The public is invited to a meeting at 5:30 this evening at the Pittsburgh Federation of Teachers Building on the South Side: 10 South 19th Street. Pittsburgh School Superintendent Linda Lane will present information about necessary budget cuts, and community members will have a chance to express their priorities.
Carey Harris, Executive Director of A+ Schools, which is hosting the meeting, says Dr. Lane has already had to make difficult decisions because of state budget cuts, which will require further cuts of $100 million a year. Harris says the general fund budget now is about $540 million a year, or $20,000 per student--one of the highest-spending districts in Pennsylvania. A $100 million cut would reduce the average to $16,000 per student, which is still high in the state, so, depending on where cuts are made, Harris believes the district can continue to deliver a quality education.
Harris expects Dr. Lane to present an analysis of where the spending in Pittsburgh exceeds state averages and where cuts might be made without jeopardizing the quality of education. The decisions to be made are probably for the 2011-2012 school year, which the board will be voting on in December.
There will be refreshments to get people through the dinner hour, and child care is provided.
Showing posts with label Pittsburgh Public Schools. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Pittsburgh Public Schools. Show all posts
Monday, June 27, 2011
Thursday, June 23, 2011
217 PPS Nonteaching Staff Cut
The Pittsburgh Public School board has moved to eliminate 217 positions, more than half will come through layoffs and furloughs. Board members voted 8-1 Wednesday night to pass the measure.
The district is facing a growing budget gap that will reach $68 million by the end of next year.
Superintendent Linda Lane says the people being let go range from janitors and clerical employees to administrative staff. impacted workers were informed through face-to-face meetings. Lane says, "This is very, very difficult. We're talking about people's lives here."
The district is facing a growing budget gap that will reach $68 million by the end of next year.
Superintendent Linda Lane says the people being let go range from janitors and clerical employees to administrative staff. impacted workers were informed through face-to-face meetings. Lane says, "This is very, very difficult. We're talking about people's lives here."
Tuesday, June 21, 2011
Tarka Steps Down, Esposito-Visgitis Steps Up
After 43 years with the Pittsburgh Public School District, Pittsburgh Federation of Teachers President John Tarka has decided to step down from the post. The move will be official August 31.
“He’s a hard act to follow,” said Union Vice President Nina Esposito-Visgitis. Esposito-Visgitis should know what she is talking about, she will be taking over the presidency when Tarka leaves.
“If it was up to me, John Tarka would never leave,” said Esposito-Visgitis, “He is a valuable leader, he is my role model and he has done so much for he teachers and students of the Pittsburgh Public Schools.”
Tarka began his career as a teacher at Westinghouse High School. He served on the PFT Executive Board for more than thirty years, and he was selected to head the union when longtime PFT President Al Fondy passed away in 2005. He serves as a national AFT Vice President, Executive Vice President of the statewide AFT Pennsylvania, and a Vice President on the Pennsylvania AFL-CIO Executive Council.
Esposito-Visgitis was a Speech-Language Pathologist in the district before moving up in the union. She says she looks forward to continuing her push for more support for those with special needs and will also continue to move the “Empowering Effective Teachers” program forward. At the same time she says she will have to deal with the possibility of furloughs as the district’s enrolment shrinks and budgets are cut.
However Esposito-Visgitis is not just looking to be a carbon copy of John Tarka. “I love member involvement so that will be a big continued push for me,” said Esposito-Visgitis, “I also want to focus more on educating our members about the union movement.” Esposito-Visgitis said many of the younger members have never experienced a strike and have lost sight of what the union movement is all about.
“He’s a hard act to follow,” said Union Vice President Nina Esposito-Visgitis. Esposito-Visgitis should know what she is talking about, she will be taking over the presidency when Tarka leaves.
“If it was up to me, John Tarka would never leave,” said Esposito-Visgitis, “He is a valuable leader, he is my role model and he has done so much for he teachers and students of the Pittsburgh Public Schools.”
Tarka began his career as a teacher at Westinghouse High School. He served on the PFT Executive Board for more than thirty years, and he was selected to head the union when longtime PFT President Al Fondy passed away in 2005. He serves as a national AFT Vice President, Executive Vice President of the statewide AFT Pennsylvania, and a Vice President on the Pennsylvania AFL-CIO Executive Council.
Esposito-Visgitis was a Speech-Language Pathologist in the district before moving up in the union. She says she looks forward to continuing her push for more support for those with special needs and will also continue to move the “Empowering Effective Teachers” program forward. At the same time she says she will have to deal with the possibility of furloughs as the district’s enrolment shrinks and budgets are cut.
However Esposito-Visgitis is not just looking to be a carbon copy of John Tarka. “I love member involvement so that will be a big continued push for me,” said Esposito-Visgitis, “I also want to focus more on educating our members about the union movement.” Esposito-Visgitis said many of the younger members have never experienced a strike and have lost sight of what the union movement is all about.
