CITIZENS FOR PUBLIC SCHOOLS Updates
May 1, 2008
1. House Budget-Chapter 70 is safe-there is slight increase in the foundation amount, a special ed circuit breaker and some more $$ for extended day-more details later
2. Closing tax loopholes- looked like a clear victory against unfair corporate tax practices but a last minute amendment by Rep. Dan Bosley caused it to end almost revenue neutral (the increase in the cigarette tax, however would result in about $100 million in new revenue). Now on to the Senate.
3. Joe Rappa is gone and EQA is winding up its work on completed school district reviews. There will be a proposal for a new accountability entity- possibly in DOE.
4. Readiness Project- leadership meeting on May 2 nd- still talking release of 3-5 bold new recommendations by end of May- beginning of June. MCAS probably will not be among them.
5. Teen Empowerment- Rally May 21 st at the State House.
6. State Board of Elementary and Secondary Education (BESE)- there will be new members and obviously be changes in staffing at DOE. Marilyn reported that the House passed an amendment for a charter school study- new Commissioner beginning to meet with BESE members.
Comments