Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/135412
Legislative Update to teach can make thousands more in Pocomoke, Kennett Square, and Salem than in Bridgeville, Felton or Bear. "If we're to have the best education system in the country, we can't continue to have the lowest starting and average teacher salaries in our region. We can change this without substantial new resources by reexamining the pay structure, which hasn't been substantively changed in decades. I ask that the General Assembly work with me to re-examine the pay structure so we can incentivize teaching in high-need schools and critical subjects, raise starting teacher pay, and reward teacher leadership." We have told him that we're very interested in this subject, and that it will take much research and indepth conversations – including necessary input from Delaware's teachers – for this to happen. required to accept choice students until each school and/or program has reached 85% of its capacity . Districts are now required to hold a public information session about choice and enrollment opportunities by October 31, and report estimated capacity and projected enrollment information to the Department of Education by November 30. Those estimates may be revised until January 30. Finally, the bill creates a task force to consider the current landscape of all school enrollment preferences to include magnet, vocational-technical, and charter schools, and to develop recommendations as necessary . Choice applications to be standard across districts and charter schools On May 30 Rep. Earl Jacques filed a charter school reform bill, HB165, that is the result of many years of public debate and discussion with legislators and other interested parties. The Charter School Network and organizations such as DSEA have been trying to collaborate on a bill to meet both of our needs. The bill definitely strikes a compromise between the many interests involved in the process. Additional sponsors include House Education Committee Chair Rep. Darryl Scott, Rep. John Kowalko and Senate Education Committee Chair Dave Sokola. This bill has been assigned to the House Education Committee. On June 3 Gov. Markell signed HB 90 that improves Delaware's public school choice law. Both choice applications and deadlines will now be standard across districts effective July 1, 2013. Sponsored by new State Rep. Kim Williams (19) and new State Sen. Nicole Poore (12), the new standardized form will be available to all on the Dept. of Education's web site. Further, "… the bill seeks to eliminate discrimination by districts against choice students by: (1) allowing districts to request supplemental application information from choice students only to the extent it requires the same information from attendance zone students; (2) limiting the supplemental criteria a receiving district may use to evaluate choice applications—after that, districts must use a lottery system; and (3) removing the provision that allows districts to reject applications of students with special needs. Districts would also be www.dsea.org Charter School Accountability and Support bill just introduced Bill includes need for impact statement One of the most significant changes for DSEA and its members is that decisions about new or expanded charter schools must now include an assessment of whether or not they will have a positive or negative impact on nearby community schools. The bill raises the bar for starting charter schools with a pre-screening process, applicant interviews and additional opportunities to receive and use public input regarding the impact of new and expanded charter schools. Under the cur- rent charter school law, any negative impact on local community schools of a new or expanded charter school is not considered. The bill increases charter flexibility and support, with ten year terms for high-performing charters, more timely allocation of funding, clear allowance of conduit financing as is currently allowed other non-profits, equalized minor capital funding (in the same way that votech districts are funded), and creation of a charter school performance fund.* Finally, the bill sets and enforces consistent expectations for charter schools, with authorizer-charter agreements, required plans for board member training, required provision of lunch to eligible students, clear closure protocols and a revised renewal process that is aligned to the charter performance frameworks. Whether HB 147 reaches the Governor's desk by June 30 is not clear given the dwindling number of legislative days. If it has not completed the legislative process, it will remain alive for consideration during the second and final session of Delaware's 147th General Assembly . *Charter School Performance Fund: The Dept. of Education shall establish threshold eligibility requirements for applicants desiring to apply for funding which shall include a proven track record of success. It shall also establish criteria to evaluate applications for funding. The Department shall prioritize those applications from applicants that have (a) developed high-quality plans for start-up or expansion or (b) serve high-needs students. The fund shall be subject to appropriation not to exceed $5 million annually . May/June 2013 DSEA ACTION! 9