Wednesday, June 8, 2011
Pittsburgh School District Considers Closing More Schools
Pittsburgh Public Schools Superintendent Linda Lane has outlined the process to determine recommendations for school closings and realignment for the 2012-13 school year.
Lane told the Board of Education's Budget Committee that as enrollment continues to fall the district cannot afford to pay for empty seats in school buildings....
"Every dollar we spend on underutilized bricks and mortar is one less dollar we have available to spend towards improving the life prospects of our students.”
Lane says they will now use the 2009 DeJong facilities report along with an academic performance assessment and budgetary analysis to develop a plan for further downsizing.
“Our commitment is to have an open dialogue with the community about the need to close schools.”
The superintendent said to determine schools to be recommended for closure, they've begun an internal review process of all schools based upon four equally weighted measures:
1) Student Achievement- AYP; Student Growth
2) Student Enrollment- Enrollment vs. Capacity
3) Facility Condition- DeJong study rating
4) Operations Costs- Utilities, custodial, etc.
In 2009,the national consulting firm DeJong developed a long-term facilities plan for the district. In 2006, the district closed 22 under-utilized and low-achieving schools and in the last 4 years another 5 schools were shut down.
Lane says recommendations will be brought forward later this year and then there will be a public input period.
Student enrollment is 25,046 with an estimated 11,165 seats of excess capacity.
Lane told the Board of Education's Budget Committee that as enrollment continues to fall the district cannot afford to pay for empty seats in school buildings....
"Every dollar we spend on underutilized bricks and mortar is one less dollar we have available to spend towards improving the life prospects of our students.”
Lane says they will now use the 2009 DeJong facilities report along with an academic performance assessment and budgetary analysis to develop a plan for further downsizing.
“Our commitment is to have an open dialogue with the community about the need to close schools.”
The superintendent said to determine schools to be recommended for closure, they've begun an internal review process of all schools based upon four equally weighted measures:
1) Student Achievement- AYP; Student Growth
2) Student Enrollment- Enrollment vs. Capacity
3) Facility Condition- DeJong study rating
4) Operations Costs- Utilities, custodial, etc.
In 2009,the national consulting firm DeJong developed a long-term facilities plan for the district. In 2006, the district closed 22 under-utilized and low-achieving schools and in the last 4 years another 5 schools were shut down.
Lane says recommendations will be brought forward later this year and then there will be a public input period.
Student enrollment is 25,046 with an estimated 11,165 seats of excess capacity.
Monday, June 6, 2011
PPS Board Nets "B-" Average Grade
The Pittsburgh Public School Board has received an overall grade of B- on the latest “report card” issued by education nonprofit A+ Schools.
The Board performed best in the areas of transparency and conduct, and worst in terms of role clarity. It received middling grades for focus and competency.
A+ Schools Executive Director Carey Harris says this means while the Board is open and doesn’t argue much, it could be using its time more wisely.
“They sometimes tend to get into questions about these transactions, like, ‘Well, who is this person? What is their qualification? How many students will participate in this? What time of day is it,’ those sorts of details, which are sort of administrative task details, not necessarily policymaking discussions,” says Harris. “Our vision is really that this is a board that’s focused on the big picture.”
Harris says her group suggests the Board take a training course for policymakers to learn new ways of governing.
A+ Schools also recommends reforming some Board meeting procedures.
Harris says this report card can’t be compared to previous ones, because A+ Schools used a new reporting method for this evaluation. Harris says the new format was made in collaboration with both volunteers and the School Board itself, and imposes a higher expectation of the Board.
Harris says the next report card will probably be issued in September. More information on the report cards can be found at A+ Schools’ website.
The Board performed best in the areas of transparency and conduct, and worst in terms of role clarity. It received middling grades for focus and competency.
A+ Schools Executive Director Carey Harris says this means while the Board is open and doesn’t argue much, it could be using its time more wisely.
“They sometimes tend to get into questions about these transactions, like, ‘Well, who is this person? What is their qualification? How many students will participate in this? What time of day is it,’ those sorts of details, which are sort of administrative task details, not necessarily policymaking discussions,” says Harris. “Our vision is really that this is a board that’s focused on the big picture.”
Harris says her group suggests the Board take a training course for policymakers to learn new ways of governing.
A+ Schools also recommends reforming some Board meeting procedures.
Harris says this report card can’t be compared to previous ones, because A+ Schools used a new reporting method for this evaluation. Harris says the new format was made in collaboration with both volunteers and the School Board itself, and imposes a higher expectation of the Board.
Harris says the next report card will probably be issued in September. More information on the report cards can be found at A+ Schools’ website.
Thursday, April 28, 2011
Charter School Okayed
The Pittsburgh School Board has voted in favor of the charter application for Propel Charter School - Northside after the District Charter Review Team recommended approval for the new charter school.
