Brian

A dad, husband, and public education supporter. Small tent progressive/liberal.

Christina School District Citizen's Budget Oversight Committee member, who knows a bit about a lot when it comes to the convoluted mess that is education funding in the State of Delaware.

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Brian's Latest Posts

Learning the Hard Way

Filed in National by on January 9, 2017 32 Comments
Learning the Hard Way

I hate to say it, but the only way the message will get across is if the ACA is repealed with no replacement and everyone on it loses their insurance. At least, it seems like the only way the message will be heard. Though, I’m partially expecting the newly insurance-less to blame Obama for their loss of coverage.

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The Settlement Between Christina and Charters Should Stand

Filed in Education by on December 8, 2016 4 Comments
The Settlement Between Christina and Charters Should Stand

The Short: Christina School District, DOE, and the general public gain previously non-existent oversight on how Charter Schools spend restricted money they are conditionally entitled to at a cost to the District of $150,000 (a one time payment to be divided equally among all 15 Plaintiff Charter Schools) plus the District’s legal fees.

Now, if you’re interested in the gritty details, come on inside and get comfortable, it’s a long read.

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BREAKING: Charters vs Christina School District & DDOE Settlement

Filed in Education, Featured by on December 2, 2016 4 Comments
BREAKING: Charters vs Christina School District & DDOE Settlement

What’s it mean? The funds generated by the 2003 Christina School District referendum (10 cent referendum) that went to pay for 4 specific district programs will now be shared between District schools and all Charters and Choice schools that have Christina resident students attending them, it’s straight up division. Total revenue from $0.10 tax, divided by total number of Christina resident students enrolled in District, Charter, and Choice schools going forward (FY 18 and beyond).

For the current fiscal year (FY 17), Christina will take the total generated revenue from the $0.10 referendum (approximately $5.5 million according to the settlement), divide it by the total number of students and make payments to the appropriate schools by December 3oth. In addition to a one time payment in the amount of $150,000 to each of the plaintiff charter schools, which totals $2,250,000.

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It’s Settled?

Filed in Education by on December 1, 2016 4 Comments
It’s Settled?

Nutshell: 4-3. Settlement accepted. What remains to be seen is how the best interests of our students are being served by taking the settlement. Once the language is made public, we’ll get a good idea of what each board member believes is in the best interest of our kids.

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When Opinions Get It Wrong (Again)

Filed in Education by on October 18, 2016 41 Comments
When Opinions Get It Wrong (Again)

When a Board of Education approves the request for an operating tax increase that specifies exactly what the new revenue will be used for within the District and voters approve it, that revenue shall only be used for the purposes described on the ballot as approved by the voters.

A specific example would be the operating tax increase request from Brandywine School District earlier this year to renovate 3 of their athletic fields with a new artificial turf surface. If it were approved, the revenue generated from the tax increase would only be used to renovate those 3 fields. No portion of the revenue would be included in the ‘local cost per student’ formula that determines the funding sent to charters for each student. Why? Because voters would have approved ballot language that stated an exact use for the money which, in this case, was for 3 of Brandywine School District’s athletic fields. This money, though local operating revenue, would have been a district specific exclusion, as mandated by voters.

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It Was Bound To Happen – Charters Sue Christina & State

Filed in Education by on October 5, 2016 20 Comments
It Was Bound To Happen – Charters Sue Christina & State

“Fifteen charter schools have filed suit against the state Department of Education and Christina School District to get what they claim is their fair share of funding.”

As you may be aware, the issue of public school districts hiding money from deserving Charters has been brought up before. Many times. Most recently in August, when the results of a months long funding adjustment made by DOE were first made public in the form of recalculated charter bills sent to the Districts. That was when the General Assembly, District leaders, and the public first became aware that changes were made and it eventually became clear that what started as a “statewide adjustment” of local per student funding was really just a thinly veiled attack on Christina School District originating from the Western Newark area.

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Arson, Murder, Assault Charges for Resident of Wilmington Rowhome

Filed in Delaware by on September 29, 2016 15 Comments
Arson, Murder, Assault Charges for Resident of Wilmington Rowhome

I’ll let the Delaware Online story speak for itself, because I know what else to say. This is just so sad all the way around. I know I speak for the entire Delaware Liberal community when I say our condolences, thoughts, and prayers are with the families of Lt. Christopher Leach and Senior Firefighter Jerry Fickes, as our collective hope and encouragement for continued strength and recovery is with Ardythe Hope and Brad Speakman.

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If You Ask Me

Filed in National by on September 29, 2016 25 Comments
If You Ask Me

Interacting with Trump supporters has told me that they are not going to the polls in November to make an informed decision. They’re going to make an emotional choice. They hate Hillary. They hate her because she’s a woman, because she’s white, because she’s wealthy, because she’s intelligent, because she’s stupid, because she makes mistakes, because she thinks she’s perfect, because she has secrets, because she’s done shady things in the past, because people have died under her leadership, because the Clinton Foundation gives only 10% to charity for every dollar taken in. Because her husband’s infidelities are *her* fault. The Republican Party of 2016.

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Delaware Department of Education Pulls a Fast One

Filed in Education by on August 29, 2016 21 Comments
Delaware Department of Education Pulls a Fast One

A rising tide lifts all boats. With Christina slashing $9 million last year, this new formula applied retroactively would have increased Christina’s cost per student by roughly 3% resulting in a net increase payout this year for Charters that receive Christina resident students…despite the District having to decimate its budget last year.

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$600 or Death

Filed in Science and Health by on August 25, 2016 4 Comments
$600 or Death

Why has the cost of EpiPen risen over 500% in the last 9 years? Because Mylan and their CEO decided to excessively profit off of the sale of a dirt-cheap medication and relatively cheap delivery technology that routinely saves peoples’ lives, including young children.

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Keep Digging

Filed in Delaware, National by on August 2, 2016 3 Comments
Keep Digging

Nobody, least of all the American “media”, has to do anything to demonize Trump. He’s taken care of it himself by continually attacking a Gold Star family with the GOP playing the role of Hype Man behind him shouting right along. What a disgusting joke the GOP has become. And the Delaware Republicans just follow suit. SAD!

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Trevor Noah On Point

Filed in National by on July 28, 2016 2 Comments
Trevor Noah On Point

Trevor Noah seems to be growing into Stewart’s old seat on The Daily Show. This election cycle seems to be helping immensely. He has been pretty on point through both conventions but especially now as we’re able to visually compare the two events side by side. Granted we have yet to see the nominee’s speech at the DNC however, after night 2 we have just about all the evidence we need to paint an accurate picture of what’s going on here. Take 8 minutes and give this clip of The Daily Show a watch as he hits the long ball.

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Clinton/Kaine 2016

Filed in Featured, National by on July 22, 2016 68 Comments
Clinton/Kaine 2016

Hillary Clinton has selected Virginia Senator Tim Kaine as her running mate.

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