May 3, 2010
Lawmakers approved a $70.4 billion state budget Friday, ending a two-month, election-year legislative session shaped by a massive budget shortfall and the stunning defection of Gov. Charlie Crist from the Republican Party in his race to U.S. Senate. In the House, the measure was approved 77-43, with most Democrats opposed. The Senate voted 33-4, setting […]
May 3, 2010
Consider this: Revenue for Routt County school districts from specific ownership taxes would dwindle from $1.7 million in 2009 to $22,791 with full implementation of Proposition 101 . If you’re a registered Colorado voter and plan to cast a ballot in November, you will. In addition to deciding on Proposition 101, voters will be asked […]
May 3, 2010
Florida legislators thought they had it rough balancing the state budget this year, yet they balked at proposals to rein in runaway costs in the state’s Medicaid program. As a result, they — or their successors — may someday look back on this year’s legislative session as a cakewalk. Medicaid, a federally and state-funded program, […]
May 3, 2010
The Illinois fiscal crisis is crowding out important services including public education. With Governor Quinn’s proposed cuts of $1.3 billion to education, school districts across the state are having to make cuts due to lack of funding. Chicago Public Schools (CPS) has a $600 million deficit, with proposed 11%-12% funding cuts to local charter schools. […]
May 3, 2010
Officials at Harrison Community Schools are making some tough decisions in the “brutal” cuts to balance the district’s budget. Harrison, like districts all over Michigan, have slashed costs but more are on the horizon, Superintendent Tom House said. Member of the Harrison Board of Education are poised to make a series of “absolutely brutal cuts […]
May 3, 2010
Republican leaders on the Board of Aldermen say they do not foresee reinstating any of the $2.2 million reduction to the Board of Education budget, while top Democrats say they would approve additional funds. Republican aldermen hold a 10-5 majority. Acting Superintendent of Schools R. Michael Cummings has proposed closing Simon Lake School, eliminating 45 […]
May 3, 2010
For years, Missouri’s K-12 schools have enjoyed increases in funding from the state — a growth of more than $1.5 billion in the past decade. That ended this week when lawmakers approved a budget with flat funding in core school spending. Still, that news was greeted with a dose of optimism by some education officials, […]
April 30, 2010
Still looking for ways to save money after months of budget cuts, this small-town school district decided last week to furlough teachers next year and shorten the school year. The Knightsen school board has approved an agreement between the district and the Knightsen Teachers’ Association that will shorten the 2010-11 school year by a week, […]
April 30, 2010
The Missouri House narrowly voted Thursday to overhaul how the state distributes basic aid to school districts. The legislation also would allow school districts to charge some families for using the Parents as Teachers early childhood education program and reduce what summer school classes the state would pay for. The House approved the education policy […]
April 30, 2010
Worried Californians, a promise from our very own governor and a look at “wasteful” spending in California make up this edition of California Budget Crisis Diaries. Here’s your dose of CBCD to fulfill your healthy addiction. School funding: A new poll shows Californians believe they aren’t receiving the quality education they deserve. Reported by The […]