HechingerEd presents its newest feature: the Recess Round-Up. We’ll give you a daily dose of what stories are making education-news headlines around the nation. The round-up will be posted every day around noon – just in time for a little mid-day break!
Class size: Classes in Chicago may balloon to 35 students this fall, as the city struggles to close a $427-million deficit.
Raises refused: Some school leaders in Colorado have turned down bonuses or raises written into their contracts, including Denver superintendent Tom Boasberg, who’s donating $47,707 in deferred compensation to the Denver Public Schools Foundation.
Opting out: Louisiana public schools may soon have the opportunity to opt out some state rules and regulations – operating more like charter schools. A bill allowing this passed the state senate on Tuesday and is heading back to the house for approval.
Longer days: Memphis, Tennessee plans to use the bulk of its Race to the Top winnings on the eight lowest-performing schools in the district, extending the school day and school year, among other things.
Fewer days: Meanwhile, the Lake Oswego district in Oregon moved closer to cutting three days off its school year. If the teachers’ union approves the proposal on June 17th, Lake Oswego will join a growing list of Oregon school districts trimming days to offset budget cuts.
Unexcused absences: District leaders in Des Moines, Iowa want to increase the number of unexcused absences students are allowed from two a year to 10.
