NJ Spotlight--Sweeney, Prieto Agreement Adds $125M to School-Funding Formula
Embattled Democratic leaders shake hands on a deal, but will Christie and the rest of the Legislature buy into their vision?
Yesterday’s announcement of a deal among Democratic leaders to provide an additional $125 million in state aid for public education has settled at least one political battle.
But the defining one will come next, whether Gov. Chris Christie and the other key players will go along. And that’s just one of the big questions facing what until recently was among the biggest uncertainties of the budget season.
The agreement between State Senate President Steve Sweeney and Assembly Speaker Vincent Prieto is no small thing. The two Democratic leaders had been at odds over how to address the school-funding gaps, with little concord and plenty of acrimony between them.
John Mooney | June 15, 2017
NJ Spotlight--What Do You Want to Know About How NJ Funds Its Public Schools?
Use our interactive tool to let us know your questions about school funding in the Garden State
Democratic leaders yesterday announced an agreement to provide an additional $125 million to New Jersey’s public schools, a breakthrough among at least the Democrats to solving the state’s school funding crisis.
But that $125 million comes with lots of questions, including whether Gov. Chris Christie will go along. Christie had wanted to give every district the same amount per pupil, no matter the need. The Democrats, meanwhile, have sought for the state to fully fund its current school-aid formula, with some adjustments.
The next step is further negotiations, leading up to approval of the fiscal 2018 budget, later this month.
John Mooney | June 15, 2017
The Atlantic--Can Scientists Help End the Teacher Shortage?
Technology and math professionals are leaving the laboratory to lead the classroom.
Two years ago, LaTeira Haynes was working in a quiet laboratory at UC San Diego finishing up her doctorate in biomedical engineering. Now, she’s teaching a 9th-grade biology class in South Los Angeles that is so large she uses a microphone to be heard over the constant din of teenage chatter, rustling worksheets, and the zipping and unzipping of backpacks.
But to her, there is no sweeter sound.
“These students are here. They want to be here. I want to be here,” said the energetic second-year teacher, her hair pulled back and her hoop earrings flashing. “I have 47 kids in this class and 44 of them are here today. That’s huge.
Carolyn Jones| Jun 14, 2017