Business and Finance

Policy and Legislation

Trump has signed an executive order to close the Education Department. Here’s what it says.

Chalkbeat

Legally, only Congress has the power to eliminate the department. But the administration recently laid off nearly half its staff.

Op-ed

It's time to rethink the K-12 budget process

State education chiefs, superintendents, school boards and local leaders must champion a new vision for planning and budgeting, one that accelerates collaborative, cohesive, and informed actions on behalf of students.

Op-ed

Don’t want to close underenrolled schools? Here’s how to make the math work

Small schools can be financially viable and get great outcomes for students. But they have to be staffed very differently than large ones.

Business and Finance

Detroit school district weighs suing Michigan to pay debt with operating millage revenue

Chalkbeat Detroit

The district is struggling to pay off nearly $1.4 billion in capital debt, which was accrued during the state’s control of the school system to improve its infrastructure.

Op-ed

School closures are way down, but delaying these hard choices makes things worse

The 74

Many districts closed their eyes to financial reality. Students are better off if leaders seek proactive solutions sooner rather than later.

Leadership

One lesson from HISD’s massive bond failure: Don't ignore community engagement.

“You don't listen to us.” Voting against the $4.4 billion proposal became an opportunity for many in the community to express distrust of Houston Superintendent Mike Miles’ aggressive reforms and gruff leadership style.

Policy and Legislation

Budget battle over Providence schools intensifies as Smiley warns of tax hikes, service cuts

‘It is clear the commissioner views her ability to run our schools as one without checks and balances,’ mayor says.

Operations

Denver superintendent recommends 7 schools for closure, 3 schools for partial closure

Chalkbeat Colorado

Enrollment in DPS peaked in 2019 and steadily declined in 2020, 2021, and 2022. District leaders predict it will fall another 9% between now and 2028-29 school year.

Op-ed

Big-city districts are beset by financial dysfunction — and kids pay the price

The 74

Students need adults to figure this out with strong district leadership, state guidance and brutal honesty about what's really going on.

Op-ed

Most district leaders hate building, selecting and managing employee benefit plans. Maybe there’s a better way.

This simple process can remove the pressure and politics from the equation and improve outcomes for everyone.

Op-ed

Equity, impact, transparency: Rethinking ed vendor contracts after ESSER

Now that the health crisis has passed and COVID funds are largely spent, districts must reassess how the contracts they sign support schools.

Op-ed

Making districts and providers mutually accountable for student success

Outcomes-based contracting can ensure that every dollar spent on instructional services delivers academic impact.

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