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www.mybaycity.com December 26, 2009
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Legislature Passes Reforms, Schools to Share $400 Million

Governor Gets Certification, Turnaround, Charter Bills Adopted on Weekend

December 26, 2009       Leave a Comment
By: Dave Rogers

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The Michigan House of Representatives Saturday passed a plan aimed at qualifying for up to $400 million in federal funding for schools.

Speaker Andy Dillon, Redford Township Democrat, said the reforms will better position the state to receive a share of more than $4 billion in education funding made available through the federal "Race to the Top" program.

School districts and intermediate districts now have a Jan. 7 deadlines to adopt memoranda of understanding to qualify for shares of the federal funds, according to the Michigan Association of School Boards (MASB).

MASB will sponsor a School Funding Summit Jan. 8 at the Lansing Radisson Hotel.

The House and Senate compromised last week on a House plan to establish a "turnaround czar" in the State Department of Education with power to take over failing schools, modify contracts and allow the state superintendent to name a district-wide emergency academic officer.

Under the reform plans, some charter schools with low performances on tests would be closed and higher performing charter schools would be allowed to open new schools.

The Lansing State Journal said another provision, raising the dropout age from 16 to 18, could cost about $230 million a year but may lower the crime rate. Students could still drop out at age 16 with parental consent.

"In order to keep Michigan on the road to recovery, we must invest in our kids' education -- it's that simple," said Speaker Dillon. "Michigan's success in the knowledge-based economy of the 21st century depends on making sure our kids are ready to compete for the jobs of tomorrow. This plan will give our state an edge in 'Race to the Top' to help bring these important federal funds to Michigan schools."

The "Race to the Top" program makes $4.35 billion in federal education funding available to states that have raised student performance and show a commitment to making continued improvements by establishing innovative reforms.

Michigan stands to receive up to $400 million in federal funds if the state's federal application is approved. Reforms adopted Saturday include:

  • Adopting tough new standards that prepare students to succeed in college and the workplace;

  • Building data systems that measure student growth and success;

  • Recruiting, developing, rewarding and retaining effective teachers and administrators; and

  • Turning around the state's lowest-achieving schools.

    The plan now heads to the Governor for her signature in order for Michigan to meet the Jan. 19, 2010, deadline to submit its "Race to the Top" application to the U.S. Department of Education.

    "Times are tough right now, especially for our schools, and this plan will help secure Michigan's spot in the 'Race to the Top' competition for these vital education dollars," said State Representative Tim Melton (D-Pontiac), Chair of the House Education Committee. "This is not just about the money. This is about 20 years of reforms needed to get our schools back on track. I commend my colleagues on both sides of the aisle for setting aside our differences and passing these long-overdue school reforms."



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    Dave Rogers

    Dave Rogers is a former editorial writer for the Bay City Times and a widely read,
    respected journalist/writer in and around Bay City.
    (Contact Dave Via Email at carraroe@aol.com)

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