs, marking significant increases and a shift away from programs deemed ineffective or discriminatory.
Two Decades Later: The Evolving Impact of Hurricane Katrina on New Orleans Education
Twenty years after Hurricane Katrina, New Orleans' school system has transitioned to an almost entirely charter-based system, leading to significant improvements in test scores, graduation rates, and school renovations, though opinions remain mixed and challenges such as school closures and disparities persist.
Tim Scott Accuses Biden of Resegregating Schools, Targets Black Voters
Republican Senator Tim Scott falsely claimed on CNN that President Joe Biden's policies are resegregating public schools by eliminating charter schools, despite federal funding for charter schools remaining unchanged since 2019. Research indicates that the rise of charter schools has actually contributed to increasing segregation over the past 30 years. This claim is part of a broader effort by Donald Trump's campaign to attract Black and minority voters, as recent polls show a slight increase in Trump's support among these demographics.
"Alaska Legislature's 2024 Session Puts Focus on Education Funding and Republican Priorities"
Alaska House Republicans unveiled an education package including $190 million per year, falling short of educators' $350 million annual inflation adjustment request, with provisions for boosting internet speeds, teacher bonuses, home-schooled students, and increasing charter schools. The proposal was introduced in the House Rules Committee and faced opposition from minority members, with concerns raised about unequal treatment of teachers, potential violations of the state constitution, and centralized state control over charter school approvals.
Cherelle Parker's Victory Speech: Rivalries, Ex-Husband, and Charter Schools
In her victory speech, Philadelphia Mayor-elect Cherelle Parker addressed political rivalries, her relationship with her ex-husband, and her stance on charter schools. She emphasized her commitment to calling out divisive tactics used by political factions and expressed a desire to work collaboratively with City Council. Parker also highlighted her ability to co-parent with her ex-husband and discussed feeling deceived by a major endorsement during her campaign. Additionally, she made it clear that she is not interested in pitting traditional public schools against charter schools and wants to focus on providing quality education for all students.
"Denver Public Schools' Board of Education Sees Major Shake-Up in Recent Elections"
Voters in Denver favored change in the Board of Education elections, with two incumbents being ousted and a former high school principal elected to an open at-large seat. The reasons for the change could be attributed to concerns about school safety, demand for more school resource officers, school closings, dysfunction of the current board, support from charter school backers, or the endorsement by the new Denver mayor. While only three seats were up for election, the results indicate a shift in direction for the board.
"Denver School Board Election: New Members Elected, Incumbents Ousted"
Denver voters elected three new members to the school board, signaling a desire for change amidst rising gun violence and allegations of dysfunction. Former East High School Principal John Youngquist won the citywide at-large race, replacing Vice President Auon'tai Anderson. Incumbents Scott Baldermann and Charmaine Lindsay lost their seats to Kimberlee Sia and Marlene De La Rosa, respectively. The new board members are supportive of keeping police in schools and allowing more autonomy for schools. The election was expensive, with outside groups spending nearly $1.9 million. The new members will be sworn in on November 28.
Enrollment Surges in D.C. and Virginia Schools, Defying Pandemic Challenges
Washington D.C. has recorded its highest-ever school enrollment figures, with over 98,000 students in traditional public and charter schools. The preliminary data shows a 2% increase in enrollment compared to last year, surpassing pre-pandemic growth rates. The city added 2,120 students this year, driven largely by charter schools and the youngest and oldest learners. The growth in enrollment is seen as encouraging progress as the district continues to recover from the impact of the pandemic.
"Governor Youngkin Makes Key Education Board Appointments in Virginia"
Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin has appointed three new members to the Virginia Board of Education, bringing the total number of Youngkin appointees on the nine-person board to eight. The new members include Mashea Ashton, founder and CEO of Digital Pioneers Academy Public Charter School; Debbie Kilgore, a retired family and consumer science teacher; and Amber Northern, senior vice president for research at the Thomas B. Fordham Institute. These appointments replace three members whose terms expired. The new members will need to be confirmed by the state General Assembly.
Supreme Court rejects charter school's bid to enforce mandatory skirts for girls.
The Supreme Court has declined to review the case of a North Carolina charter school that wanted to force female students to wear skirts, letting stand a lower-court ruling that deemed the policy unconstitutional. The move is a victory for civil liberties advocates and a blow to social conservatives who hoped that the top U.S. court would exempt charter schools from constitutional protections. The case could have had far-reaching implications for charter schools, which operate in a gray area, functioning as public schools that are run by private organizations.
Supreme Court declines charter school dress code case.
The Supreme Court declined to hear a case that could have had significant implications for the charter school industry. The case involved a charter school dress code that required girls to wear skirts, which was struck down by the 4th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals. The appellate court's ruling will stand, including its determination that North Carolina charter schools are "state actors" that work on behalf of the government. The legal fight has now extended beyond dress codes to entangle public religious charter schools and constitutional limits between church and state.
Supreme Court Rejects School's Mandatory Skirt Policy for Girls
The Supreme Court declined to hear a case challenging a dress code at a North Carolina charter school that required girls to wear skirts, leaving in place a ruling that held the dress code violated the equal protection clause of the 14th Amendment. The decision raises questions about whether charter schools are subject to the same laws as other public schools or act more like private entities. The case was Charter Day School v. Peltier.
The Controversy Surrounding Oklahoma's Catholic Charter School
The approval of the first religious charter school in the US, St. Isidore of Seville Catholic Virtual School in Oklahoma, is challenging the definition of charter schools as strictly public schools. While the school's supporters argue that excluding religious groups amounts to discrimination, opponents argue that charter schools are public schools and should not discriminate. The move has also sparked debate within the charter school movement itself, with some arguing that charter schools are more like private actors. The issue may ultimately be decided by the US Supreme Court, which is weighing whether to take up a case on directing taxpayer money to private religious schools.
Nevada Governor Lombardo's Recent Actions and Plans.
The Nevada Legislature adjourned without passing the final budget bill, which includes funding for state public works and construction, leading to a special session. Democrats and Governor Joe Lombardo reached an agreement on all but one of the five major state budget implementation bills, with the measure funding state public works and construction faltering in the Senate in the final hours of the session. Education emerged as a key pain point, with funding authorization for Opportunity Scholarships remaining flat. Lombardo's flagship education bill, AB400, had contemplated boosting funding for those scholarships from $13 million to roughly $50 million.