“We acknowledge the success of existing Propel schools and support schools that provide quality options for Pittsburgh families,” said Superintendent Linda Lane, Ed.D.
The Board originally rejected the proposal in February but Lane says Propel's renewed application shows a comprehensive curriculum and plan to meet the needs of all students.
The new charter, which will serve students in grades K-8, is scheduled to open this fall with grades K-4.
“We acknowledge the success of existing Propel schools and support schools that provide quality options for Pittsburgh families,” said Superintendent Linda Lane, Ed.D.
The Board originally rejected the proposal in February but Lane says Propel's renewed application shows a comprehensive curriculum and plan to meet the needs of all students.
The new charter, which will serve students in grades K-8, is scheduled to open this fall with grades K-4.
Wednesday, April 27, 2011
Transfer Tax Loophole?
There is some question about whether the recent $250 million sale of the U.S. Steel Tower is subject to the real estate transfer tax, which would amount to about $10 million for the city, the school district and the state.
The state Department of Revenue is responsible for enforcing the tax. Pittsburgh School District Solicitor Ira Weiss says some transactions are exempt from the transfer tax, but so far it looks like it should be paid, so they're asking the state to look into it. Apparently the tax is required if a new owner is recorded on the deed, which has not happened.
The U.S. Steel Tower is at 600 Grant Street and is now topped by the logo of UPMC, the largest tenant. Other major tenants are U.S. Steel and PNC Bank.
The state Department of Revenue is responsible for enforcing the tax. Pittsburgh School District Solicitor Ira Weiss says some transactions are exempt from the transfer tax, but so far it looks like it should be paid, so they're asking the state to look into it. Apparently the tax is required if a new owner is recorded on the deed, which has not happened.
The U.S. Steel Tower is at 600 Grant Street and is now topped by the logo of UPMC, the largest tenant. Other major tenants are U.S. Steel and PNC Bank.
Thursday, April 14, 2011
New Plan for PIttsburgh Westinghouse
Fewer students have opted for the single gender academies this fall at Westinghouse than anticipated, so Pittsburgh School Superintendent Linda Lane has recommended a revised plan. Lane has suggested to the School Board that co-ed program be added to the 2 single gender academies at Westinghouse to avoid overcrowding at Pittsburgh Milliones.
The new 6-12 Pittsburgh Westinghouse will open at the start of the 2011-12 school year with a single-gender magnet program within the school allowing students to receive core course instruction in a single-gender classroom. While instruction in the school’s magnet program will be separated by gender, elective, art, career and technical education courses would be co-ed.
“We had families of over 400 students tell us they wanted a single-gender option for their children. By creating a magnet program at the Westinghouse facility we can honor the choice of these families, while ensuring we are able to provide strong, robust feeder school options for East End families.”
Lane says re-establishing Westinghouse as a feeder pattern school will also avoid overcrowding at Pittsburgh Milliones.
“We need to adjust our current plan so we do not run the risk of disrupting our growing program at Pittsburgh Milliones. We also need to ensure we open our new school at a level that enables us to create an enriching program at the Westinghouse facility that provides the students who live in Homewood the same resources and benefits found in our larger comprehensive high schools.”
A public hearing on the new proposal will be held April 25th and the Board is expected to vote on the new plan at its April 27th Legislative Meeting.
The new 6-12 Pittsburgh Westinghouse will open at the start of the 2011-12 school year with a single-gender magnet program within the school allowing students to receive core course instruction in a single-gender classroom. While instruction in the school’s magnet program will be separated by gender, elective, art, career and technical education courses would be co-ed.
“We had families of over 400 students tell us they wanted a single-gender option for their children. By creating a magnet program at the Westinghouse facility we can honor the choice of these families, while ensuring we are able to provide strong, robust feeder school options for East End families.”
Lane says re-establishing Westinghouse as a feeder pattern school will also avoid overcrowding at Pittsburgh Milliones.
“We need to adjust our current plan so we do not run the risk of disrupting our growing program at Pittsburgh Milliones. We also need to ensure we open our new school at a level that enables us to create an enriching program at the Westinghouse facility that provides the students who live in Homewood the same resources and benefits found in our larger comprehensive high schools.”
A public hearing on the new proposal will be held April 25th and the Board is expected to vote on the new plan at its April 27th Legislative Meeting.
Saturday, April 9, 2011
President Could Speak at CAPA
Pittsburgh Creative and Performing Arts (CAPA) 6-12 is one of 6 finalists to have President Barack Obama as their commencement speaker. This is the second year for the Race to the Top High School Commencement Challenge and Kalamazoo Central High in Michigan was last year's winner.
The President set a goal of having the highest proportion of college graduates in the world by 2020 and invited public high schools to submit applications that demonstrate their commitment to preparing students for college and a career.
