As MREA prepares to send two superintendents to Washington, D.C., here’s a look at what’s happening on the key issues impacting Greater Minnesota schools. Read about the trip.
This update is provided by Noelle Ellerson, AASA’s associate executive director of Policy & Advocacy.
ESSA
The House and Senate have now both passed the Congressional Review Act, which would rescind the accountability regulations for ESSA. State and local education agencies should keep moving forward with their efforts to submit their state accountability plans. Secretary DeVos released a revised ESSA Consolidated State Plan template.
Notably absent from this version of the state plan is the role/importance of stakeholder engagement. AASA and NSBA released a joint statement in response to this change, which you can read here.
School Choice/Vouchers
The House Oversight Committee advanced legislation to reauthorize the D.C. Voucher program. NREAC signed a coalition letter opposing the continuation of the voucher program. View the letter.
Secure Rural Schools
The Coalition for Secure Rural School and Communities (SRS), reiterated last week the importance of reauthorization and at least two years of funding (including retro funding for FY16), and that it must be a part of final FY17 appropriations negotiations. Also, SRS Board member Gordon Cruickshank testified before the House Subcommittee on Natural Resources.
Appropriations
President Trump’s FY18 budget proposal continues to gain attention. View a one-page summary of the proposal. You may also find it helpful to read the quote from AASA Executive Director Dan Domenech, which outlines the funding and broader policy concerns of this budget proposal.
E-Rate
Sen. Sullivan (R-AK) and Sen. Markey (D-MA) last week called on the FCC to protect E-Rate funding in a joint letter to FCC Chairman Ajit Pai. This item is particularly relevant because Sullivan is new to this leadership role in E-Rate, and is a critical addition, being a Republican. His interest was largely secured through member advocacy.
Immigration
View a compilation of resources for superintendents and schools as they work to protest and serve DACA students.
