Music Education Policy Roundup – October 21, 2019

Advocacy Webinar on Title IV-A Toolkit

Join us on Tuesday, October 29th at a webinar looking at Title IV-A, including what we’ve learned about how school districts are using Title IV-A funds to provide supplemental support for music and arts programs this past school year. Register for the 8 p.m. EDT webinar here.

State News

AR-Teacher-raises plan puts state cash in for 4 years

10/17/2019- ‘A panel of lawmakers Wednesday supported a proposed four-year solution for paying higher salaries to starting teachers, but a permanent solution will be needed for the years after.’

Nebraska could boost K-12 school aid to lower property taxes

10/14/2019- ‘Nebraska lawmakers who pledged to lower property taxes are getting ready to try again with a proposal that would boost state aid for K-12 public schools while restricting the districts’ taxing power.’

Chicago Teachers Strike: Thousands of teachers to return to picket lines for 2nd day Friday, CPS classes remain canceled

10/18/2019- ‘Chicago Public Schools classes are canceled again Friday as the Chicago Teachers Union’s strike enters its second day.’

These Indiana districts are asking voters to approve a tax increase for more school funding

10/11/2019- ‘One Marion County district is among 10 in Indiana that will ask voters to approve a tax increase on Nov. 5 to supplement state funding for local schools.’

Mass. Early Educators Will Get A Raise After State Board Vote

10/10/2019- ‘Early educators are getting a raise after the Board of Early Education and Care voted Wednesday for a $20 million rate increase to be put toward improved programming and higher salaries for teachers and staff, according to the Baker administration.’

California pushes back school start times for middle and high school students

10/14/2019- ‘Gov. Gavin Newsom signed legislation on Sunday that pushes school start times later. Under the new law, middle schools will start classes at 8 a.m. or after, while high schools will start classes at 8:30 a.m. or after. Optional early classes will still be allowed.’

Research & Analysis

What Education Ballot Measures Are Voters Considering in the 2019 Elections?

In addition to choosing education leaders in several states, voters in four states next month will weigh in on important education policy questions through ballot initiatives. Many states allow some form of a statewide ballot initiative, and the 2018 general election saw 17 states consider 23 measures related to education policy.

Policy Roundup produced by Matt Barusch of NAfME