The other finalists are Bridgeport High School in Bridgeport, Washington; Wayne Early Middle College High School in Goldsboro, North Carolina; Booker T. Washington High School in Memphis, Tennessee; Science Park High School in Newark, New Jersey; and, High Tech High International in San Diego, California.
“I want to congratulate the six finalists for all they’ve done to prepare their students for college and careers, and I want to thank all of the schools that applied,” said President Obama. “I look forward to meeting the students and teachers of the winning school at their commencement.”
All six schools will now produce videos about their schools and they will be posted on the White House website and the public will vote for the final 3. The president will then pick the winner.
The President set a goal of having the highest proportion of college graduates in the world by 2020 and invited public high schools to submit applications that demonstrate their commitment to preparing students for college and a career.
The other finalists are Bridgeport High School in Bridgeport, Washington; Wayne Early Middle College High School in Goldsboro, North Carolina; Booker T. Washington High School in Memphis, Tennessee; Science Park High School in Newark, New Jersey; and, High Tech High International in San Diego, California.
“I want to congratulate the six finalists for all they’ve done to prepare their students for college and careers, and I want to thank all of the schools that applied,” said President Obama. “I look forward to meeting the students and teachers of the winning school at their commencement.”
All six schools will now produce videos about their schools and they will be posted on the White House website and the public will vote for the final 3. The president will then pick the winner.
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
Superintendent Recommends 74% Cut In Capital Spending
Pittsburgh Public Schools Superintendent Linda Lane will submit a greatly pared down 2011 capital budget to the School Board this evening. Lane says this revised spending plan is part of the District’s continued efforts to operate more efficiently and reduce operating costs.
“In this difficult fiscal climate, it makes absolutely no sense for the district to borrow and spend $60 million on capital projects. I have reviewed our spending plan with staff and believe that these reductions are necessary to maintain fiscal discipline, while still allowing for required investments in our facility maintenance."
Lane says for the time being, they will only borrow for the most basic facility needs like fixing roofs, windows and boilers as well as safety issues.
Late last year the board approved a 2011 capital budget called for borrowing and spending more than $60.3 million on projects at district facilities. Lane's proposal calls for reducing the spending to approximately $14.9 million. This cut will trim the district's annual debt service for 2012 from $65.3 million to $61.7 million.
The revised capital budget would eliminate all or most of the funding for 16 projects including major renovations at Arlington K-8, Oliver High School, Northview K-8 and the Peabody school building.
“In this difficult fiscal climate, it makes absolutely no sense for the district to borrow and spend $60 million on capital projects. I have reviewed our spending plan with staff and believe that these reductions are necessary to maintain fiscal discipline, while still allowing for required investments in our facility maintenance."
Lane says for the time being, they will only borrow for the most basic facility needs like fixing roofs, windows and boilers as well as safety issues.
Late last year the board approved a 2011 capital budget called for borrowing and spending more than $60.3 million on projects at district facilities. Lane's proposal calls for reducing the spending to approximately $14.9 million. This cut will trim the district's annual debt service for 2012 from $65.3 million to $61.7 million.
The revised capital budget would eliminate all or most of the funding for 16 projects including major renovations at Arlington K-8, Oliver High School, Northview K-8 and the Peabody school building.
Saturday, March 12, 2011
Restructuring in Superintendent's Executive Team
Pittsburgh Public Schools Superintendent Linda Lane has reorganized her management team. Lane says since she became superintendent in January she's been looking to make the district more efficient and more effective in providing service to students. “I also know that in this time of limited resources we must continue to tighten our belt and reduce our costs. I am confident that this reorganization accomplishes both of those goals.”
Lane says the streamlining will reduce costs by $141,000, although 5 of the 8 executives will receive salary increases to reflect their additional duties. "I know that we have a great team here at Pittsburgh Public Schools already, and I believe that this reorganization will maximize our executive team’s core competencies.” The savings will come from the elimination of 5 vacant positions including Deputy Superintendent, Superintendant Assistant for Special Projects, Academic Specialist, Chief of Talent Management, Senior Program Officer for Curriculum, Instruction and Professional Development.
The administrative changes involve:
• Jeanine French, formerly Assistant Superintendent of K-8 Schools, will serve as Chief of School Performance with responsibility for School Management, Student Services, Research Assessment and Accountability and Special Education. Salary Increase of $13,822
• Jerri Lippert, retains title of Chief Academic Officer and assumes added responsibilities including Career and Technical Education and joint responsibility for Special Education with the Chief of School Performance: Salary Increase of $8,251
• Christiana Otuwa, formerly Assistant Superintendent Accelerated Learning Academies will serve as Assistant Superintendent Secondary Schools: Salary Increase of $5,251
• Peter Camarda, currently Executive Director of Budget Development and Management, has been named Acting Chief Operating and Finance Officer: Salary Increase of $10,909
• Jody Spolar, formerly Chief of Performance Management, has been promoted to Chief Human Resources Officer: Salary Increase of $10,500
Three executive staff members have had their roles changed.
