The Lopsided Impact of SDUSD Budget Cuts

One of the largest issues currently facing San Diego Unified School District is the looming budget deficit and the district's decision to implement sweeping cuts in employment and hiring. Much as been written on this budget issue--specifically as it relates to teacher layoffs. Recent Voice of San Diego articles highlight the disproportionate impact that these decision have on socioeconomically disadvantaged students.

The District Schools Facing the Most Layoffs Are Overwhelmingly Poor - Voice of San Diego

The 20 Schools in San Diego Unified Facing the Most Teacher Layoffs - Voice of San Diego

One item that particularly stands out from in the second article are the rates of socio-economic need at the most impacted schools.

Pink Slips vs. Poverty from Voice of San Diego

The fact that two of the schools--Whittier K-12 and Garfield--are listed is especially discouraging given that they represent two of San Diego Unified's Alternative Education sites. Whittier is a K-12 option for non-diploma bound students who require significant attention given the needs outlined in their IEPs. Additionally, Garfield is a continuation school for those students who are unsuccessful in the traditional school setting and at-risk of dropping out. While all the teacher layoffs are disheartening, the impact at these two schools in particular is sure to most severely felt.

To learn more about the schools within San Diego Unified, you can reference the SDUSD website. Additionally, demographic information (including percentages of Free/Reduced Lunch, EL populations, etc.) can be found by visiting Ed-Data.

New Year, New Rules

Last week, President Trump's Secretary of Education nominee Betsy Devos faced a highly anticipated--and widely criticized--confirmation hearing in the United States Senate. While many on the left insist that she not be nominated, the simple math of the Republican majority in the Senate means that she will likely be confirmed as the Secretary of Education.

While the confirmation hearing provided an array of soundbites that continue to circulate through the 24-hour news cycle, Rebecca Natow of the Hechinger Report provides some insight into an important topic that was largely absent from the vigorous debate: rule-making.

What's happening beyond the public eye in the Dept. of Education? - The Hechinger Report

As mentioned in her article, "rule-making" is essentially how federal agencies navigate their operations under new and existing legislation. This process allows relevant agencies to set the rules of interpretation regarding vague language, mandates, definitions, etc. For example, if legislation directed towards "low-income students" fails to define how "income" is measured, rule-making allows that department to utilize their own interpretation. For political science nerds like myself, this is extremely similar to the President's usage of signing statements or executive orders to dictate federal interpretations of laws.

With this in mind, overhauling legislation would not necessarily be needed in order to enact significant change in the Department of Education and its operations. Rather, merely altering the department's interpretation of current statutes is enough to modify the existing landscape of education (note: these rules are still subject to constitutional oversight by the courts).

While rule-making can seem confusing, it is important to remember that this process is a matter of public record. Natow points to an especially helpful tool in Regulations.gov--a government resource that provides information about proposed rule changes, public hearing regarding those rule changes, and opportunities for public comment. Obviously, this will be an important tool for those who are concerned about the potential for radical changes in the Department of Education and beyond.

Getting Caught Up On Recent Education News

The past two months since my last post have been filled with notable news--much of which concerns national and state education. Here is a recap on some of the most pressing stories of these past weeks:

1. President Elect Donald Trump Names Betsy Devos as His Secretary of Education Nominee

Arguably the largest education news from November involves the President Elect's nomination of Betsy Devos as the nominee for Secretary of Education.

Trump Chooses Betsy DeVos For Education Secretary

A quick Google search will provide a myriad of articles, stories, and op-eds each detailing the political positions of Mrs. DeVos, so there is little need to delve into too many specifics. One interesting item to consider, however, is Mrs. DeVos's personal website which offers a small glimpse into her core views on federal education policy.

Betsy DeVos - Education reform advocate empowering parents to choose the best education for their children.

2. Federal Audit of California High School Graduation Rates

On a more local level, at the end of November, it was announced that the U.S. Department of Education will review high school graduation rates of California and Alabama. As reported in the Union-Tribune, San Diego Unified School District has not yet been directly notified regarding any auditing procedures.

The rising high school graduation rates across the nation have been met with much scrutiny--specifically related to the complex reporting rules that differ from state to state. For a look at the scrutiny attached to the rising number within San Diego, head over to this recent Voice of San Diego article:

The Learning Curve: More Grad Rate Scrutiny Is Coming - Voice of San Diego

3. San Diego Unified Budgetary Issues Prompts Concern of Layoffs

Most recently, the Union Tribune reported yesterday that SDUSD is expecting a budgetary shortfall of approximately $117 million for the 2017-2018 school year--forcing the need for significant cuts and potential layoffs. Given the concerns of an on-going teacher shortage, this issue should be especially watched. One notable date to keep in mind: California law requires district's to notify classified staff of impending layoffs by March 15.

San Diego Unified eyes $117 million in cuts, possible layoffs

San Diego on the 2016 Ballot

It goes without saying that this year's election is one of the most contentious, bitter, and inflammatory of any previous in modern history (however, let's not forget the Hamilton/Burr Deul leading up to the election of 1808 or the "Corrupt Bargain" of 1812).

While the divisive and sultry rhetoric of the presidential race may have many of us planning to stay home on November 8th, it is important to remember that there are important state and city initiatives up for vote on that. Here's a rundown of some of those important races:

Local San Diego Ballot

San Diego Unified Board Member Elections

Probably one of the most important issues on the ballot in San Diego is the election of new SDUSD board members. Here is an overview of the seats currently up for vote:

District A

Image: Ballotpedia

District D (Unopposed)

Image: Ballotpedia

District E

Image: Ballotpedia

For more information on this race, and the positions of each candidate, visit the election coverage at  Ballotpedia.

California Ballot Initiatives

There are two ballot initiatives that will make important statements on the California education system (note: click on each image for more information).

Proposition 51: Public School Facility Bonds

Proposition 58: Non-English Languages Allowed in Public Schools

Click here for Prop 227 Background

While these represent a microhrochosm of all the ballot measures and races this November (the Voter Election Guide was over 200 pages this year...), these are some of the key votes related to San Diego education.

For more information on these and all the California races, check out the great summaries and analysis at Ballotpedia:

California - Ballotpedia

Or, check out the KPBS Voters Guide

What's on the ballot in San Diego County | KPBS - Voter's Edge California

And remember to register to vote if you have not already (you have until October 24th)! 

Register to Vote