Agenda - 12-04-2006-7a - Laserfiche WebLink

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~S ABC bonuses $90 million for schools that met or exceeded expected growth. Gives additional funds to support evaluation of the effectiveness of schools' use of DSSF and Low Wealth monies and how the Dept of Instruction (DPI) assists schools in using the money most effectively. Director of High School Turnaround Provides funds for a coordinator to assist districts in improving composite scores of persistently low performing high schools School Nurse Funding Adds 65 more school nurse positions Exceptional Children Increases funding per special needs student to $2972. Communities in Schools $1 million for non-profit programs to help at risk students succeed in school Literacy Coaches $4.8 million for hiring 100 school based literacy coaches. The State Board of Education will allocate positions to 100 schools with the lowest average scored on 8~' grade end-of--grade test in reading. RECOMMENDATIONS FOR ACTION... The 2006 -07 increased funding for education is excellent, but we need to follow the money. Communities need to ask these questions: • How much money is my local school receiving? • What are the plans for this money? • ,Who is responsible for ensuring that the plans are followed? • At the years end will you be able to trace how and where the funds were spent? • Has education been improved for all students in the school district? "North Carolina stands at a critical crossroads. A combination of powerful forces -economic changes, federal law and it's own constitution -demand dramatic improvements to the system of public education. For North Carolina to succeed, state leaders must facilitate the development of a comprehensive plan for progressing from where we are to the desired educational objective. The plan must be based upon ari honest and straightforward assessment of what it will really cost to produce the kind of student achievement and success in all corners of the state that both the law and the 21St century economy demand." *Quote from "Common Ground", a report published by the NC Justice Center. The entire report can be found at http://www.ncjustice.orJmedia/librarv/40 commonsrd04.pdf Special Thanks to the following organizations for information included in this paper (prepared by Mary Peterson, American Association of University Women, North Carolina): NC Justice Center www.ncjustice.org The Public School Forum of NC www.ncforum.or~ Smart Start website www.smartstart-nc.orQ . Public Schools of NC www.ncpublicschools.org More At Four www.Qovernor.state.nc.us/OfficeBducation/Home.asp 2006-2007 Women 's .Draft Agenda 14