• Derrick Lopez, formerly Assistant Superintendent of Secondary Schools, will serve as Assistant Superintendent for Strategic Initiatives with responsibility for design and implementation of school reforms, school realignment, charter school review and reducing the racial achievement disparity.
• Lisa Fischetti, Chief of Staff, assumes added responsibility for the Office of Teacher Effectiveness .
• Nancy Kodman, formerly Executive Director Strategic Initiatives, will serve as Executive Director Academic and Operations Integration.
Lane says the streamlining will reduce costs by $141,000, although 5 of the 8 executives will receive salary increases to reflect their additional duties. "I know that we have a great team here at Pittsburgh Public Schools already, and I believe that this reorganization will maximize our executive team’s core competencies.” The savings will come from the elimination of 5 vacant positions including Deputy Superintendent, Superintendant Assistant for Special Projects, Academic Specialist, Chief of Talent Management, Senior Program Officer for Curriculum, Instruction and Professional Development.
The administrative changes involve:
• Jeanine French, formerly Assistant Superintendent of K-8 Schools, will serve as Chief of School Performance with responsibility for School Management, Student Services, Research Assessment and Accountability and Special Education. Salary Increase of $13,822
• Jerri Lippert, retains title of Chief Academic Officer and assumes added responsibilities including Career and Technical Education and joint responsibility for Special Education with the Chief of School Performance: Salary Increase of $8,251
• Christiana Otuwa, formerly Assistant Superintendent Accelerated Learning Academies will serve as Assistant Superintendent Secondary Schools: Salary Increase of $5,251
• Peter Camarda, currently Executive Director of Budget Development and Management, has been named Acting Chief Operating and Finance Officer: Salary Increase of $10,909
• Jody Spolar, formerly Chief of Performance Management, has been promoted to Chief Human Resources Officer: Salary Increase of $10,500
Three executive staff members have had their roles changed.
• Derrick Lopez, formerly Assistant Superintendent of Secondary Schools, will serve as Assistant Superintendent for Strategic Initiatives with responsibility for design and implementation of school reforms, school realignment, charter school review and reducing the racial achievement disparity.
• Lisa Fischetti, Chief of Staff, assumes added responsibility for the Office of Teacher Effectiveness .
• Nancy Kodman, formerly Executive Director Strategic Initiatives, will serve as Executive Director Academic and Operations Integration.
Monday, March 7, 2011
A+ Wants You to Vote
Felicia Davis is a mother of three who says she has been voting in every election for the last 15 years but until she started to serve on the board of her local Head Start program she did not even know how the school board was formed. “I didn’t know that there was an election that everyone in the city gets to vote for it,” says Davis, “I didn’t know how many people, I knew nothing else. I didn’t even know the [school] district was separated into [board] districts.”The person Davis used to be is the target of a new initiative launched by A+ Schools and the person she is now is the type of person they want to enlist to help. Pittsburgh Public School Board districts 2, 4, 6, and 8 are up or election this year with a primary set for May. A+ Executive Director Carey Harris says the last time those districts were up for election, only 14 to 26 percent of the voters bothered to cast votes. The new effort launched today has a goal of increasing voter turn out by 6,000 voters or 26 percent.
The School Board watchdog group hopes to accomplish those goals through a multi-pronged effort. Harris says it starts with education about how the board members are
elected. “If you are not sure if you have a race this year go to our website and we’ll help you figure it out,” says Harris. The site includes a map of the 9 districts and a list of neighborhoods in each district. A+ will also be sending out flyers to people in the districts up for election and sending out doorknockers just to make sure the message is heard.Petitions to run for school board are due Tuesday so it is still unclear who is running. Harris says once the names are known her organization will be posting candidate profiles on the web and will be calling on residents like Davis to host candidate forums and spread the word in any way they can. Davis says in all her life she has not seen an ad for a school board candidate. “With the voter turnout being so low they don’t have to,” says Davis, ”They probably know, ’well I only need to get this many people on my team so I don’t have to work too hard if I want to get in.’”
At a campaign launch event this morning Harris told the group gathered, “We are asking you to do this because you want to show the board that you’re watching and because we want to show our kids that we care enough about our education to do this single easiest thing.” “26,000 kids are counting on you to cast your vote,” says Harris “A vote for school board is a vote for progress.”
Thursday, February 17, 2011
Urban Pathways Charter Okayed
The Pittsburgh Board of Education voted last night to approve 1 of 4 applications to operate charter schools in the city of Pittsburgh. Board members gave "qualified approval" to the Urban Pathways K-5 College Charter School. That "qualified approval" means that it will be re-evaluated before the start of the school year. The district is requesting that Urban Pathways produce a professional development plan that provides on-going training on implementation of the school's core knowledge curriculum. Urban Pathways already operates a 6-12 charter school.
