by Susan Henry After you’ve survived a few financial storms, you begin to recognize clouds forming on the horizon. So, experienced weather watchers know a menacing front is headed for California schools in the form of major pension increases. Rising pension costs exceed new revenues […]
New federal budget blueprint slashes education funding
Written by CSBA Staff On Wednesday, the Trump Administration unveiled a budget proposal that ramps up funding for defense and homeland security while cutting education spending by 13 percent. Under the proposal, which would apply to the 2018-19 school year, the U.S. Department of Education […]
California Arts Education Data Project Provides Road Map for Districts
by Patricia Wayne All students in California deserve to have access to high quality arts education that will provide them with important skills they need to succeed in today’s competitive workforce. But up until now, we lacked the tools to show us where (and how) […]
Charter Schools: Good governance practices and lack of transparency a subject of dispute
by Keith Bray There are elements of good governance that for decades have been sewn into the statutory fabric of how elected officials do their work on behalf of the people they represent. For example, meetings, with limited exceptions, are open to the public. Documents […]
State Schools Chief Tom Torlakson Commends California’s Continued Progress in Advanced Placement Exams
State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Torlakson announced that annual Advanced Placement results released today show that the number of California public high school graduates taking and demonstrating success in AP courses continues to climb. California placed fifth in the nation in the percentage (28.5 […]
DeVos Confirmed as Ed Secretary, but Questions Remain
by CSBA On Tuesday, Feb. 7, Vice President Mike Pence cast the decisive vote in favor of Betsy DeVos as the 11th U.S. Secretary of Education. While Pence broke a 50-50 tie and put an end to the confirmation process, the debate over DeVos’ fitness […]
Dollars for Scholars: Scholarshare Grants Available for CA Schools
State Treasurer John Chiang and ScholarShare recognize that students, parents, teachers and administrators are spending more time on endless fundraising events to pay for equipment and programs that are essential to providing kids with well-rounded educations. That is why ScholarShare is launching a new grant program […]
A Conversation With CSBA President Susan Henry on education leadership & challenges in 2017
California Schools magazine talks with CSBA President Susan Henry about her background and what led her to become engaged with public education. A registered nurse and an artist that went back to college at age 50, her life has centered on education, her family and […]
Edward James Olmos discusses a life of advocacy
Born in East Los Angeles, Edward James Olmos has enjoyed a distinguished career as an artist and as an activist. Olmos initially gained notice as a rock musician in Los Angeles. He then transitioned to a career on the stage and on screen. He earned […]
Californians believe schools need more funding — will they vote that way?
by Vernon M. Billy This November’s election will be unlike any we’ve seen in recent memory. Our Presidential election cycle has been, shall we say, “unique.” While California’s upcoming election isn’t nearly as interesting, we do have a whopping 17 statewide ballot measures that voters […]