NAfME News
Tell Congress to Support Education in the States!
NAfME has launched a new campaign to ask that Congress appropriate at least $200 billion specifically for education for states to avoid drastic education budget cuts. Without this funding, music programs will be jeopardized. We are asking members to reach out to their members of Congress to request $200 billion in the next legislative relief package to backfill state education budgets. For more information, visitnafme.org/advocacy/grassroots-action-center
State & National News
How Washington school districts are succeeding and struggling since coronavirus shut them down
5/13/2020- ‘For an hour-and-a-half on Wednesdays, Yakima School District’s Franklin Middle School turns into a bread line.’
Education leaders eye ways to reopen Florida schools after coronavirus sent kids home
5/13/2020- ‘Rapid and repeated coronavirus testing for students and staff, daily temperature checks and adjusting class sizes and bus rides to allow social distancing are among many measures that Florida education leaders are considering as the state prepares to reopen public schools in the fall.’
Pennsylvania schools expected to reopen in fall in some form, state education secretary says
5/11/2020- ‘State Education Secretary Pedro A. Rivera said Monday that he expects schools to reopen in the fall, but the process will be informed by guidance from health officials.’
Michigan settles suit after landmark ‘right to read’ ruling
5/14/2020- ‘The state of Michigan early Thursday announced a settlement in a lawsuit over poor reading skills that was filed on behalf of Detroit schoolchildren, weeks after a federal appeals court issued a groundbreaking decision recognizing a constitutional right to education and literacy.’
California schools fear disaster in Gavin Newsom’s coronavirus budget
5/15/2020- ‘California’s coronavirus budget woes are going to hit education hard.’
Louisiana Governor’s Budget Preserves TOPS, K-12, but Trims Higher Ed, Healthcare
5/18/2020- ‘Louisiana Gov. John Bel Edwards said his budget proposal to the Legislature saves the state’s popular college tuition program TOPS, K-12 and social services from cuts, but it trims higher education and healthcare.’
Research and Analysis
Education Dive: How feasible are school reopening plans for fall?
Common trends across reopening plans from prominent education, government and health organizations suggest doing so may be easier said than done.
Education Commission of the States: COVID-19 and School Funding: What to Expect and What States Can Do
The numbers are staggering. Since states began to issue shelter-in-place orders, virtually all 50 states have significantly reduced economic activity, and over 35 million Americans have lost their jobs.
Policy Roundup compiled by NAfME’s Matt Barusch.