“The District supports quality options for families that spur student achievement,” said Superintendent Linda Lane.
The Board rejected charter applications for Propel Charter School – Northside, Three Rivers Charter School for Public Service and Leadership Academy for Math and Science Charter.
The Board did acknowledge the success of existing charter schools operated by Propel in other locations but the Charter Review Team did not recommend approval saying this application lacked a comprehensive curriculum for all grade levels and comprehensive long range goals for students.
The Board voted against the Three Rivers Charter School for Public Service application saying it failed to provide a complete curriculum plan and didn't provide parents with choices that aren't already offered by the school district.
According to the review team, the Leadership Academy for Math and Science Charter School application lacked current community support and a proposed location.
The rejected applicants can appeal the decision.
“The District supports quality options for families that spur student achievement,” said Superintendent Linda Lane.
The Board rejected charter applications for Propel Charter School – Northside, Three Rivers Charter School for Public Service and Leadership Academy for Math and Science Charter.
The Board did acknowledge the success of existing charter schools operated by Propel in other locations but the Charter Review Team did not recommend approval saying this application lacked a comprehensive curriculum for all grade levels and comprehensive long range goals for students.
The Board voted against the Three Rivers Charter School for Public Service application saying it failed to provide a complete curriculum plan and didn't provide parents with choices that aren't already offered by the school district.
According to the review team, the Leadership Academy for Math and Science Charter School application lacked current community support and a proposed location.
The rejected applicants can appeal the decision.
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
Promise Scholarships Going Up
The Board of Directors of The Pittsburgh Promise has approved doubling the potential dollar amount of scholarships from the current maximum of $20,000 per student over 4 years to a maximum of $40,000 beginning with the class of 2012.
Promise Executive Director Saleem Ghubril says they committed four years ago to the doubling of the maximum amount...
"We stipulated that the additional 20 thousand would be given to those who provide evidence of...this if the language of the agreement...'mastery of subject matter.' So, we're ready now to say alright folks show us the proof of mastery."
To qualify for the first $20,000, the student must be a resident of Pittsburgh, graduate a city high school with at least a 2.5GPA and have a 90% attendance record.
To receive the second $20,000, the student must score "advanced" on the PSSA reading, math and writing tests. Ghubril says if they don't score "advanced," the students can still qualify for the addition scholarship money by scoring 600's on their SAT's in reading, math and writing.
Ghubril says in the first 3 years of The Pittsburgh Promise, they've given scholarships to more than 2,400 students who are "performing at (delightfully) high levels."
Promise Executive Director Saleem Ghubril says they committed four years ago to the doubling of the maximum amount...
"We stipulated that the additional 20 thousand would be given to those who provide evidence of...this if the language of the agreement...'mastery of subject matter.' So, we're ready now to say alright folks show us the proof of mastery."
To qualify for the first $20,000, the student must be a resident of Pittsburgh, graduate a city high school with at least a 2.5GPA and have a 90% attendance record.
To receive the second $20,000, the student must score "advanced" on the PSSA reading, math and writing tests. Ghubril says if they don't score "advanced," the students can still qualify for the addition scholarship money by scoring 600's on their SAT's in reading, math and writing.
Ghubril says in the first 3 years of The Pittsburgh Promise, they've given scholarships to more than 2,400 students who are "performing at (delightfully) high levels."
Wednesday, February 9, 2011
Community Group Evaluates Board of Education
The Pittsburgh Public School Board received an overall ‘B’ report card from A+ Schools Board Watch. The program uses volunteers who have observed public school board meetings for the past year to issue grades in areas such as transparency, role clarity, conduct, focus and mission.
The Board Watch began two years ago and this year issued Pittsburgh Public Schools their best overall grade yet.
A+ Schools Executive Director Carey Harris says the most recognizable result of the school boards growth is the increased public turnout for meetings.
“We’ve seen that we’ve probably pulled out over 300 people coming to school board meetings over the last two years that otherwise wouldn’t have been there so more people in the public and the community are paying attention to the school board governance and realize how important it is for outcomes of the children and the district as a whole,” Harris says.
She said she was excited for the improvement in the school boards organization and transparency but believes the group could do a better job recognizing role clarity.
"It's really about serving their role as policy makers; setting and monitoring policies that improve the district's outcomes. They always are responding to packets with 60 to 70 agenda items that are basically transactional, and we'd like them to spend less time doing that and more time on the big picture for the district."
The school board received its first A- in Transparency, a C+ in Role Clarity, a B- in focus and mission, a B in conduct, and a B- in competency. The overall grade rose from a B- in 2009 to a B in 2010.
