What’s Churning:
Updated 10:15 a.m. – The Joint Budget Committee this morning got some good news from the latest quarterly forecasts of state revenues, made by legislative and executive branch economists. Those forecasts are of particular interest to education because of a law passed earlier this year intended to provide extra money for schools.
The forecast from the governor’s budget office is about $78 million above the March prediction, meaning $67.5 million is available to be set aside for schools to help cover increases in overall and at-risk enrollment and decreases in local tax revenues. Eligible districts won’t see the funds until next year.
Also this week, the Mesa State and CSU boards will decide on 2011-12 tuition rates, and the Aurora, Denver and Douglas County school boards will vote on their budgets for the upcoming school year. (Get more information about big-district budgets for next year in this recent EdNews story.)
Weekly reading: News from all over
Chronic absenteeism in NYC schools declines, but still rampant. NY Times
DC schools using video to screen teaching candidates. Washington Post
Mayor: Teacher quality must be top priority in L.A. school reform. L.A. Times
Emanuel says Chicago students “got the shaft” under labor deal. Chicago Tribune
Budget cuts mean many needy Calif schoolchildren lack subsidized meals this summer. L.A. Times
Racial achievement gaps persist in Raleigh-area schools. News and Observer
What’s on tap:
MONDAY
The JBC convenes at 9:30 a.m. to hear the quarterly state revenue forecasts. The session is in the Legislative Services Building, 200 E. 14th Ave.
The Mesa State College trustees meet at 1:30 p.m. in The Westin in Avon. Approval of 2011-12 tuition and fees are on the agenda. Details
TUESDAY
The Colorado State University Board of Governors holds a meeting and its annual retreat at CSU’s Pingree Park campus west of Fort Collins. The event continues Wednesday. Start time and agenda not yet available.
The University of Colorado Board of Regents meets starting at noon. The meeting continues Wednesday morning; sessions are in Berger Hall at CU Colorado Springs. Agenda
The Douglas County school board convenes at 5 p.m. in the administration building at 620 Wilcox St. in Castle Rock. Agenda
The Poudre school board has a work session scheduled starting at 5 p.m. at 1502 S. Timberline Road. Agenda
The Aurora school board meets at 6 p.m. the Educational Services Center, 1085 Peoria St. Agenda
WEDNESDAY
The Quality Teacher Commission meets from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Colorado Children’s Campaign, 1580 Lincoln Street, Suite 420.
The St. Vrain Valley school board has a study session starting at 6:30 p.m. at the Educational Services Center, 395 South Pratt Parkway in Longmont.
THURSDAY
The Denver school board has a special meeting and work session scheduled for 4:30 p.m. at 900 Grant St. The 2011-12 budget is on the agenda.