A Chalk Talk on State Aid from Doc Skretta

A couple days ago I posted this YouTube vid explaining the coming cut in State Aid for the Norris School District and how we believe it reflects some fundamental formula problems and imbalances that, if left unchecked, will result in big problems in school finance for the state of Nebraska over time. Some problems with the current formula:

More money is going to fewer districts, mostly large metros
A two-tiered system is being created that shows an over-reliance on local property tax base in districts that have a strong agricultural element
More tinkering with allowances and adjustments creates arbitrary and capricious ups and downs for districts that invite 'gaming' instead of fair play and equitable distribution.

Norris wants to be part of the solution in emphasizing equitable distribution of state revenue to schools across Nebraska and a better balance between state and local resources.

Thanks for checking out the video!

Comments

My Marathon Training Nutrition Commitment

I had a two-bag-a-week habit...Bazooka Joe himself had to stage an intervention for me. I have been training for the Lincoln marathon, which goes off a week from now. A month ago, I decided I would get aggressive with my nutrition because I figure an old runner like me (43) needs every possible advantage if I want to crawl across the finish line in under four hours much less 3 1/2. So I set out to eliminate empty cards and refined sugars from my diet about five weeks ago. I thought that this would be a good means of enhancing my nutrition while also improving my chances of turning in a good performance on race day. I said goodbye to the chips and candy, and mourned the loss of my fries and popcorn... There definitely is a connection between intake and output. How you eat, how you sleep, and whether you're drinking enough water- all those things contribute to outcomes on race day, not just miles and pace. ...

Tech Integration Tips from Coachella Valley USD

Coachella Valley USD is presenting on their mobile learning initiative at the National School Boards Association convention (March, 2015). They have spearheaded one of the largest iPad rollouts in our nation at the PK-12 level with over 20,000 students receiving iPads. Key recommendations from the CVUSD team that I heard: Devices don't matter if you don't have the right attitude. Mindset is essential and enthusiasm is vital. There has to be a paradigm shift in schools from "IT" to Ed Tech. T3s are Teachers Training Teachers. Coachella is leveraging the power of peer modeling and teacher expertise to help tech integration become a reality. The tech team must be decentralized. If you want your tech personnel to really impact teaching, they have to be out in buildings, reaching out to teachers. Fixing technology (keeping network up and on and repairing devices) alone will never fulfill technology's promise. Transformational use requires committed tech inte...

Responding to a crisis event in schools: Panelist comments for Nebraska School Public Relations Conference

It's my pleasure today to address the Nebraska School Public Relations conference and share some thoughts as one voice on a panel for Responding to Crisis Events in schools. Whether it is recovering from the decimation of an F-4 tornado, responding a to a bus accident that resulted in dozens of students being transported to local trauma centers, or reacting to situations where volunteers or staff members committed egregious or embarrassing acts, it's essential districts have effective communication protocols for tough situations. Here's my simple advice, earned through experience: · “Guano happens.” Saw that on a bumper sticker the other day, and it’s a relevant point in crisis response: Respond to what the situation gives you; each scenario you encounter is a bit different. · Have (and consistently review during mundane and routine times) clear internal communication protocols. · ...

Skretta's Scintillating Salutations

Search This Blog