Tuesday, February 8, 2011
Review Team Recommends 1 Charter Application
The final decision is up to the Pittsburgh Board of Education, but a special committee is recommending they reject three of four applications to operate charter schools. The board's charter review team gave qualified approval for the Urban Pathways K-5 College Charter.
Urban Pathways currently operates a grades 6-12 charter school in downtown Pittsburgh and CEO Linda Clautti says the proposed K-5 school will provide a great transition for students.
Clautti says their goal is to get children to value education early on beginning in kindergarten...
"We get kids now in the 6th grade and they're on 3rd or 4th grade reading levels and math levels. There is so much time spent on remediation that if we could get them and they're already on or near grade level, then they're going to benefit academically and graduate on time."
The review team requested a professional development plan from Urban Pathways before the school opens. Clautti says they don't know what the the teachers need till they arrive, observe them and get their input.
However, the committee recommends the board not approve the charter application of the Propel Charter School-Northside...saying it lacked a comprehensive curriculum for all grade levels. The review team did acknowledge the success of existing Propel Charter schools in other districts.
The committee also gave a negative recommendation to the Leadership Academy for Math and Science Pittsburgh Charter School because it didn't have a proposed location nor a comprehensive curriculum. The review team recommended rejection of the application by the Three Rivers Charter School for Public Service because it didn not submit a a comprehensive curriculum plan and would not provide students with expanded choices in educational opportunities to what the district already offers.
The board will vote on all four charter applications this evening.
Urban Pathways currently operates a grades 6-12 charter school in downtown Pittsburgh and CEO Linda Clautti says the proposed K-5 school will provide a great transition for students.
Clautti says their goal is to get children to value education early on beginning in kindergarten...
"We get kids now in the 6th grade and they're on 3rd or 4th grade reading levels and math levels. There is so much time spent on remediation that if we could get them and they're already on or near grade level, then they're going to benefit academically and graduate on time."
The review team requested a professional development plan from Urban Pathways before the school opens. Clautti says they don't know what the the teachers need till they arrive, observe them and get their input.
However, the committee recommends the board not approve the charter application of the Propel Charter School-Northside...saying it lacked a comprehensive curriculum for all grade levels. The review team did acknowledge the success of existing Propel Charter schools in other districts.
The committee also gave a negative recommendation to the Leadership Academy for Math and Science Pittsburgh Charter School because it didn't have a proposed location nor a comprehensive curriculum. The review team recommended rejection of the application by the Three Rivers Charter School for Public Service because it didn not submit a a comprehensive curriculum plan and would not provide students with expanded choices in educational opportunities to what the district already offers.
The board will vote on all four charter applications this evening.
Friday, January 7, 2011
New Pittsburgh Superintendent to Meet the Public
On Monday Dr. Linda Lane, Pittsburgh Public School's new superintendent, will attend a session to socialize and answer questions about her agenda for the district. A+ Schools is co-sporing the evening along with B-Pep and the Urban League. A+ Executive Director Carey Harris says the bulk of the evening will be a question and answer period with Lane and she expects attendees will want to know what kind of changes will take place under Lane, whether she'll start her own initiatives and her views on the challenges and opportunities facing the district. Harris says her organization will be looking closely at how PPS deals with the racial academic disparity gap and how Lane executes the ambitious initiatives begun by previous superintendent Mark Roosevelt. Those initiatives include the Pittsburgh Promise, a scholarship fund for graduating public school students; the Empowering Effective Teachers program which redesigns how the district hires, trains, evaluates, pays and promotes teachers; and the so called "right-sizing" of the district which entails closing and restructuring schools to fit the shrinking student population. The meet and greet with Lane takes place January 10, at 5:30 p.m. at the Creative and Performing Arts High School (CAPA) downtown.
Thursday, December 30, 2010
Lane Set to Take Superintendent Post
Pittsburgh Public Schools Deputy Superintendent of Instruction, Assessment and Accountability, Linda Lane, takes over as Superintendent Monday and she knows she has a lot of work to do. Lane says she will be making sure many of the programs implemented by outgoing Superintendent Mark Roosevelt continue on the right course. She says that includes the Empowering Effective Teachers Program. “There is a lot of work to do around that,” says Lane, “we’ve got multiple initiatives, some of them are highly complex… execution of that at a high level is going to take a lot of time and attention from everyone.”
The 60-year-old Lane was given a three-year contract and she says they will be “critical” years for the district. “We are mid-stream here’” says Lane. She says she wants to find new ways to make contact with parents. “If you go to a city league basketball game you are going to have families jamming the gym. They are already there, so are there ways we can engage people at things they are already there for instead of expecting that they are going to come in for meetings that we just send home a flyer saying ‘please come on Thursday night at 6:00,’” says Lane. “My strategy has always be to go where they are.”
