Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/40928
What's hot resources by duplicating what is already offered by the local public schools? The "heightened accountability" Governor Markell (center) thanks DSEA's Mike Hoffmann (left, vice president) and President-Elect Frederika Jenner for the organization's help in crafting the improve- ments to Delaware's charter school law. Governor signs charter school legislation Law increases oversight and accountability for charter schools see that headline. Six years ago, she took a lot of F heat for speaking out in favor of more accountability for Delaware's ormer DSEA President Barbara Grogg probably wondered if she would ever charter schools to prevent closings; to prevent what happened to the families with students at the REACH Academy this past spring; and to safeguard taxpayer interests in funding charter schools. DSEA had drafted legislation at the time to also require that all new charter applications include a local impact analysis: Does this charter school offer a curriculum not avail- able, or is it draining public now required of charter schools got the headlines with the signing of this bill, House Bill 205. Not men- tioned was the notion of requiring charter applications to complete an impact analysis, which is also part of Delaware's new law. "Much of what we had included in our draft charter school bill years ago is part of this new bill," says DSEA General Counsel Jeff Taschner, who worked with legislators, the Governor's office and the Delaware Charter Network to write this new bill. The bill requires more financial oversight, criminal background checks for board members, and bet- ter timelines for both the schools, the Dept. of Education and charter school families. The law will better ensure that individuals requesting a charter are qualified to govern a school by requiring criminal back- ground checks and disclosure of financial interests. And, as men- tioned above, the reason for the charter school – its mission - must not negatively impact the local schools by duplicating what they offer. Thanks, Chris Kenton! W e all have stories about why we're members of the Association. Most aren't as dramatic as Chris and Jo Ann Kenton's. Lake Forest's Chris Kenton shares why he's an active member of the union with the new teachers and paras in his district. Chris' wife, Jo Ann, is a health teacher at Lake Forest High School and trainer for the high school's football team. During a game, she was hit by a player while standing on the sidelines, and severely injured. She still can't walk as well as she could before the accident. The district moved to terminate Museum Day September 24: it's free! GEORGETOWN I n the spirit of Smithsonian Museums, who offer free admis- sion every day, Museum Day is an annual event hosted by in which participating museums across the country open their doors to anyone presenting a Museum Day Ticket...for free. Museum Day this year is Saturday, September 24. Go to for two free passes and list of local museums. So far,In Delaware, the "free" museums are: DOVER Biggs Museum of American Art, Dover Delaware Agricultural Museum and Village WILMINGTON Delaware Art Museum Delaware Center for the Contemporary Arts Delaware Museum of Natural History Old Swedes Church-Hendrickson House Museum Elsie Williams Doll Collection Treasures of the Sea Exhibit NEWARK Iron Hill Museum LEWES The Lewes Historical Society WINTERTHUR Winterthur Museum her, saying that she needed to be completely healthy to perform her job. Toby Paone, Lake Forest E.A.'s DSEA UniServ director, arguing that no one is always completely healthy, won her job back. "Toby saved her job," Chris told the new hires. His point was that you never know what might happen, and that you don't have to "get into trouble" to be in trouble and need your union and the contract you and your colleagues negotiate. Chris' testimony helped recruit 15 of 17 new hires to Association membership that day Thanks, Chris! Moving? og in at L www.dsea.org and edit your contact information there. It's easy, and saves you a stamp or a phone call. Thanks! September 2011 DSEA ACTION! 3 www.dsea. org Smithsonian Magazine museumday www.smithsonian.com/