Chalkbeat

Education news. In context.

Chalkbeat

School Finance

Following the billions of dollars spent every year educating children.

Distributing Dollars

Indiana
January 10, 2019

Amid Indiana’s teacher pay debate, Republicans hesitate over eliminating merit bonuses

Despite ongoing discussions about raising salaries for educators, his plan contains no dollars specifically earmarked for increasing teacher pay.
Indiana
January 7, 2019

Indiana Republicans suggest schools cut costs to raise teacher pay

Lawmakers have indicated that it’s going to be a tough year to increase spending on education.

Balanced budget

Colorado
January 3, 2019

Even with Democratic majorities, money constraints will shape Colorado’s education agenda

There’s a new political dynamic at the Capitol, but not everything has changed.

Strike Three

Tennessee
January 3, 2019

Haslam’s last-ditch effort to kill school funding lawsuit falls short in Tennessee

A state appellate court declines to consider an appeal in 3-year-old case scheduled to go to trial this spring.
Indiana
December 19, 2018

Holcomb now says he’s ‘optimistic’ that Indiana can send more money to teachers in 2019

Tuesday’s comments deviate from Holcomb’s legislative agenda announcement earlier this month.

Getting through college

Tennessee
December 17, 2018

KIPP Memphis gets $40,000 to start fund that helps college students pay for unexpected costs

KIPP Memphis Collegiate Schools was one of four charter networks nationwide selected for a $40,000 grant to launch a “college persistence fund."
Indiana
December 13, 2018

As Indiana’s teacher pay debate heats up, some lawmakers say schools spend too much outside the classroom

Figuring out how much of what Indiana spends on schools directly affects students is a complicated endeavor.

negotiations

Colorado
December 13, 2018

The Denver district has offered to raise teacher pay. Will it be enough to avert a strike?

The current contract expires Jan. 18, and the union has threatened to strike if an agreement is not reached.
Indiana
December 12, 2018

Indiana lawmakers over-promised money for schools to teach students learning English by nearly $50 million

Because of a calculation error, state lawmakers did not budget enough money to give the schools the extra dollars they were told to expect in 2017.

At what cost

Colorado
December 3, 2018

Adams 14 looking for grants first, as it prepares to pay for an external manager

Colorado's State Board of Education ordered that the district hand over management to a third party, but the state order doesn’t come with money to pay it.

major grants

Tennessee
December 3, 2018

Tennessee’s turnaround district wins big chunk of $8.25 million grant for school improvement

Ten Tennessee schools will each receive $275,000 per year over three years.

Dual Language

Chicago
November 28, 2018

Dual-language schools draw in young families. So Chicago is investing in them.

The district chose locations for its newest dual language programs, which are in high demand districtwide, from among campuses applying to add new academic offerings.

grand bargain

Colorado
November 16, 2018

Colorado lawmakers think they can still find a school finance fix that eluded them for two years

Near the end of its tenure, a special legislative committee on school finance issues is asking for more time.

school facilities

Tennessee
November 13, 2018

Cold temps close Memphis state-run schools, highlighting bigger issue of repairing costly, aging buildings

Temperatures dipped below 35 degrees, and four schools in the Achievement School District opted to cancel classes because of boiler issues.

Still counting

Colorado
November 8, 2018

Jeffco bond measure that had been failing pulls ahead in narrow race

Update: Over the weekend, the bond measure pulled ahead and is currently headed toward passage, with 50.3 percent of the vote. We’ll continue to update…