Lane says another goal will be to get all students ready to take advantage of the Pittsburgh Promise, which offers scholarship money to students going on to higher education or career training. To do that she says she needs the help of the entire community. Lane says, “Our students need the support of everyone in the community not just their families. So for any organization, agency and individual in the city of Pittsburgh, I just would ask for their support and encouragement for our students to let them know, yes, they can dream big and work hard and be promise ready.”
Lane succeeds Mark Roosevelt who has been superintendent for just more than five years. He is leaving Pittsburgh to become president of Antioch College in Yellow Springs, Ohio. Roosevelt hired Lane in 2007. Her new contract will pay her $200,000 a year first year, with the possibility of $15,000 more in the second and third years based on performance.
The 60-year-old Lane was given a three-year contract and she says they will be “critical” years for the district. “We are mid-stream here’” says Lane. She says she wants to find new ways to make contact with parents. “If you go to a city league basketball game you are going to have families jamming the gym. They are already there, so are there ways we can engage people at things they are already there for instead of expecting that they are going to come in for meetings that we just send home a flyer saying ‘please come on Thursday night at 6:00,’” says Lane. “My strategy has always be to go where they are.”
Lane says another goal will be to get all students ready to take advantage of the Pittsburgh Promise, which offers scholarship money to students going on to higher education or career training. To do that she says she needs the help of the entire community. Lane says, “Our students need the support of everyone in the community not just their families. So for any organization, agency and individual in the city of Pittsburgh, I just would ask for their support and encouragement for our students to let them know, yes, they can dream big and work hard and be promise ready.”
Lane succeeds Mark Roosevelt who has been superintendent for just more than five years. He is leaving Pittsburgh to become president of Antioch College in Yellow Springs, Ohio. Roosevelt hired Lane in 2007. Her new contract will pay her $200,000 a year first year, with the possibility of $15,000 more in the second and third years based on performance.
Thursday, December 16, 2010
No Tax Hike In Pittsburgh School Budget
The Pittsburgh School Board has approved a 2011 operating budget of $540.9 million. That's 2.95% or $15.5 million more that this year's spending plan. For a 10th straight year, there will be no tax hike in the Pittsburgh School District.
Deputy Superintendent Linda Lane will administer the 2011 budget when she becomes superintendent January 1.....
“We have continued to make the difficult decision necessary to increase student achievement while reducing costs without raising taxes on City residents. We will also reach out to our leaders in Harrisburg to inform them about our progress here in Pittsburgh and the importance of state education funding to our continued success.”
Lane says major areas of increased spending are medical costs, up $3 million; salaries, up $3.7 million; special education, up $2.7 million; and transportation, up $2 million.
To balance the 2011 spending plan, the district will have to use about $8.7 million from its reserve funds.
Lane says they anticipate financial challenges because Federal Stimulus Funds, used by the state to meet the needs of school districts, will dry up in 2011, and at the same time employee benefits and charter school payments are increasing while the District’s local revenues remain flat.
Tuesday, December 14, 2010
Pgh School District Hires Within
By an 8-1 vote, the Pittsburgh Board of Education has approved the hiring of Dr. Linda Lane to succeed Mark Roosevelt as superintendent effective January 1st.
Roosevelt is leaving at the end of the month to become the new president of Antioch College in Ohio.
For the last 4 years, Lane has served as Deputy Superintendent for Curriculum, Instruction and Accountability and was a key member of the planning team that led the district to receive a $40 million grant d for teacher enhancement from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.
The lone "no" vote came from Board Member Mark Brentley, who said he wasn't voting against the individual but against the process. He wanted a nationwide search for a new superintendent.
But School Board President Sherry Hazuda says they are confident that Lane has the necessary experience "to take the work we have started to the next level. She began her career in education as a classroom teacher and because of this knows what we need to do to support our teachers and principals to ensure we reach our district's vision of 'Excellence for All'."
Under her 3 year contract, Lane's salary will start at $200,000, with automatic $5,000 annual pay hikes and the opportunity for yearly $10,000 merit increases.
Roosevelt is leaving at the end of the month to become the new president of Antioch College in Ohio.
For the last 4 years, Lane has served as Deputy Superintendent for Curriculum, Instruction and Accountability and was a key member of the planning team that led the district to receive a $40 million grant d for teacher enhancement from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.
The lone "no" vote came from Board Member Mark Brentley, who said he wasn't voting against the individual but against the process. He wanted a nationwide search for a new superintendent.
But School Board President Sherry Hazuda says they are confident that Lane has the necessary experience "to take the work we have started to the next level. She began her career in education as a classroom teacher and because of this knows what we need to do to support our teachers and principals to ensure we reach our district's vision of 'Excellence for All'."
Under her 3 year contract, Lane's salary will start at $200,000, with automatic $5,000 annual pay hikes and the opportunity for yearly $10,000 merit increases.
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